Conventional Treatment For Hemorrhoids
When you go to see a doctor for enlarged hemorrhoids, he or she will look at your anus to see if its inflamed and whether the hemorrhoids come out of the anus when you push or if theyre already outside. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are a number of examinations your doctor may choose to perform in order to make a diagnosis. Doctors typically do a digital rectal examination first, which involves gently inserting a finger into the anus with gloves and lubricant. The doctor will feel the inside of the anal canal using circular movements, which allows him to examine the sphincter muscles and the texture of the membranes lining the anus.
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
2. Rubber Band Ligation
3. Infrared Coagulation
4. Hemorrhoid Surgery
Hemorrhoids In Patients Having Anticoagulant Or Antiplatelet Drugs
Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may promote anorectal bleeding in patients with hemorrhoids and increase risk of bleeding after banding or surgery. Unless the bleeding is persistent or profound, the discontinuity of antithrombotic drugs may be unnecessary because most of the bleeding episodes are self-limited and stop spontaneously. Conservative measure is therefore the mainstay treatment in these patients. Injection sclerotherapy is a preferential treatment for bleeding low-graded hemorrhoids refractory to medical treatment. Rubber band ligation is not recommended in patients with the current use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to the risk of secondary bleeding. If banding or any form of surgery for hemorrhoids is scheduled, the cessation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs about 5-7 d before and after the procedure is suggested.
How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed
Diagnosis of haemorrhoids usually involves an examination of the anal passage to look for any swollen blood vessels. Your doctor may conduct one of the following tests.
- 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.
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Sitz Bath For Hemorrhoids
A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath that helps cleanse the perineum and increase blood flow to the perineal area. A warm sitz bath is a great natural way to soothe the irritation from hemorrhoids.
It is recommended to take a sitz bath after every bowel movement for 20 minutes. To increase the effects of a warm bath put in some other natural remedies and provide yourself even faster relief.
What to put in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids? Put some Epsom Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt , baking soda, or essential oils and soak your anus area for 15- 20 min several times a day, especially after every bowel movement.
Sitz Bath can be bought online or at medical supply stores. Such a plastic device rests on top of the toilet seat and has a cutout so that any water that overflows can spill into the toilet. It is recommended to clean a sitz bath thoroughly after every use in order to prevent bacteria growth and further complications with hemorrhoids. You can also use your bathtub.
It will provide relief and reduce swelling and pain. After soaking you can use natural ointments or any medicated ointment to soothe hemorrhoids. Sitz bath wont cure the condition, but it can provide relief and soothe hemorrhoids.
Address And Fix The Cause Of Your Hemorrhoids
How to Stop Hemorrhoids In their Tracks
There are several things you can do to get fight back against your hemorrhoids.
Quick Recap:
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If Youre Pregnant Lie On Your Left Side
Pregnant women are particularly prone to hemorrhoids, in part because the uterus sits directly on the blood vessels that drain the hemorrhoidal veins, says Lewis R. Townsend, MD. A special hemorrhoid remedy if you are pregnant is to lie on your left side for about 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours, he says. This helps decrease pressure on the main vein, draining the lower half of the body.
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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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Do I Need Any Tests For Piles
If you think that you may have piles, or have bleeding or pain from your back passage , you should visit your doctor.
Piles are usually diagnosed after your doctor asks you questions about your symptoms and performs a physical examination. The examination usually includes an examination of your back passage. Wearing gloves and using a lubricant, your doctor will examine your back passage with their finger to look for any signs of piles or other abnormalities.
Your doctor may suggest a further examination called a proctoscopy. In this procedure, the inside of your back passage is examined using an instrument called a proctoscope. You may be referred to a specialist for more detailed bowel examination to help rule out other conditions.
Cold Compress For Hemorrhoids
You can cold compress this will help the hemorrhoids to shrink. The hemorrhoids will shrink and become small in size. Gradually it will reduce the pain and give relief from the itching. hemorrhoids make it difficult to pass stool because of the swelling after cold compress it becomes easier to pass stools as it reduces the swelling. It is very simple wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it directly to the hemorrhoids. You can do this several times a day to get rid of hemorrhoids.It will help to constrict the blood vessels and effectively reduce hemorrhoids.
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Over The Counter Medicine
Musk Ointment
This ointment originates from China and it contains 7 traditional herbs namely calamine, borax, amber, borneol, musk, artificial bezoars and pearl. It works by removing all the toxic materials from the anal area and clears away the decayed tissues while stimulating the growth of new ones and in effect, the inflammation shrinks. It also alleviates the pain associated with hemorrhoids by lubricating the dry skin around the anal area, thus facilitating bowel movements.
Lidocaine Ointment
This is a local anesthetic that is used for pain relief. The ointment works by blocking the charged sodium channels that occur inside the cell membranes of the anal nerves, thus offering relief by blocking the transmission of pain at the skin before the pain can reach the nerves. In a nut shell, it works by numbing the nerves around the anal area so that the pain is manageable.
Anusol
Anusol is a little bit different from many hemorrhoid ointments, especially with regards to its application. This corticosteroid is often applied topically and is mainly used to reduce the rashes and the burning sensation associated with hemorrhoids through its key agent, hydrocortisone. This agent mainly works by shrinking the inflamed veins associated with hemorrhoids and the shrinkage is escalated though the action of astringents such as bismuth oxide, bismuth subgallate and zinc oxide, all of which are included.
Neo Healar
Soaking To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
You can relax by soaking yourself in a tub of warm water. This can give you instant relief from pain and itching. They will help the blood vessels to relax. For effective relief soak the inflamed area for 15 -20 minutes in warm water. You can go for a comfortable hip bath use warm water, not hot water. After taking the relaxing bath wipe the area gently using a wet towel so not to dry it. This will help you to get rid of hemorrhoids.
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What Should I Eat With Hemorrhoids
Eating whole grains and other foods that are high in fiber can help ease symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as discomfort and swelling. These foods can also help prevent hemorrhoids from forming by making the stool bulky and softening it. This helps you avoid straining, which can lead to hemorrhoids. When you increase your fiber intake, you should do so gradually to lower your risk of having gas.
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Consider Having A Clot Removed
External hemorrhoids can result in extremely painful blood clots, and while theyre not dangerous, they can take a couple of weeks to resolve on their own. If yours scores high on your personal pain scale, a doctor can remove a thrombosed hemorrhoid with a relatively simple in-office procedure under local anesthetic in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind: The first 24 to 48 hours are typically the most painfuland the best time to have a clot removed, says Dr. Ky.
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What Happens If A Hemorrhoid Bursts
If a hemorrhoid bursts, you should experience relief from pain and discomfort. When this happens, you can expect some bleeding to occur. You should keep the area clean to lower the risk of infection.
If you need treatment for hemorrhoids, please contact Gotham Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment.
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Hemorrhoids Are Uncomfortable But Usually Treatable At Home Expert Says
Women who have been pregnant or anyone who has been constipated may have experienced hemorrhoids, the swollen rectal veins that can make for a very uncomfortable situation. Most people, however, can learn to control flare-ups with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes, says Dr. Lauren Parmer, a family physician at AAMG Pasadena Primary Care, a practice of Anne Arundel Medical Center.
What are hemorrhoids, and who is prone to get them?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum. They can become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and itching. Occasionally. they can even bleed during a bowel movement.
There are internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum where they are not seen. They don’t usually hurt because there are few pain-sensing nerves in the rectum. Bleeding may be the only sign that they are there. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids prolapse, or enlarge and protrude outside the anal sphincter. External hemorrhoids are located in the anus and are usually painful. External hemorrhoids can also prolapse to the outside during a bowel movement. Occasionally, they can form blood clots, causing an extremely painful condition called a thrombosis.
Approximately 4.4 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from hemorrhoids. Most are between the ages of 45 and 65. Risk factors for developing hemorrhoids include things that increase the pressure inside the abdomen, pregnancy, constipation and prolonged straining.
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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.
What Do Piles Look Like
You often won’t see anything if you have piles and look at the area round your back passage. This is because most piles are inside your anal canal and rectum and don’t protrude from your bottom.
Larger internal piles may hang down out of your back passage, where they look like a discoloured rubbery lump. An external pile will look like a soft lump on the edge of the opening of your back passage.
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Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
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What Medications And Other Products Treat Hemorrhoids
Medications are used to control symptoms by softening the stool, decreasing the inflammation of the hemorrhoids, and 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.
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Can Hemorrhoids Turn Into Skin Tags
Since hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels, when they shrink, they may leave behind skin thats stretched out which eventually turns into a skin tag. Find out the difference between skin tags and hemorrhoids here.
Skin tags are painless, soft, benign growths on the skin that are commonly found in skin folds. They are very common and the estimate is that about half of all adults have one or more of them. Other types of skin tags develop as a result of skin rubbing against the other in areas in the body with folds like the armpits, eyelids, underneath the breasts, or the neck.
Use Aloe Vera To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and many beneficial properties. It is an effective natural ingredient and is effective on hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera gives relief and resolves the symptoms fast. Cut a stripe of the aloe vera leave. Take out the gel and freeze it for a while. Apply the cold gel on the inflamed area for more effective results you can cold compress too. For external ones, you can just apply the gel extracted from aloe leaves.
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Soak It Off In A Sitz Bath
A sitz bath comes from the German word sitzen, meaning sit, and it refers to a 10 to 15 minute soak in warm water that comes just up to your bottom and hips. Sitz baths can relieve irritation and itching as well as spasm of your anal sphincter muscles, says Dr. Thomas. Take a shallow soak in your bathtub or buy a small plastic tub from your pharmacy to give yourself a portable sitz bath two to three times a day.