How Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treated
A bleeding hemorrhoid is usually a sign of irritation or damage to the wall of the hemorrhoid. This should resolve on its own over time, but there are several things you can do at home to speed up the process and soothe any discomfort.
However, if there is no clear source of bleeding or if the bleeding doesnt go away within a week, see your doctor. Experts note that hemorrhoids are often self-diagnosed, which can be dangerous. Many medical conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease , can have similar symptoms. Its important to receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor.
Who Is At Risk For External Hemorrhoids
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by 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.
If youre not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.
Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
Many internal piles treatment options are available to those experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for hemorrhoids that people are familiar with are aimed at providing temporary relief from pain, itching or general discomfort. These methods include things like sitz baths, over-the-counter creams and ointments or natural home remedies like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar.
Unfortunately, these treatment methods only provide momentary relief, and they only really work for external hemorrhoid symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids treatment must be aimed at addressing the problem long-term by actually removing the internal hemorrhoids.
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What Are Hemorrhoids Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen veins around the outside of the anus or in the lower rectum. The rectum is the last part of the bowel and leads to the anus, the opening at the end of the bowel where fecal matter leaves the body.
Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue in this area thats made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and some muscle. These cushions dont always become enlarged or distended, but as we age, this phenomenon becomes more common causing what we call hemorrhoids, also known as piles.
Hemorrhoids can be caused in a number of ways, most commonly by straining to make a bowel movement. Lifting heavy objects, along with other activities that may cause straining, can also lead to hemorrhoids. Experiencing increased pressure during pregnancy and being overweight are other contributing factors.
Hemorrhoids may be painful and particularly bothersome if they are recurrent, but they’re not dangerous or life-threatening, and symptoms usually go away within a few days. There are plenty of effective ways to treat them, as well as options for the less common types of hemorrhoids that may be more problematic.
Possible Complications And Side Effects
If you have a bleeding hemorrhoid, you might consider it a small problem, but it can still be a very painful experience. Seeing blood after we use the bathroom can be scary, but youre not alone.
There are a lot of different ways to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid and in some cases, its best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later if:
- Youre experiencing rectal bleeding or see blood on your toilet paper
- You have pain in and around your anus
- Youve tried over the counter treatments for a week with no change in symptoms
- Your bowel movements look maroon or tarry in color
If your doctor recommends surgery to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid, there are some possible complications to be aware of like :
- Bleeding
- Injury to the anus
- Narrowing of the anus
Other treatments and medications may have different side effects. Consult your healthcare provider about possible complications of any medications you might take for a bleeding hemorrhoid.
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Don’t Make Things Worse
Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. You’ll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you can’t get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.
Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so they’re easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.
Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.
Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when you’re working hard. It’s common to hold your breath as you’re pushing, pulling, or making an effort — and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.
Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.
Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.
What Are The Signs
In mild cases, patients may not notice any symptoms at all and the condition will even go away in a few days, all on its own.
The most obvious noticeable sign of a case of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding during bowel movements.
This occurs when the stools pushing past the distended veins damage their surfaces and cause them to leak blood.
The list below includes symptoms associated with both internal and external type hemorrhoids:
- Tender, swollen masses protruding out of the anus or at the rim of the anus.
- Itching.
- Leakage of stools.
Besides the general symptoms, here are a few symptoms based on the type of hemorrhoids.
- Internal hemorrhoids: There are no symptoms of internal hemorrhoids unless there is bleeding. In the case of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, one can notice soft tissue protruding out of the anus that can be pushed back but reappears on the next bowel movement. If internal hemorrhoids get inflamed and there is swelling, it can cause scarring of the hemorrhoids resulting in painless bleeding. Swollen hemorrhoids that are prolapsed and form a lump or thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause intense pain. These swollen hemorrhoids can also release mucus and cause burning and itching sensations. You may also feel an increased urge for bowel movements.
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Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
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What Are The Possible Complications
There are a number of complications that can potentially develop in severe instances of hemorrhoids:
- It is possible for an abnormal passage or a fistula to form linking the hemorrhoid mass to the skin of the anal region.
- The patient could also develop anemia on account of the excessive loss of blood, although this is very uncommon.
- The swollen vein could lose its blood supply or become strangulated. This condition is very painful.
- The swollen mass could become infected.
- The patient could also develop fecal incontinence as a result of severe or untreated hemorrhoids.
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What To Think About
Sometimes, increased pressure on external hemorrhoids causes them to get irritated and to clot. This causes a lump to form. You may suffer from severe pain at the site of a clotted hemorrhoid.
A procedure to relieve the pain can be done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. The doctor applies local anesthesia and then makes a small incision where the lump has occurred to remove the clot and reduce pressure and pain. The procedure works best if it is done soon after the clot has formed.
If the pain is tolerable, you may choose to wait to see a doctor. The pain usually goes away in a few days. After 4 or 5 days, the pain from cutting and draining the hemorrhoid is usually worse than the pain from the clot.
Why Do They Appear
There can be many reasons for the formation of hemorrhoids. Most often, a weakness in the connective tissue supporting veins in the anal canal is responsible for swelling of the veins.
One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is too much straining while passing stools that may result in exerting too much pressure on the nerves in and around the rectum and may lead to internal hemorrhoids or piles.
A fuller list of possible causes appears below:
- Constipation: Constipation is one of the prime causes of hemorrhoids. Inability to pass the stool easily or exerting too much pressure during bowel movements can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and can cause hemorrhoids.
- Low-fiber diet: Diet that consists of fewer fibers may cause hemorrhoids. People who take a more fiber-rich diet are likely to suffer less from hemorrhoids. Low-fiber diets may lead to hardening of the stools and may result in straining during bowel movements leading to hemorrhoids in the future. People who are already suffering from hemorrhoids are advised to eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables and fruits to help in the easy passing of bowel movements that can lessen the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
- Chronic diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome may cause hemorrhoids. The continuous passing of stools may cause loss of elasticity of the rectal muscles and nerves and cause hemorrhoids.
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How Do You Treat External Hemorrhoids Diagnosis
External hemorrhoids appear as bumps and/or dark areas surrounding the anus. If the lump is tender, it suggests that the hemorrhoid is thrombosed. Any lump needs to be carefully followed, however, and should not be assumed to be a hemorrhoid since there are rare cancers of the anal area that may masquerade as hemorrhoids.
Symptoms Of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but they usually cause few of the symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can cause problems, however, when blood clots inside them. This is referred to as thrombosis. Thrombosis of such a hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is
- very painful,
- tender, and
- often requires medical attention.
The thrombosed hemorrhoid may heal with scarring, and leave a tag of skin protruding in the anus. Occasionally, the tag is large, which can make anal hygiene difficult or irritate the anus. Even after such a hemorrhoid goes away, a residual skin tag may remain, and this may need to be surgically removed.
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How To Heal Hemorrhoids: Over
Products used to treat hemorrhoids are available as
- ointments,
- foams, and
- pads.
When used around the anus, ointments, creams, and gels should be applied as a thin covering. When applied to the anal canal, these products should be inserted with a finger or a “pile pipe.” Pile pipes are most efficient when they have holes on the sides as well as at the end. Pile pipes should be lubricated with ointment prior to insertion. Suppositories or foams do not have advantages over ointments, creams, and gels.
Symptoms Of Internal Hemorrhoids
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids vary depending on their severity. Even as hemorrhoids worsen, you arent likely to experience pain due to the lack of nerve endings in the lower rectal area. Pain associated with hemorrhoids is typically caused by an associated condition, such as anal fissures or external hemorrhoids.
If you cant feel internal hemorrhoids, then how do you know theyre there?
In most cases, its because you begin to notice bleeding. You may see blood in your stool or notice it on the toilet paper when you wipe. Because this blood has a short path to travel outside the body, it should be bright red. You may not notice it right away if the bleeding is light.
While bleeding is the most common indicator of internal hemorrhoids, you may experience other symptoms if a hemorrhoid prolapses. This typically happens during a bowel movement, and in many cases, the tissue will go back in on its own. In other cases, you may have to push the tissue back in. In the case of Grade IV hemorrhoids, the tissue will remain prolapsed.
Its important to note that bleeding is also a common symptom of colorectal cancer, as well as internal hemorrhoids. Thats why we recommend you see a physician right away if you are experiencing any rectal bleeding, especially if it is accompanied by other suspect symptoms.
Only a qualified physician can accurately diagnose internal hemorrhoids.
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How Can You Treat Hemorrhoids
ByLindsay K. Miller | Submitted On January 07, 2009
If you have discovered that you have the condition called hemorrhoids you are certainly not alone. This ailment has been known to affect many people at different points during their lives. The causes are large in number, they range from genetics to pregnancy to prolonged sitting and/or bowel troubles like constipation. Hemorrhoids can also come in different severity levels which means that there are different treatment methods that can be used.
For a mild case you may want to consider a few of the at home and over-the-counter remedies. The two things you’ll want to do are making sure your stools are easy to pass and easing the pain by using a topical application. You can make your bowel movements easier to pass by taking a stool softener or by using the natural alternative of increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. When it comes to soothing the pain you can simply take a bath several times a day in a few inches of warm water. You can also use creams and gels like the over-the-counter treatment Preparation H. A natural alternative would be using the natural astringent Witch Hazel, which has been known to help with swelling.
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What Should You Know About Hemorrhoids
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels located in the smooth muscles of the walls of the rectum and anus. They are a normal part of the anatomy and are located at the junction where small arteries merge into veins. They are cushioned by smooth muscles and connective tissue and are classified by where they are located in relationship to the pectinate line, the dividing point between the upper 2/3 and lower 1/3 of the anus. This is an important anatomic distinction because of the type of cells that line hemorrhoid, and the nerves that provide sensation.
What are the internal and external hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are located above the pectinate line and are covered with cells that are the same as those that line the rest of the intestines. External hemorrhoids arise below the line and are covered with cells that resemble skin.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids become an issue only when they begin to swell, causing itching, pain, and/or bleeding.
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What Are Internal Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in your rectum.Specifically, the final portion of the large intestine that your body uses to store and pass stool. These veins are cushioned by muscle and connective tissue.
Everyone has internal hemorrhoids, but we only notice them once they become a problem.
When we refer to hemorrhoids or piles, we are typically referring to hemorrhoids that have become inflamed. About half of adults over 50 experience this issue.
Internal hemorrhoids form near the end of the rectum, but you likely wont see or feel anything unusual, even when a hemorrhoid swells, because they are still far inside the body.
You only see or feel an internal hemorrhoid if they prolapse. Internal hemorrhoids do not cause pain because they are located in an area without any nerve endings. If you are experiencing pain, it may be from a different condition, such as external hemorrhoids, anal fissures or spasms.
When Should You See The Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. And please, no “selfies”!
If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see your doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
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Hemorrhoid Medication: When Why And Which Ones To Use
A number of OTC creams, ointments, and pads that contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel are available to help relieve pain, swelling, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for a week. If symptoms persist beyond a week, follow up with your doctor.
Creams and suppositories containing hydrocortisone can cause the skin to weaken and thin, so they should not be used for more than a week. If any of these creams cause a rash or dry skin around the area, contact your healthcare provider.
A fiber supplement, such as Metamucil , or a stool softener, such as Citrucel , can help prevent constipation.
Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
Avoid Making Hemorrhoids Worse
- Blot the anus gently with white toilet paper moistened with water or a cleansing agent after bowel movements. Baby wipes or other pre-moistened towels are also useful for this purpose.
- Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. After cleansing, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.
- Use soaps that contain no perfumes or dyes.
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