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.
How Long Do Hemorrhoid Flare
Hemorrhoid symptoms and hemorrhoids themselves hang around for just a few daysa week at most. Even if you do not treat your hemorrhoids, they should disappear within this time frame.
You can control your symptoms with:
- Topical creams and ointments
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Causes For Internal Hemorrhoids
Often it is due to
- Increased straining during defecation
- Chronic diarrhea & purgation
- Sitting in the toilet for a longer time will also increase the pressure inside the lower rectum
- Being obese/pregnant
- Eating less fiber food and reduced intake of water
If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms, Book an appointment at PROCTOCAN for further queries.
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Get Plenty Of Exercise
According to Dr. Desi, exercise and hemorrhoids have a love-hate relationship. Exercise helps keep the colon more regular, he says. However, engaging in activities that increase abdominal pressure and/or straining can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids. Staying active reduces your time spent sitting and putting pressure on the veins in your lower rectum. If you have a history of problematic hemorrhoids, you might want to steer clear of lifting heavy weights or other strenuous activities and opt for more moderate exercise routines such as yoga, swimming, or walking to prevent hemorrhoids from flaring.
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Who Is At Risk For Internal Hemorrhoids
For example,
Complications:
- Internal hemorrhoids can seldom cause complications,
- You can get anemia because of the constant chronic blood loss,
- Piles may get strangulated and cause immense pain
- A blood clot inside your piles may lead to Thrombosed Hemorrhoids, which should be managed effectively
- Piles may Prolapse
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What Do External Hemorrhoids Look Like
External hemorrhoids are much easier to self-diagnose because they can be seen and felt, while internal hemorrhoids tend to be less obvious.
External hemorrhoids can be described as any of the following:
- Mucus-covered bumps.
- Bumps that secrete blood when wiped with toilet paper.
Many symptoms of external hemorrhoids, such as pain, can also be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is important to see a health care practitioner for a formal diagnosis.
What Causes Hemorrhoids To Bleed
Because hemorrhoids become swollen and enlarged, passing a hard stool will often scrape the surface of these veins, resulting in bleeding .
This is one reason why people who experience chronic constipation also are faced with the painful symptoms of inflamed hemorrhoids.
Hard stools require more straining to pass, and this increases the chance of the stool disrupting and scraping the cushion of veins on the inside of the lower rectal region.
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External Hemorrhoids: Causes Symptoms And Treatments
- External Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Just the term hemorrhoid can make most people squirm. And while hemorrhoids are a very common gastrointestinal issue, they can be uncomfortable and painful, not to mention irritating, embarrassing, and disruptive to the daily functioning of our lives.
Hemorrhoids are simply enlarged veins in the lower rectum, most often caused by straining during bowel movements. Rectal bleeding, irritation, itching, and pain are some of the most common complaints with hemorrhoids. The good news is that internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or any combination of the two, are typically very treatable. Many people think they are limited to only the most extreme optionsliving with hemorrhoids, or undergoing surgery called a hemorrhoidectomy. But most hemorrhoids will go away on their own, and relief is available through a number of doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter treatment options. Even something as simple as a sitz bath can help.
Its a good idea for anyone who thinks they may have hemorrhoids to talk with a doctor. A gastroenterologist can review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and help you make a treatment plan, while ruling out other more severe conditions.
Best Treatments For Internal Hemorrhoids
There are various modes of management for internal hemorrhoids starting from home remedies to surgical methods
- home remedies which include lifestyle modifications such as a high fiber diet, drinking more water, warm sitz bath
- nonsurgical management such as over the counter creams, analgesics, laxatives, and stool softeners
- Minimally invasive procedures such as
- Lords dilatation
- Injection sclerosant therapy
- Barron’s banding
Newer methods such as harmonic scalpel therapy
- HAL – RAR Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation & rectoanal repair proctoplasty
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain unless they prolapse. Many people with internal hemorrhoids dont know they have them because they dont have symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in stool or the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
Signs of external hemorrhoids include:
- Rectal bleeding.
Who Is At Risk For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal illnesses. They affect both males and females of all races, in all age groups. But there are some factors that can put you at higher risk including:
- GeneticsA family history of hemorrhoids puts you at higher risk. Doctors will often ask whether family members suffer from hemorrhoids in order to identify a genetic tendency.
- AgingThe risk of hemorrhoids increases with age. While children and young adults do experience hemorrhoids, they are most common in adults 45-65 years old.
- ObesityBody weight can contribute to the risk of hemorrhoids since heavier weight can cause additional strain on the body and contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle.
- NutritionA poor diet that lacks fiber often leads to constipation and straining during bowel movements.
- PregnancyThe weight of carrying a baby during pregnancy can put increased pressure on the pelvic area. Thankfully, these will often resolve completely after delivery of the baby.
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Who Is At Risk Of External Hemorrhoids
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be more likely to happen during pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
A healthcare professional may be able to help you determine the cause of your hemorrhoids.
What Are The Causes Of External Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area.
Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the pressure that the uterus places on these veins.
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Does Sitting On The Toilet Cause Hemorrhoids
One of the biggest risk factors for hemorrhoids is straining during a bowel movement, so spending too much time on the toilet can put you at risk of developing the embarrassing, painful condition.
Some experts will say that the toilet itself positioned in such a way that straining is almost necessary in order to successfully go could be the biggest culprit when it comes to hemorrhoids in the Western world.
In a sitting position, the colon is positioned in such a way that straining is required, which puts pressure on the lower rectum, causing veins to stretch and weaken, resulting in hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids result from continual aggravation and injury due to excessive straining in the sitting position, said Israeli physician Dr. B.A. Sikirov, who studied the relationship between sitting and hemorrhoids in 1987, and determined that the squatting position is less likely to trigger the condition.
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Things That Increase Your Risk
- Constipation or diarrhea that does not go away. These conditions may lead to straining with bowel movements.
- Being overweight
- A family history of hemorrhoids. You may inherit the tendency to get them.
- Being age 50 or older. Half of people who are older than 50 seek treatment for hemorrhoids.
- Pregnancy and labor and delivery. As the fetus grows during the last 6 months of pregnancy, blood volume and pressure on pelvic blood vessels increase. The strain of labor also can cause hemorrhoids to start or get worse.
- Liver disease, heart disease, or both. These conditions may cause blood to back up in the pelvis and abdomen.
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What Medications And Other Products Treat Hemorrhoids
Medications are used to control symptoms by
- softening the stool,
- treating the pain.
Stool softeners work by increasing the water and fat content within the stool allowing it to be passed more easily.
- Docusate sodium is the most often recommended drug in this class .
Inflammation can be controlled with over-the-counter creams or suppositories.
- Some brand ingredients include low-dose topical anesthetics to help with symptoms.
- Others contain astringents that help shrink the swollen tissues.
- Both may contain low-dose steroids to decrease inflammation.
- People with diabetes should check with their pharmacist or health care professional before using OTC hemorrhoid treatments. If the medication contains a vasoconstrictor it may elevate blood sugar levels if absorbed in large amounts.
- Prescription-strength lidocaine or hydrocortisone may be offered by the health care professional.
Grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids are initially treated the same way, using techniques to destroy hemorrhoids. These include
- injecting the hemorrhoid vein to make it sclerose or harden,
- using rubber bands to choke off the blood supply and make the hemorrhoidal tissue shrivel, or
- other procedures that cause the mucosa to shrivel and die.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Why do I have hemorrhoids?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I can do that can relieve or prevent hemorrhoids?
- I saw blood on toilet paper. Is this serious?
- Are having hemorrhoids a sign of another health condition?
- Will I always have hemorrhoids?
- Is there medicine I can take for hemorrhoids? Are there side effects?
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Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Benjamin Franklins phrase, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, was made in reference to fire prevention, but the same wisdom applies to health and specifically to hemorrhoids. Making proactive lifestyle choices can help prevent hemorrhoids from occurring or recurring.
Most important? Eat a high-fiber diet. Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods including nuts, seeds, and whole grains will help produce normal bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water is central to a high-fiber diet. Hydration works together with the fiber to help keep you regular. And dont forget to exercise! Keeping the body moving helps keep everything inside the body moving as well.
Two more tips for prevention: First, when you feel the urge to go, go! Allowing bowel movements to happen regularly will help prevent constipation. Second, limit the time you spend sitting on the toilet to reduce pressure on the rectal area.
How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Other measures to take when treating hemorrhoids include avoiding the use toilet paper and cleansing the area with water and soap. Its also important to avoid lifting heavy weights or any strenuous activity, avoid straining when pooping, and avoid standing or sitting for too long. A diet rich in fibre and lots of hydration is also recommended.
In more serious cases, when hemorrhoids do not resolve with a conservative approach, surgery may be necessary to remove them.
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What They Look Like
- Slight bleeding after straining
Most of the time, because there is vascular trauma, external hemorrhoids also bleed when passing stool or after wiping with toilet paper. In this case, it is best to clean the area with water and soap each time you poop. This can help to reduce pain and itching and aid with a quicker recovery.
Essential Orgs For Hemorrhoid Information
This site provides a comprehensive review of what hemorrhoids are, what causes them, and how to treat them. In cases when pain is severe and hemorrhoids arent healing with at-home treatment, in-office treatment by a healthcare provider is necessary. This can involve surgical and nonsurgical options.
The Mayo Clinic offers trusted guidance on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hemorrhoids. You can also find answers to specific questions about home remedies and hemorrhoid treatment during pregnancy.
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Can Medication Cause Hemorrhoids
There are many medications especially opioids that can cause constipation, making hemorrhoids more likely to occur.
They change your bodys natural flow resulting in dehydration or increased pressure on the veins, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
Medications that cause hemorrhoids should be discussed with your doctor to see if there are any other alternative options.
If your doctor lets you know there arent any alternatives, youll want to do your best to prevent hemorrhoids by staying hydrated, eating healthy, and using good bathroom habits.
Hemorrhoid supplements can help people suffering from chronic hemorrhoids. We have a full list of hemorrhoid supplement reviews you can check out to see if one is right for you.
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How Can You Prevent Constipation
To avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements, people are often advised to change their diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough exercise. High-fiber foods like fruits, cereals, vegetables and legumes are generally recommended to try to make stools softer.
Studies suggest that plant fibers such as psyllium husk can reduce the frequency of bleeding. Whether or not they relieve other symptoms too hasnt been well studied. People who use psyllium husk must make sure that they drink enough fluids. But fiber can also cause diarrhea, which in turn leads to hemorrhoids being irritated even more by frequent bowel movements.
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Not Managing Your Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are the bodys natural responses when youre facing danger so it goes into survival mode to help you fight or flee. When your body is in this state, it slows down the non-crucial functions at that moment like digestion. This state is only supposed to last momentarily until you escape danger and then the body resumes its normal functioning.
Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented
You can help prevent hemorrhoids by:
- Eating foods that are high in fiber
- Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement
- Drinking enough fluids every day
- Not straining during bowel movements
- Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed
- Digital rectal examination, where your doctor puts on gloves and places a lubricated finger inside the back passage to gently feel for any abnormalities. This is likely to be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
- Proctoscopy, where your doctor examines the inside of the rectum using a proctoscope to look for any swelling or other symptoms. Again, this may be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
There is no need to feel embarrassed about these tests haemorrhoids are a common problem and your doctor is used to diagnosing and treating them.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon who can assess your haemorrhoids and recommend a treatment.
How To Diagnose Internal Hemorrhoids
If you have any above-mentioned history, signs, and symptoms, consult your doctor for an early diagnosis, your doctor may do a Per Rectal examination or digital rectal examination to confirm the diagnosis of hemorrhoids. Apart from DRE, proctoscopy can help in diagnosis.
In order to rule out other diseases, you might need other tests such as sigmoidoscopy & colonoscopy.
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Get Enough Fiber Water And Exercise
To prevent constipation, you need to exercise, drink plenty of water during the day, and eat a high-fiber diet. Some great sources of fiber include beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like oats and bran.
If you live in or around Brielle or Manahawkin, New Jersey, and need expert care for hemorrhoids, call Paonessa Colon and Rectal Surgery or schedule an appointment online today.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An External Or Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are a painful condition. These occurs when a blood clot develops in a hemorrhoidal blood vessel causing swelling and inflammation.
- When a blood clot occurs in a hemorrhoid, the hemorrhoid will become even more swollen. This swelling leads to increased pain.
- The pain is usually worse with bowel movements and may increase with sitting.
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid may resolve on its own however, this condition often needs medical care. Bleeding with a bowel movement is never normal and should prompt a visit to a health-care professional. While hemorrhoids are the most common cause of bleeding with a bowel movement, there may be other reasons for bleeding including inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and tumors.
Common situations that increase pressure within the hemorrhoidal blood vessels and lead to abnormalities include the following.
- Straining to have a bowel movement. This may be due to constipation or diarrhea.
- Prolonged sitting, including on the toilet
- Lack of exercise
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