Understanding And Examining Hemorrhoids
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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
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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Work Wonders With Witch Hazel
A dab of witch hazel applied to the rectum with a cotton ball is one of the very best remedies available for external hemorrhoids, especially if theres bleeding, says Marvin Schuster, MD. Witch hazel causes the blood vessels to shrink and contract. While anything cold, even water, can help kill the pain of hemorrhoids, icy cold witch hazel provides even more relief. Chill a bottle of witch hazel in an ice bucket or the refrigerator. Then take a cotton ball, soak it in the witch hazel, and apply it against your hemorrhoids until its no longer cold, then repeat, suggests Schuster.
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.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation.
- Use toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to gently pat and clean your bottom after pooping. You can also use a tissue or washcloth moistened with water.
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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!
Try A Drugstore Product
Look for hemorrhoid creams and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, a medicine that helps reduce swelling, itching, and burning. Wipes and pads containing witch hazel might help reduce discomfort, especially following bowel movement. Using moist wipes can also avoid irritation caused by regular toilet paper.
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When Should I See My Doctor
Hemorrhoids are typically easy to treat and clear up on their own. In very rare cases, a hemorrhoid can cause complications.
Chronic blood loss from a hemorrhoid can cause anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have their blood supply cut off, resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids that can cause extreme pain.
See a doctor if home treatments havent been effective after more than 2 weeks. Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. They can write prescriptions for medicated creams, ointments, and suppositories.
If these treatments dont work, a doctor may recommend treatments like rubber band ligation or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Make an appointment to see a doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding for the first time or if your rectal bleeding increases.
Severity Of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
Once the hemorrhoid bursts, an immediate care should be provided as to follow the steps:
- Gentle compression using clean soft cloths or sanitary napkins to stop the bleeding.
- Apply cold compression or cold sitz bath to reduce the inflammation and to stop the bleeding.
If per rectal bleeding persists and the following symptoms develop: palpitation, dizziness, faintness and cold hands and/or feet, an immediate medical attention must be obtained.
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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 psyllium , or a stool softener, such as methylcellulose , can help prevent constipation.
Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
Warm Bath With Epsom Salt
Warm baths can help soothe irritation from hemorrhoids. Try using a sitz bath a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat so you can just immerse the affected area or take a bath in a tub, if you can.
Try a warm bath or a sitz bath for 20 minutes after each bowel movement. Adding Epsom salt to the bath can provide further relief by reducing pain.
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Dont Hold It When Youve Got To Go
Many of us hold our bowel movementsif were stuck in traffic, trying to finish a work project, or its just an inopportune moment. However, if you have the urge to go, dont fight gravity, just find a washroom and go!
Research from the Cleveland Clinic shows that holding in a bowel movement for excessive periods can cause stool to dry up and harden in the bowel as the intestines leech water away.
How To Treat Internal And External Hemorrhoids
- How to Treat Internal and External Hemorrhoids
There are some medical conditions we go through in life that we dont mind sharing about with our family and friends, like having a cavity, a migraine, or even being a little gassy . There are others, though, where the mere thought of this condition and where it brings the suffering incites enormous amounts of embarrassment and ultimately silence from the afflicted. In reality, though, these painful little guys are much more common than we think. Why would we know that when no one talks about them? Well, thats a great point, and we wouldnt. But, and no pun intended, chances are youve had one , and if you havent, statistics show that youll perform a google search – standing up – at some point in your life in search of how to deal with and treat hemorrhoids.
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What Is A Hemorrhoidectomy
A hemorrhoidectomy is a medical procedure that treats severe cases of hemorrhoids by surgical removal. Hemorrhoid surgery is one of the most effective forms of treatment for hemorrhoids that are particularly painful and unresponsive to less invasive methods of therapy.
The purpose of a hemorrhoidectomy is to make a hemorrhoid shrink or disappear, which can be accomplished through a variety of techniques.
The following are the main types of surgical procedures used to remove hemorrhoids:
Why Do Hemorrhoids Bleed
Even though internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids are all slightly different, one of the commonalities between them is possible bleeding as a symptom. Bleeding can occur for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is due to straining during a bowel movement when swollen, inflamed hemorrhoids are subjected to excessive straining, the surface of the hemorrhoid can become damaged and start to bleed. This can also happen when a person is constipated and has dry, hard stools. Because of pressure from pooling blood, thrombosed hemorrhoids can actually burst and cause significant bleeding as well.
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Prevention Of Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can’t always be prevented, but practicing the measures used to treat existing hemorrhoids may also prevent them, or stop them from getting worse. These include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic liquids
- Avoiding straining, such as during a bowel movement or heavy lifting
- Avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods
- Using the toilet as soon as you feel the urge
- Establishing a regular bowel routine, such as using the toilet at the same time each day
- Using a pillow to avoid sitting on hard surfaces
- Exercising regularly to stimulate bowel movement
Prevention Of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
- Avoid the excessive strain during the motion.
- Avoid prolonged sitting in the toilet.
- Drink plenty of water of at least 8-10 glasses per day.
- Consume high-fiber diet fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Seek for medical attention whenever needed.
A ruptured hemorrhoid may lead to severe blood loss, resulting in serious complications which require an emergency. Accurate and timely diagnosis to role out other conditions is the key enabling an effective treatment. Due to advances in the surgical techniques and technologies, the new treatments have continuously emerged, allowing the patients to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes with minimal discomfort, less post-operative complications, rapid recovery, quickly return to the normal daily activities and less recurrences.
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How Are Haemorrhoids Treated
Mild symptoms may go away after a few days without any special treatment. In most cases your doctor will recommend measures to relieve constipation if you have it.
If your haemorrhoids are causing you pain or discomfort, ask your doctor or chemist about medicated creams or ointments that may ease your symptoms.
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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Is Bleeding Normal With Hemorrhoids
First, any sort of bleeding that occurs from the rectum, while statistically likely from hemorrhoids, should be reported to a doctor.
However, because hemorrhoids are incredibly common among adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic constipation problems, rectal bleeding is found to be a typical symptom of this anorectal condition.
Ultimately, yes, bleeding is normal, but a medical professional should still check you outjust in case.
Getting Restful Sleep Without Triggering Hemorrhoid Pain
Depending on your preferred sleeping position, your hemorrhoid pain can make it difficult for you to get a good nights rest. In addition to clean cotton underwear and loose-fitting pajamas, we recommend you sleep on your stomach to reduce and place a pillow under your hips to prevent yourself from rolling over onto your back.
A full-body sitz bath right before bed may also ease discomfort, help you feel more relaxed, and make it easier for you to fall asleep. In addition, reading or listening to soothing music may take your mind off your hemorrhoids and your discomfort, which may help you get to sleep faster.
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When Should The Patient See A Surgeon
Most of the time, hemorrhoidal disease will respond to conservative measures as long as the patient complies with the prescribed regimen. Surgical intervention for hemorrhoids is less frequently undertaken today than in the past.
Surgery can be considered in patients with incarcerated and gangrenous hemorrhoids , acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoids, or recurrent or chronic symptomatic external hemorrhoids in those in whom conservative management, rubber-band ligation, or both failed and in those who have heavy bleeding with anemia. Surgery can be considered also for some patients taking anticoagulants over the long term who have bleeding hemorrhoids refractory to medical therapy. Surgery in this latter group can relieve the problem with one intervention, alleviating the need to disrupt anticoagulation multiple times for several sessions of rubber-band ligation.
When Do I Need To See A Health Care Provider For Hemorrhoids
You should see your health care provider if you:
- Still have symptoms after 1 week of at-home treatment
- Have bleeding from your rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but other conditions can also cause bleeding. They include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and . So it’s important to see your provider to find the cause of the bleeding.
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About Author: David Pruitt
David Pruitt is a writer for the Marketing & Communications division of OSF HealthCare. He has a bachelors of journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and worked as a reporter before joining OSF HealthCare in 2014. An avid golfer and fisherman, David was born and raised Alton, Illinois, which is where he currently resides with his son, James.
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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A Quick Cure For Hemorrhoids With Horse Chestnut
Last on our list of fast remedies for hemorrhoids is horse chestnut, a traditional solution with proven effectiveness in reducing skins irritation and inflammation, strengthening blood vessels walls and relieving swelling and pain caused by piles.
Usually used in the form of capsules but also available as tea, this natural cure is generally free of side effects, so you can get the plant from any over-the-counter store without requiring medical prescription. However, make sure to use the products as indicated on labels, as improper use may lead to mild bruising, liver and kidney damage and bleeding.
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Take To Heal
For many people, hemorrhoids last and last. Ongoing pain is especially common for people over age 50. For many people, hemorrhoidal pain returns years after treatment, and for many others the condition comes and goes, becoming more common over time.
Do Hemorrhoids Ever Go Away on Their Own?
Sometimes they do. Smaller hemorrhoids are apt to go away in just a few days. Itâs a good idea during this time to avoid further irritating your rectal area by keeping the area as clean as you can.
How Can You Make Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Tougher cases of hemorrhoids may not go away on their own. After trying home remedies and over-the-counter options without success, you will need to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
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