Preventing And Treating Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoid symptoms often settle down after a few days, without needing treatment. Haemorrhoids that occur during pregnancy often get better after giving birth.
- gradually increasing the amount of fibre in your diet good sources of fibre include fruit, vegetables, wholegrain rice, wholewheat pasta and bread, pulses and beans, seeds, nuts and oats
- drinking plenty of fluid particularly water, but avoiding or cutting down on caffeine and alcohol
- not delaying going to the toilet ignoring the urge to empty your bowels can make your stools harder and drier, which can lead to straining when you do go to the toilet
- avoiding medication that causes constipation such as painkillers that contain codeine
- exercising regularly can help prevent constipation, reduce your blood pressure and help you lose weight
These measures can also reduce the risk of haemorrhoids returning, or even developing in the first place.
Medication that you apply directly to your back passage or tablets bought from a pharmacy or prescribed by your GP may ease your symptoms and make it easier for you to pass stools.
There are various treatment options for more severe haemorrhoids. One of these options is banding, which is a non-surgical procedure where a very tight elastic band is put around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid should fall off after about a week.
Read more about treating haemorrhoids and surgery for haemorrhoids.
Lifestyle Can Be A Cause Of Hemorrhoids
The state of the hemorrhoid can worsen, however. Hemorrhoids are often caused by a lifestyle problem: not eating enough fibre, resulting in lots of straining during defecation, which damages the rectal veins. If lifestyle changes are not made, a hemorrhoid can become so swollen and distended that it prolapses .
Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment
Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.
Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.
Image: LuisPortugal/Getty Images
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Piles Vs Fistula: Understanding The Main Differences
Lets look at various aspects of these two health conditions to understand the difference between fistula and piles:
- Nature of the disease
- Causes of the disease
Some of the main causes of piles are inadequate consumption of water, pregnancy, obesity, a low fiber diet, straining when passing stools, and sitting for long periods on the toilet seat. Lifting heavy weights can also cause piles. The risk for developing piles increases with age. Expectant mothers also face a higher risk for piles.
- Symptoms of the disease
- Diagnosis of the disease
- Treatment methods
Piles can be treated either through medicines, or surgical procedures. Some patients experience relief from creams that can be applied on the affected regions. They may also take oral pain killers as prescribed by their doctor.
In some cases, certain medical procedures might be needed to take care of hemorrhoids. The doctor might perform a procedure to remove the hemorrhoids. Some of these include rubber band ligation and infrared or laser coagulation. A hemorrhoidectomy is performed for extreme cases of piles. A hemorrhoidectomy can be performed either under local or general anesthesia, depending on the situation.
Patients who have suffered from hemorrhoids are also advised to increase their intake of fiber-rich foods in their diet. They also have to increase their intake of water to at least 8 glasses per day.
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Differentiating Between The Two
You might also be referred to a specialist to perform an internal examination. The procedure, called sigmoidoscopy, examines both your rectum and part of your colon with a lighted instrument.
Your symptoms could also be the result of a more serious condition, such as an infection, an abscess or cancer. Before trying to self-treat, have a doctor rule out these other possibilities.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
Several conditions and habits are thought to cause hemorrhoids:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Straining too hard during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Straining, constipation, and prolonged sitting can all affect the blood flow in the area, causing blood to not move at its expected rate within the vessels, leading to hemorrhoids.
Factors that raise your risk of developing hemorrhoids:
- Lack of fiber in the diet.
- Obesity: Being overweight can put pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissue.
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Similarities And Differences In Risk Factors
Age is one of the biggest risk-factor differences between hemorrhoids and fissures. In general, people’s risk for hemorrhoids goes up as they get older. Fissures, on the other hand, often happen among young people. Even babies can get fissures, and they’re most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40.
Prevention Of Piles And Fissures
You can prevent the onset of piles fissures with good lifestyle choices. The preventive measures for these conditions entail promoting healthy bowel movement.
- Eating high-fibre foods
- Drinking a lot of water
- Following a daily exercise regime practice yoga for piles and fissure prevention
- Avoiding long hours on the toilet
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Treatments For Rectal Prolapse
Treatments for rectal prolapse usually focus on preventing constipation and straining. But two of the most famous interventions for prolapse are kegels and pessaries, neither of which we recommend. Because aside from showing little to no results, they can actually make your prolapse worse!
Weve seen it before, I personally tried them and they failed me.So with the help and proper guidance of our devoted practitioners, we developed the No Kegels System .
Its a revolutionary system complete with science-based natural healing methods that have been effective for our students.
Here are some of the natural techniques and methods we recommend to reverse rectal prolapse:
Vaginal Steaming an ancient technique using herbs and steam to heal prolapse Hypopressives breathing and postural exercises to improve pelvic floor health Pelvic floor relaxation relaxes tensed or overactive pelvic floor muscles Belly Dancing hip movements to strengthen your pelvic floor Healthy, Clean Eating consuming a healthier diet to help your body heal faster Essential Oils finding the right essence to connect with yourself Meditation reduces stress and helps you regain emotional and mental clarity Visualization and Affirmation believing in your bodys ability to heal
Get Rid of Hemorrhoids and Rectal Prolapse Naturally!
Here are some of the benefits of joining the NKS:
Do You Know The Difference Between Polyps And Hemorrhoids
Polyps and hemorrhoids are two common types of growths found in the colorectal region.
Upon visual or tactile inspection, polyps and hemorrhoids both appear to be a round, bulbous projection from the mucus membranes of the rectum.
What is the difference between Polyps and Hemorrhoids?
How can we determine the difference?
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What Are External Hemorrhoids
Unlike most cases of internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful.3 The overlying skin becomes irritated and starts to erode, which is why this type of hemorrhoids can feel quite uncomfortable.2
Sometimes blood clots can form in external hemorrhoids, causing sudden and severe pain.2 Pain from external hemorrhoids can especially be felt when you sit down.3
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Why did I get hemorrhoids?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to keep from getting hemorrhoids again?
- When will symptoms improve?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
An estimated 15 million Americans have sought treatments for hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. But many more suffer needlessly. Dont be too embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. If hemorrhoids cause pain or discomfort, your provider has treatments that can help. You can also take steps to keep hemorrhoids from coming back.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/18/2021.
References
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Polyps And Hemorrhoids The Difference
Polyps and hemorrhoids are two completely distinct structures. A polyp is an overgrowth of the mucus membrane inside the rectum. Consequently, it is most likely solid. A hemorrhoid, on the other hand, is an inflamed, swollen vein. It is filled with moving liquid.
Sometimes a polyp is not directly attached to the rectal wall. Instead, the growth hangs by a thin stalk. This type of polyp is called a pedunculated polyp. A hemorrhoid, being a vein, can never be pedunculated.
What does a polyp signify?
A polyp, in the colorectal region, is synonymous with tumorit can be the precursor to colon cancer. Even if the polyp is currently benign, it may become malignant over a period of time. Most physicians, upon discovery of a colorectal polyp, will remove the polyp, and send it to a laboratory for a biopsy.
The biopsy will search for malignant cells, and determine if cancer is present. Because a polyp is sometimes a telltale sign of cancer, its discovery can trigger quite a scare. However, a hemorrhoid forebodes no such doom. A hemorrhoid is not a tumor the swollen blood vessel can never become malignant. A hemorrhoid usually cannot evolve into a worse condition.
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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Diagnosis And Treatment Of Hemorrhoids
For Diagnosis, Your detailed Medical history will be taken while knowing about your eating and bowel habits .
On External examination
Inspection of the buttocks often provides clues to many disorders, including skin tags from hemorrhoids, fistulous tracts, and fissures and to rule out other diseases .
Internal hemorrhoids
Other Procedures which your doctor may do for internal hemorrhoids are
These tests are often done to investigate symptoms such as
- Bleeding from the rectum,
- Blood or pus in the stool, or
- Lower abdominal pain.
Treatment By A Doctor
When at-home remedies don’t work, your doctor may put small rubber bands around internal hemorrhoids to cut off the blood supply until they shrink. That’s called ligation. Doctors can use a laser or infrared heat to shrivel internal hemorrhoids, known as coagulation. Or, they can do sclerotherapy by injecting a chemical into the hemorrhoid to break it down.
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Research And Statistics: Who Gets Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans. The most common time to get hemorrhoids is between ages 45 and 65. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.
By age 50, about half of us have experienced hemorrhoid symptoms, such as itching, bleeding, and rectal pain. At any given time, about 10 million Americans roughly 4 percent of adults have hemorrhoids. Its estimated that 75 percent of Americans will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Should I Get Checked For External Hemorrhoids
A good reason to get checked for external hemorrhoids is to find solutions for the pain and itchiness that they may cause. External hemorrhoids are not known to cause serious problems, but some people may develop flaps of tissue that hang off the skin called skin tags.3
Skin tags occur after a blood clot dissolves and cause itching and irritation.2 While skin tags will not affect your health, they can be removed by a doctor if you wish.5
Like with internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding.3 If you notice any blood after wiping, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor to be absolutely sure about the cause.
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Differences Between Piles And Fissure
- Symptoms of piles are not noticeable in the earlier stages but cause a lot of pain and discomfort and pain in the later stages, often leading to bleeding or mucus discharge. Whereas, fissure causes pain and discomfort since the beginning of the disease. Bleeding is not generally observed in the early stages of the fissure.
- The early stages of piles may be curable with medication, lifestyle changes, diet, and precautions. Whereas, medication helps the first stage of fissure but the treatment is slow. Doctors generally advise Lateral Sphincterotomy for fissure which gives instant relief.
When To Seek Medical Advice
See your GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of haemorrhoids. You should always get any rectal bleeding checked out, so your doctor can rule out more potentially serious causes.
The symptoms of haemorrhoids often clear up on their own or with simple treatments that can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription . However, speak to your GP if your symptoms don’t get better or if you experience pain or bleeding.
Your GP can often diagnose haemorrhoids using a simple internal examination of your back passage, although they may need to refer you to a colorectal specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Some people with haemorrhoids are reluctant to see their GP. However, theres no need to be embarrassed, because GPs are very used to diagnosing and treating haemorrhoids.
Read more about diagnosing haemorrhoids.
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What Tests Do I Need To Examine Piles Fissure And Fistula
1. Clinical examination
2. Proctoscopy examination
This is a per-rectal examination done after insertion of a proctoscope, a speculum-like instrument that helps in visualizing the lowermost 10-13 cm of the large intestine. This may help to detect any fissures or the inner opening of a fistula as well.
These examinations may sound terrifying and painful, but they are important to arrive at a diagnosis to help you get better. Further they are done very gently and under topical anesthetic creams that could numb the pain completely. However during any point in the examination if you feel any pain or discomfort, it is very important to convey the same to the surgeon and theyll immediately stop.
3. Sometimes you may be advised an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan to trace the track of the fistula tunnel.
4. Usually if a skin tag is found, this could be a pointer for an underlying fissure which is an extremely painful condition. So the surgeon wont perform a per-rectal examination. However if needed, he may shift you to the operation theatre to examine under anesthesia.
5. If these complaints are frequently recurring even after treatment, your surgeon may advise you to take a colonoscopy to detect any underlying issues like cancers or inflammatory bowel disorders.
Prevention Of Hemorrhoids How To Prevent Piles Home Remedies For Piles What To Eat And What To Avoid
Being constipated & incomplete evacuation of feces, is the earliest symptom, the patients notice, and care should be taken at that time to follow habits which help in preventing hemorrhoids
Your aim must be to pass the stools which are soft and not hard. In order to do it, read and follow the important points,
Dont Strain during Defecation
You would be straining because you may be constipated and mostly its due to irregular bowel habits. When you have the urge to defecate and if you postpone it, feces remain inside for a longer duration of time and then water is absorbed, making it harder. Dont pass the stool when it’s hard, Drink water and then again pass it when it’s easier, without straining.
Increase Dietary Fiber
While the Daily requirement for men is 30 to 38 g , and for women it’s 21 to 25 g. What dietary fiber does is, it increases the formation of bulk and soft faces and eases defecation.
Dietary fiber also helps in reducing cholesterol and incidence of gallstones, it has antioxidants and is helpful in diabetic patients too.
You would get over the counter dietary fiber supplements . But intake of dietary fiber supplement should always be accompanied by an increase in fluid intake or else it could make the condition worse. Water is required for it to move forward.
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