How To Alleviate The Presence And Pain Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are, unfortunately, very common among both women and men, and they tend to become more common with age. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says if youre over age 50, youve got about a 50% chance of developing these painful, enlarged veins.
With offices in White Plains, New York, and Manhattans Upper East Side, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, helps patients relieve the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids with treatment plans customized for their needs. If you have painful hemorrhoids, heres how he can help you find relief.
How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home
Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment. Symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer. In the meantime, you can take these steps to ease symptoms:
- Apply over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone to the affected area.
- Drink more water.
- Increase fiber intake through diet and supplements. Try to obtain at least 20-35 grams of daily fiber intake
- Soak in a warm bath for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
- Soften stool by taking laxatives.
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Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.
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Conventional Treatment For Hemorrhoids
If your doctor believes that you do have enlarged hemorrhoids, she will most likely perform a proctoscopy next. This involves inserting a short tube with a light and lens on it that exams the membranes lining the rectum. The doctor is looking to see if there are enlarged hemorrhoids and how big they are. People tend to fear the pain and discomfort that come with these procedures, but they usually dont hurt and do help your doctor make suggestions about how to get rid of hemorrhoids.
Most of the patients suffering from hemorrhoids have their symptoms alleviated through diet therapy, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid cream and medical treatments, such as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation.
1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a chemical into a vein to destroy it. The sclerosant is used to damage the innermost lining of the vessel, which results in a clot that blocks the blood circulation in the vein. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue and fades away.
In 2010, a group of 338 Japanese medical institutions reported good results for sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid . Upon injecting ALTA into grade 2, 3 and 4 hemorrhoids, of 3,519 patients, 98 percent reported positive effects within 28 days. The recurrence rate after two years was 18 percent, and complications included pyrexia, low blood pressure, perineal pain and rectal ulcers, but those were mild.
2. Rubber Band Ligation
Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids
There are a number of easy, healthy ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits such as berries, avocados, and pears . Broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts are among the vegetables that can up your fiber intake. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, are also an important source. Legumes, including lentils, various beans, and green peas, are a great way to get fiber. Nuts and seeds make for a great fiber-filled snack, too.
If youre having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement.
If you experience chronic constipation and suspect that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids, avoid eating too many foods that contain little or no fiber, such as cheese and fast and processed foods.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Recommendations for daily water intake vary and depend on the individual, but the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set adequate intake levels at 2.7 liters for men and approximately 3.7 liters for women. This can come from beverages and food, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be dehydrating and should not be counted in reaching this intake goal.
Exercise regularly. Exercise, especially 20 to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day, can help keep bowel movements regular. And regular exercise may help you lose weight, which may be contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.
Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:
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Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Increasing Your Fibre Intake
You can gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet by eating foods including:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
Commercial fibre supplements are also available and can be useful if you think you are not getting enough of the above foods in your diet.
Make sure you increase your fibre gradually so your digestive system has time to adapt.
Its also important to increase your fluid intake at the same time. This is because fibre in the stools acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the body. Try to drink lots of water. Cutting down on sugary drinks will also help you to cut down on calories that cause weight gain.
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Can Hemorrhoids Bleed When Passing Gas
Hemorrhoids are not known to cause bleeding when passing gas.
Many experts believe that the rectal bleeding that arises from having internal hemorrhoids is from a hard stool passing through the bowels.
The hard stool scrapes the lining that is located inside the rectum, and this is where the bleeding originates.
However, hemorrhoids can make passing gas uncomfortable, as well as when you are sitting and standing in certain positions.
If you are experiencing bleeding when passing gas, let your doctor know right away.
Your doctor may want to perform additional examinations if this is a persisting issue for you.
Stop Piles From Bleeding With Home Remedies
Home remedies might be the quickest and cheapest way to stop piles from bleeding, though the relief will probably only be temporary. There are a number of home remedies including apple cider vinegar, sitz baths, epsom salts, that are available over the counter for the immediate relief of bleeding piles, so finding the right one for you may take some trial and error. There are different remedies for each of the types of hemorrhoids, so for the most effective approach, make sure the remedy is recommended for your particular issue. Try applying sesame oil directly to the external piles for quick relief from bleeding. If your bleeding piles are internal, you can try drinking hot milk and lemon juice three times per day, or you can eat a yam and rice with tamarind leaves, or sugar candy coated in coriander juice. Each of these three home remedies is supposed to stop internal bleeding piles. You might also try the ever-popular sitz baths if the above do not work for you. Again, I dont know if we should have the sesame oil and foo-foo dust stuff in a blog that we publish. Fiber, fluids, sitz baths, limiting time on the commode are safe things to recommend.
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Can Hemorrhoids Turn Into Cancer
No, hemorrhoids cannot turn into cancer. Cancer and hemorrhoids are unrelated, but colorectal cancer can share similar symptoms to those of hemorrhoids.
If you experience hemorrhoids often, it doesnt mean anything other than your diet may lack fiber, you are straining on the toilet too often, or you are putting excessive pressure on your rectal veins.
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Rubber Banding Or Surgery
In rubber band therapy, doctors cut off the blood supply to bleeding hemorrhoids. After the blood supply is cut off, the hemorrhoid should wither away, fall off, and be expelled during a bowel movement. While this procedure has a high success rate, it can be very painful because of the squeezing. More advanced cases of hemorrhoids may require surgery. However, a hemorrhoidectomy is typically a last resort after all other options have been tried. As expected, surgery is a risky procedure, only considered in cases of a severely bleeding hemorrhoid.
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Managing The Pain From Hemorrhoids
As many of you know, hemorrhoids can be very painful. In most cases, common over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Ibuprofen also has a benefit of being an anti-inflammatory drug, which can help reduce swelling. As always, one should use caution with both of these drugs, as taking too much can have damaging effects on your health. If your pain is too severe to be managed by recommended doses of these pain killers, talk to your doctor.
When To See A Doctor
Its best to contact a doctor if youre noticing blood. While it could be due to a hemorrhoid, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colorectal cancer.
A doctor will likely start by confirming that hemorrhoids are the source of the blood youve noticed. To do this, theyll either examine the area for external hemorrhoids or insert a gloved finger to check for internal hemorrhoids.
If its still not clear where the bloods coming from, they may recommend a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a small, lighted camera into your colon while you are sedated. This will help them check for any signs of other conditions that could be causing the bleeding.
Make sure to tell them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
However, while primary care doctors can usually provide treatment for hemorrhoids, you may need to visit a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon if you have severe hemorrhoids or experience any complications.
Gastroenterologists specialize in the treatment of conditions that affect the digestive tract, including hemorrhoids. They can perform colonoscopies and other procedures, such as rubber band ligation.
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How To Deal With Piles At Home
When you are under pressure at work and even at home, you will turn to your comfort foods. They dont keep you satiated for long, and they certainly do not contain enough fiber for healthy digestion. Constipation will worsen your hemorrhoids, and you will do anything to get rid of them. Thankfully, numerous natural remedies will reduce the discomfort.
Apply aloe vera gel, lemon juice, olive oil, or almond oil to overcome the emotional toll of hemorrhoids. Remember that high stress affects you on multiple levels, and do a lot more harm than aggravating hemorrhoids.
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Causes Of Rectal Bleeding
Rectal Bleeding may be caused by hemorrhoids or something more serious. Find out what is causing your bleeding and get the right help.
The most common cause of rectal bleeding is from internal hemorrhoids. The blood is typically bright red and associated with bowel movements. It may be noticed on the tissue paper, on the surface of the stool, or drip into the bowel. The bleeding is typically mild and intermittent but occasionally is massive and causes anemia. Internal hemorrhoids are present in everyone. If they become dilated the blood vessels become friable and bleed. There may be associated rectal pain, swelling, itching, incomplete evacuation of stool, or leakage of stool.
Black Tarry stools are usually due to digested blood from the stomach or esophagus. There may be an ulcer, inflammation-gastritis, or varices-dilated blood vessels from cirrhosis of the liver. Black licorice, lead, iron, or Pepto Bismol can also cause black stools.
Red or maroon-colored stools, which may be foul smelling, is referred to as hematochezia or lower GI bleeding. Causes include diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, cancer, colitis, radiation damage, or due to a connection between the colon and the aorta following aortic surgery and graft placement. This bleeding may be life threatening and requires immediate hospitalization.
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Do I Have A Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
You generally will know if you have a thrombosed hemorrhoid The pain is usually unbearable. If your having a hard time sitting or moving around due to excruciating pain, you may have a thrombosed hemorrhoid. When a hemorrhoid is described as being thrombosed, that means that it contains a blood clot. Blood clots can occur in the hemorrhoid when there is a lack of blood flow.
While blood clots more frequently occur in an external hemorrhoid, they can also occur in an internal hemorrhoid. This is especially the case when the internal hemorrhoid becomes prolapsed, which we will explain.
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When To See Your Healthcare Provider
While rectal bleeding is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, it can also be a symptom of other conditions, including ones that are more serious. Do not assume rectal bleeding or pain is due to hemorrhoids without confirmation from a healthcare provider.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding and:
- It is the first time you are experiencing rectal bleeding.
- There is a change in bowel habits, weight loss, and/or abdominal pain.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- There is more blood than usual.
- Your symptoms aren’t responding to home treatment within a week.
- You have concerns.
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How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
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Dont Let Hemorrhoids Be A Part Of Your Life Forever
You have hemorrhoids. They last and last. They are painful, annoying, and embarrassing possibly causing itching, discomfort, and bleeding, swelling and difficulty with hygiene. But you are not alone. An estimated 75% of people experience hemorrhoids symptoms, a common problem, at some point, but only an estimated 4% of people go to the doctor for help.
No wonder its a problem so many people cant get rid of once and for all!
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Who Removes Hemorrhoids Treatment
Treating enlarged hemorrhoids is important, because they tend to get worse over time. Hemorrhoids are treated with a variety of measures including diet, over-the-counter medicine like
- anti-inflammatory pain killers,
and various treatment options are available, like
Who Removes Hemorrhoids?
Most hemorrhoid complaints begin with a trip to a family doctor. Your doctor will then refer you to a specialist: either a gastroenterologist or a proctologist . Proctologists specialize in surgical treatments, while gastroenterologists are experts in digestive diseases.
Diagnosis For Bleeding Hemorrhoids
A licensed healthcare professional can help diagnose bleeding hemorrhoids. To get the diagnosis, your doctor may have you undergo a physical examination and:
- Rectal examination, where a doctor uses a gloved finger to check inside your rectum.
- Colonoscopy, where a doctor places a long flexible tube with a tiny camera into your rectum to examine the entire colon.
There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids hidden inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids. These are usually painless but can cause bleeding when you use the bathroom.
- External hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that you can see or feel are called external hemorrhoids. These are usually more painful because the skin becomes irritated and eroded.
A health care provider will help you determine what kind of hemorrhoids you have and discuss the best treatment options.
- Fibersupplements to help soften your stool
- Laxatives to help you make healthy stools
Over-the-counter creams and rectal suppositories may be another option to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid. These can help relieve pain, itching, and inflammation temporarily:
Minimally invasive treatments
In some cases, if symptoms dont subside, your doctor may recommend you undergo a minimally invasive treatment. This could include a rubber band ligation where the doctor places bands around the internal hemorrhoid to restrict the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This treatment is successful in 7080% of cases.
Surgery
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