Hemorrhoids Treatment

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are a result of blood clot inside the veins of the anus caused by a cut in the blood supply in the area. This is usually caused by hard bowel that scrapes the skin under the anus, causing blood to pool and eventually form blood clots. During physical examinations, it can be seen by the naked eye and is usually blue or purple in color. A soft or hard lump, depending on the condition of the thrombosed external hemorrhoids, can be felt at the anal opening. Oftentimes, these types of hemorrhoids can be itchy and extremely painful when walking, sitting and passing bowel.

In some instances, thrombosed external hemorrhoids do not require surgery and can be treated at home. Common treatment options include soaking with warm water, use of ice packs to reduce swelling, increasing water intake, increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, taking pain relievers and using hemorrhoid and pain-relieving creams. This will allow the blood clots to be slowly absorbed by the body over several weeks. Under this scenario, the treatment normally takes one to two weeks but in some extreme cases can take up to four to six weeks.

The more serious thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur when afflicted patients suffer from severe pain and cannot perform normal daily activities. In this case, surgery may be required by the doctor. This is best done within twenty four hours after symptoms started. The procedure will involve cutting or draining of the clot, or the entire affected vein will be removed. If cutting or draining the clot results to significant reduction in pain, then total removal of the affected vein will not be required. Surgery for thrombosed external hemorrhoids are relatively simple and generally do not require stitches. Pain relievers will then be given for a few days after the procedure.

To obtain the best treatment option for thrombosed external hemorrhoids, one should seek the help of a physician. But similar to all illnesses, prevention is still the best option. Hemorrhoids do have the tendency to recur. Preventive measures will include including thirty to thirty-five grams of fiber in the diet everyday either in natural or in the form of fiber supplements, drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday, increasing exercise and reducing weight, practicing good bowel habits by relaxing and avoiding straining, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding delaying of bowel movements. In some cases, the use of laxatives may be done but it would be best to get the advice of a doctor in this matter.

Tags: hemroids, hemorrhoids surgery, anus, colon cleansing, sitz bath