Effective External Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
If at-home treatments arent enough to soothe your recurring symptoms and you are tired of dealing with external hemorrhoids, it might be time to consider a professional treatment option. While usually longer-lasting than other types of treatments, many of these options have their own complications to consider.
Here are three of the most common, but invasive, hemorrhoid treatment options:
Can A Hemorrhoid Fall Through The Rectum
In more severe cases of hemorrhoidal prolapse, sometimes the entire column of hemorrhoids can fall into the rectum. Surgery and treatment with rubber bands are often required in the upper classes. If you have internal hemorrhoids, don’t try to “empty” them. These types of hemorrhoids do not require drainage.
What Causes Chronic Hemorrhoids
Chronic hemorrhoids are those that are reoccurring and have trouble subsiding when at-home remedies and treatment methods are applied.
People with chronic hemorrhoids are typically older because with age, the cushioning tissue in the lower rectal and anal region begins to weaken, and the veins are more susceptible to swelling.
Chronic hemorrhoids are also caused by chronic constipation.
The constant straining and stress on these veins can lead to hemorrhoids, which is why doctors often recommend more fiber to help with the prevention of both conditions.
For sufferers of chronic hemorrhoids, surgeries and other minimally invasive treatment options are widely available
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How Do You Know If You Have A Hemorrhoid Or Something Else
Any new rectal bleeding or heavy rectal bleeding, especially in someone over age 40, should be evaluated.Hemorrhoid symptoms may include finding bright red blood on your toilet paper or seeing blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. Other common symptoms include rectal pain, pressure, burning, and itching.
Can Diarrhea Cause Hemorrhoids To Flare Up
Yes, as we have covered before, anything other than normal stools can cause hemorrhoids to become inflamed.
You might be able to skate by with just a bout of diarrhea, but if you are experiencing diarrhea chronically, then you will likely see a hemorrhoid flare-up soon after.
Frequent diarrhea leads to equally frequent wiping, sitting on the toilet, and stress on your lower rectum, all of which can easily cause a hemorrhoid flare-up. When hemorrhoids are concerned, these are all considered to be poor toilet habits.
And if you don’t have food poisoning or some stomach bug, you will want to ask your doctor what could be causing your irritable bowel. By finding the source of your diarrhea, you are a step closer to a regular bowel and an end to your hemorrhoid flare-up.
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Self Help Tips For Relieving Stress
If youre wondering if stress can cause hemorrhoids, then you may have already ruled out pregnancy, obesity or something else as the cause of your problem.
Lets think of stress-related hemorrhoids like the beast they are. Imagine a castle warding off an attack from a fire-breathing dragon . Your body is the castle, the stress in your life is the dragon, and your hemorrhoids are the burn of the dragons fiery breath.
Well, whats our plan of action? We could shore up our defenses, reinforcing our castle wall to stop the dragons breath from hurting us, but itd be best if we just went direct and lobbed the head off the dragon!
This is like whats going on with hemorrhoids, stress, and your burned-out bum. Instead of constantly reinforcing the castle , we should do all we can to get rid of the dragon .
Lets go straight to the source and learn some tips for relieving stress.
How Do You Calm A Hemorrhoid Flare Up
Here are six self-help tips to ease hemorrhoid pain and promote healing:
Home remedies can make them more tolerable.
- Witch hazel. Witch hazel can reduce both itching and pain, two main symptoms of hemorrhoids.
- Aloe vera.
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Why Do I Get Hemorrhoids
Have you heard that hemorrhoids are caused by sitting on a cold, wet surface? Or that you got them because you ate too much spicy food? Or that its a condition only older populations have to worry about? False, false and false again, Schmaing says.
The truth is that the exact method of hemorrhoid formation is unknown, she explains.
All that said, the experts do have some pretty good hunches about what may be triggering your latest flare-up. The most likely causes are increased pressure in your abdomen and pelvis, as well as a natural weakening of the body tissue surrounding your veins, which allows them to bulge.
Thats why hemorrhoids often occur in pregnant women, people who lift heavy objects like weightlifters and those who repeatedly push or strain to do their business, often due to constipation or diarrhea.
It also explains why many people think that piles are only a concern as you age. While its most common between the ages of 45 and 65, unfortunately, the reality is that you can get hemorrhoids at any age.
Even though what you eat or dont eat doesnt directly cause hemorrhoids, your diet can also play a huge role. For example, if you dont consume enough water or fiber, youre more likely to become constipated. With all that increased straining, well, you see how this all flushes out.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Seeing blood in your toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but its one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Other symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement
- Itching in the anal area
- Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus
If you experience any of these hemorrhoid symptoms, avoid excess straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus, which can make irritation and itching worse, and can even lead to bleeding. In addition, try to pat the area dry instead of wiping it.
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What Causes Hemorrhoids To Swell
Hemorrhoids form because they become swollen and enlargedso what causes the swelling in the first place?
Hemorrhoids are veins in the lower rectum and anal region and they are sensitive to bowel movements and the regularity of your colon.
Things like constipation, hard stools, sitting for a long time, and anything that adds more pressure to these veins cause them to swell.
The disruption of the blood flow from any of these factors will lead to the swelling of the veins.
The blood vessels in the lower rectal and anal area swell when they experience more pressure than they can handle.
Treatment For Hemorrhoid Flares
If these preventive measures fail, you must take action right away! Hemorrhoids are one condition that can be mild in the morning and become intolerable by nightfall.
Most hemorrhoidal flares take several weeks to calm down. These hemorrhoids treatment suggestions can help:
Warm soaks. This helps more than any topical medication. Use up to 8 times a day. Usually sitz baths or sitting in a warm bathtub helps. Sitting on moist warm towels is helpful. Switching to ice packs/cool compresses can be helpful.
Normalize your bowels. Extremes of diarrhea or constipation will make hemorrhoids worse. One soft bowel movement a day is the goal. Fiber can help get your bowels regular.
Wet wipes instead of toilet paper.
Pain control with a NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen or acetaminophen . Narcotics are constipating and should be minimized if possible.
Topical creams contain steroids or local anesthetic can help make pain and itching more tolerable.
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Can High Blood Pressure Cause Hemorrhoids
While high blood pressure alone wont cause hemorrhoids, having high blood pressure can put you at risk for developing the painful, embarrassing condition.
For those who have high blood pressure, blood pumps forcefully against artery walls.
Over time, those walls weaken, and can lead to a wide range of health problems including heart disease.
One lesser but not insignificant risk factor is hemorrhoids, because the weakened artery walls are more likely to swell if put under pressure due to other risk factors.
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:
- Soft lumps that appear in bunches around the anus.
- A hard, red lump protruding from the outside of the anal area.
- 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.
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How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home
While a case of the piles can disappear as quickly and randomly as it popped up, there are a few home remedies you can try to prevent future occurrences or help move things along if youre currently dealing with a flare-up.
For starters, put away your phone. If youre among the 75% of Americans who admit to using their phones while on the toilet, heed this warning: Your habit of scrolling through your social media feed while on the can may prolong your pushing and straining when you go number two. Its better to do your business and then be on your way.
Another preventive measure is to up your water intake and increase your fiber to keep your plumbing working properly. If youre really constipated, you can consider an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener as well.
For uncomfortable hemorrhoids, Schmaing suggests pain-relieving creams, witch hazel, warm sitz baths or moist towelettes to help soothe the affected area.
If these treatments are ineffective, a healthcare provider may be able to prescribe other creams or medications, she adds.
Foods To Avoid With Hemorrhoids
Any foods that have the ability to scrape or irritate your hemorrhoids on the way out is a problem. Nuts, seeds, corn, and popcorn in your stool can physically scrape inflamed hemorrhoids as you go to the bathroom, so you want to avoid these when youre experiencing a flare up.
You also want to avoid food that causes hemorrhoids to swell, which includes foods with spices like hot sauces, ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish, onion, garlic, and salami. Really, anything youd normally want to put on a hot dog or a pizza should be avoided when you have an active hemorrhoid inflammation.
Additionally, you likely want to avoid cruciferous vegetables and gassy foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. These foods are not necessarily a problem for people with hemorrhoids, but if you have abdominal disorders that trigger diarrhea or other problems that can lead to hemorrhoids, avoid these foods.
Here are specific foods that irritate hemorrhoids:
- Highly processed meats
- Dairy and cheese if youre sensitive to these
- Nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn
- Spicy foods and hot sauces
- Pickles, relish, ketchup, mustard
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Some Home Cures And Remedies For Hemorrhoids
In many cases, proper medicinal treatment needs to be followed in order to cure hemorrhoids. However, small hemorrhoids can be cured by following the below-listed things:
- Eating a fiber-rich diet, including vegetables and fruits
- Application of certain cream in the affected area, after consultation with a doctor
- Soak yourself regularly in warm water for at least 10 minutes
- Take normal pain reliever tablets, if the pain goes in extreme and then consult a doctor
- Avoid eating fast food, cheese, chips, frozen or processed food, because it tends to increase the existing hemorrhoids into severe ones
If your hemorrhoids are leaving you in utter distress and discomfort for a long time, then it is better to consult a doctor. Home remedies can cure hemorrhoids if it is been recognized at the start. However, do not hesitate to visit a doctor, if your situation worsens or you feel the need to consult one. Hemorrhoids are curable and with the proper care and treatment, they can go away. All you need to do is take proper food that is recommended and avoid the ones which can cause more trouble!
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Classification Of Internal Hemorrhoids:
- Grade 1 – A hemorrhoid is present but only visualized by a doctor with ansocopy or colonoscopy. The hemorrhoid does not extend out the anus.
- Grade 2 – The hemorrhoid extends out of the anus with a bowel movement or with straining. After your BM, the hemorrhoid goes back inside on its own.
- Grade 3 – The hemorrhoid extends out of the anus with a bowel movement or with straining. You have to manually push the hemorrhoid back inside the anus. If you have this, you should seek medical attention, but it is not urgent.
- Grade 4 – A hemorrhoid extends outside the anus and are not able to be manually pushed back inside. If you have this seek medical attention immediately. There are significant potential complications.
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Can Frequent Diarrhea Cause Hemorrhoids
In the same way that constipation can put pressure on the blood vessels of the anus, causing weakened vessels to swell into hemorrhoids, diarrhea can also cause irritation of the anal area, triggering hemorrhoids.
Chronic diarrhea resulting in hemorrhoids is often associated with itching hemorrhoids.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Internal Or Prolapsed Hemorrhoid
Most often, internal hemorrhoids have no symptoms but are only found if there is bleeding with a bowel movement or if the hemorrhoid prolapses so that it can be felt outside of the anus. This may lead to itching and pain as well as the bleeding.
Prolapse of an internal hemorrhoid occurs when the internal hemorrhoids swell and extend from their location in the rectum through the anus. A prolapsed internal hemorrhoid:
- Can be felt as a lump outside the anus
- Can be gently pushed back through the anus, this may resolve the location of the hemorrhoid, but does not fix the hemorrhoid itself
- May enlarge and swell even more if it cannot be pushed back
- May become entrapped, which requires more urgent medical attention
Hemorrhoids may also cause anal itching , and a constant feeling of needing to have a bowel movement .
Internal hemorrhoid severity can be graded:
- Grade I: Prominent blood vessels with no prolapse
- Grade II: Prolapse with bearing down but with spontaneous reduction
- Grade III: Prolapse with bearing down but requiring manual reduction
- Grade IV: Prolapse with inability to manual reduction
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So What Really Causes Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are caused when weakened blood vessels that carry blood to and from the anus and surrounding tissue becomes weakened and damaged, leading to swelling.
Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and while internal hemorrhoids have minimal symptoms unless prolapsed, the swelling of external hemorrhoids can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, itching and burning.
Hemorrhoids are more common with age, because as we grow older, we produce less collagen, the protein that makes up the structural walls of blood vessels.
Because blood vessels become weaker, hemorrhoids are generally caused by anything that puts pressure on those vessels, including:
- constipation
There are many different hemorrhoid treatment options to choose from.
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.
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What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
When we think about what causes hemorrhoids, the factors are usually some kind of pressure, stress, or strain on the veins in the lower region of our rectum and anal canal.
It makes sense that many pregnant women experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur often during pregnancies due to the enlarged uterus putting additional pressure on the veins.
In the later trimesters of pregnancies, women will experience swollen and enlarged hemorrhoids more often because the uterus at that stage is much larger than normal.
Hemorrhoids also occur during labor because of the amount of pushing and straining that happens when delivering the baby.
What Can Cause Hemorrhoids To Flare Up
First and foremost, hemorrhoids are considered part of the normal human anatomy and there is no single cause of abnormal hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids become a problem when veins along the wall of the rectum swell up, usually from excess pressure during stubborn bowel movements, heavy lifting or extra weight on your backside from obesity or pregnancy.
Signs of abnormal hemorrhoids include anal discomfort or a small amount of blood on toilet tissue. To know why stress can cause hemorrhoid problems, you may be surprised to learn that such acute symptoms are the ultimate result of such a wide-ranging cause.
The veins in the anal area are sensitive to changes in pressure, and there are many different causes and secondary effects of bodily changes that lead to hemorrhoids. A diet low in fiber, for example, can cause constipation. Difficult bowel movements as a result of constipation put a lot of pressure on the anal area, causing hemorrhoids.
Here is a short list of the most common hemorrhoid causing issues:
- Low fiber diet
- Excess pressure from constipation or otherwise difficult bowel movements
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Activities or exercise which places excessive pressure on the hemorrhoid vessels such as heavy lifting, squats, and weightlifting
- Stress
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