Whom Do Hemorrhoids Affect
Although most people think hemorrhoids are abnormal, almost everyone has them. Hemorrhoids help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids cause problems and can be considered abnormal or a disease only when the hemorrhoidal clumps of vessels enlarge.
Hemorrhoids occur in almost everyone, and an estimated 75% of people will experience enlarged hemorrhoids at some point. However only about 4% will go to a doctor because of hemorrhoid problems. Hemorrhoids that cause problems are found equally in men and women, and their prevalence peaks between 45 and 65 years of age.
Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented Or Avoided
Just about everyone has hemorrhoids at some time. But some things may make you more likely to get them. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them. Pregnant women often get hemorrhoids because of the strain from carrying the baby and from giving birth. Being very overweight or standing or lifting too much can make hemorrhoids worse.
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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Care After Hemorrhoid Surgery
Pain is the most common complaint, especially when youre pooping. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, if your doctor says its OK. Soaking in a warm bath may help, too.
Stool softeners can make it easier to poop.
Risks
Its very common and is considered safe. However, any surgery has some risks including:
- Bleeding
- Reaction to anesthesia
You might have some trouble peeing afterward because of swelling or muscle spasms.
If your anal sphincter gets damaged during surgery, you could have accidental bowel or gas leaks, a condition called fecal incontinence.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your parents, had them.
Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from:
- Pushing during bowel movements
- Anal sex
People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at greater risk, too.
You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesn’t clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse.
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What Should I Eat If I Have Hemorrhoids Diet
Individuals with hemorrhoids should soften their stools by increasing the fiber in their diets.
Fiber is found in numerous foods, including
- fresh and dried fruits,
- whole grains, and
- cereals.
In general, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, whereas the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Fiber supplements, like psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil, also may be used to increase the intake of fiber.
Stool softeners and increased drinking of liquids also may be recommended, as well as bulk-forming laxatives. Nevertheless, the benefits of fiber, liquids, and stool softeners have not been well-tested with respect to hemorrhoidal control in scientific studies.
What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like On A Woman
Hemorrhoids do not look any different on women than they do on men.
External hemorrhoids are still flesh-colored sacs of inflamed blood vessels, some darker than others.
This cluster of lumps forms around the anal opening and can range in size, from grape-sized to the size of a golf ball.
The skin stretches tightly over the most inflamed and irritated part of the hemorrhoids and can become loose near the outer region.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid appears bluish or purple, signifying the blood trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
When burst open, thrombosed hemorrhoids can be an intense red with visible bleeding.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be flesh-colored or various shades of red, usually coated in mucous or other body fluids.
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What To Do If You Have Hemorrhoids
If you see blood stain in your stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet tissue that you had used to cleanse your anus after defecation, it is a typical sign of hemorrhoid flare up.
Hemorrhoids can be awful painful and it can vary in size from a small swelling around the anus up to grape size soft cells that stick out from the anus. If your hemorrhoid is in severe cases, bleeding might take place during any bowel release.
Fortunately, surgery is not the solely solution for your piles distress. You could opt for some natural remedies to have that annoying, painful hemorrhoids addressed easily from home, without having doctors to expose your anus right in front of doctor
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Rachael Schultz is a freelance writer with a focus in health and nutrition. Her articles have appeared on a handful of other Health sites, and she has a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She specializes in breaking down science and medical jargon into digestible information.
Additional reporting to this story by Marlene Lenthang
As a health writer, knows just how important it is to find the right product for your body and mind. Over the years she has written about health crises, vaccines and product guides. She takes careful note of doctor recommendations, medical research and customer reviews in every product review to assure readers can choose quality products and understand the science behind them.
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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.
What Does A Hemorrhoid Look Like When It Falls Off
Since the hemorrhoid will shrink and dry up, you likely wont notice it when it leaves your body, usually during a bowel movement. You may see the rubber band in the toilet, although its only a few millimeters wide. Typically, patients do not notice anything when the hemorrhoid falls off other than minor bleeding with their bowel movement.
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Can A Hemorrhoid Fall Off By Itself
A hemorrhoid will not fall off by itself. While the symptoms of small hemorrhoids may temporarily subside without treatment, the hemorrhoids can come back. Usually, if a hemorrhoid has progressed to cause noticeable symptoms, it wont fall off or go away on its own. If you have hemorrhoid symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor and determine the right treatment for your condition.
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 anal cancer. So it’s important to see your provider to find the cause of the bleeding.
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How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.
Office treatments include the following:
- Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedureyou should never try this treatment yourself.
- Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:
Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.
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.
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Are There Different Types Of Hemorrhoids
Yes, hemorrhoids can be classified as internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids are small, swollen veins inside the rectum. Theyre not visible but straining during bowl movements can cause them to bleed. In that case, you may notice bright red streaked stool or tiny amount of blood on your toilet paper.
There are cases where internal hemorrhoids bulge out as well. This happens when excessive strain pushes them out through the anal opening. These prolapsed hemorrhoids are painful, tender, and may cause mild to severe discomfort.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are present under the skin around the anus and if irritated, can cause bleeding. Sometimes, a hard lump can also form if blood accumulates in the external hemorrhoid. This inflamed, painful lump is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
If youd prefer to avoid medication, or youd like to complement your treatment with at-home remedies, here are some ways you can alleviate your hemorrhoids at home:
- Sitz baths: A regular sitz bath can relieve itching and irritation. Fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel afterwards. For an extra soothing effect, try adding Epsom salts to the bath.
- Fiber supplements: These reduce hemorrhoid bleeding, inflammation, and enlargement by drawing water into your stool to make it easier to pass. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or a generic equivalent, is a good choice, although psyllium may cause gas or bloating. In that case, try a supplement containing wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
- Cold compress: Applying ice packs to the anus for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling and reduce discomfort. To avoid ice burns always place ice in a cloth or paper towel, and never apply it directly to the skin.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has been used in many cultures for centuries to treat hemorrhoids due to its believed anti-inflammatory properties. Given the sensitivity of the area, only use pure aloe vera to treat hemorrhoids, and perform a patch test 24-48 hours on your inner wrist prior to application to check there is no allergic reaction.
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Chapter : What To Expect With Hemorrhoid Banding
In general, hemorrhoid banding is a quick, safe and simple procedure that rarely causes serious complications. You can expect to recover quickly from hemorrhoid banding and continue with your usual routine. However, your experience will depend on the technique your doctor uses.
If your doctor performs hemorrhoid banding using the CRH ORegan system, you can return to work immediately after the procedure as long as your job does not involve strenuous activity. The CRH ORegan System does not require preparation or sedation and takes very little time, so you can easily fit it into your schedule.
In this chapter, well discuss how you what you can to expect during and after any hemorrhoid banding procedure, including side effects and recovery time. If you have questions along the way, please use our directory to find and contact a local CRH ORegan physician.
What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like When They Fall Out
Internal hemorrhoids can get to the stage where they become prolapsed. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that become so big that they bulge outside of the opening of the anus.
So, if your hemorrhoid has fallen out, you have an internal prolapsed hemorrhoid.
When you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid, you will notice a moist bump that is pinker than the surrounding area. What does a prolapse look like? This is a picture of a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids usually go back on their own, but some can be gently pushed back into place.
Internal hemorrhoids are generally divided into one of four stages. The more serious the stage of the internal hemorrhoid is, the more likely it is to be seen. Stage one internal hemorrhoids are not seen externally.
Although they cause some hemorrhoid bleeding, they will not push out of the opening of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids at stage 2 begin to prolapse.
Although they might be seen on the outside of the opening of the anus, they generally retract back into the rectal cavity on their own.
Stage 3 internal hemorrhoids have prolapsed externally and often require at-home or physician treatment.
The most serious internal hemorrhoids, stage 4, protrude out of the opening of the anus and are likely to become thrombosed.
Prolapses can often be the result of the combination of hemorrhoids and pregnancy, when there is a big increase in the pressure surrounding the veins in the anal canal.
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How Do Foods Influence Hemorrhoids Diet
Diet is believed to have a big impact in causingand preventinghemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people who prefer a diet high in processed foods face a higher hemorrhoid risk.
A low-fiber diet can leave you constipated, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two way. For one, it promotes straining on the toilet. It also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.
When To Call A Doctor About Hemorrhoids
If youve never had hemorrhoids, but all of a sudden you experience discomfort, it may well be related to something else. If discomfort is accompanied by itching and youve recently returned from a trip abroad, for example, you might have parasites. You will need medical treatment to get rid of them. Bleeding from the rectum always warrants a trip to the doctor, says Leff. Hemorrhoids can never become cancer, but hemorrhoids can bleed and cancer can bleed. At other times, an enlarged vein in your anus can clot, creating a big, blue, swollen, hard area thats very painful. In most cases, your doctor can easily extract the clot.
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How Are External Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Because many of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can also be caused by other conditions, it is necessary to have an in-depth exam. Your doctor may use a series of tests to confirm the presence of external hemorrhoids near the anus. These tests may include:
- proctoscopy
- anoscopy
Your doctor may begin with a physical exam. In cases of external hemorrhoids, they may be able to see the hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids instead of external hemorrhoids, they may use an anoscopy to examine the inside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can also be seen with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or proctoscopy.
Treat Yourself With An Otc Hemorrhoid Cream
There are many hemorrhoid creams and suppositories on the market, and while they generally will not make your problem disappear, most are designed as local painkillers and can relieve some of the discomfort, says Gathright. Limit their use to 1 week they can cause the skin to get too thin. Choose a hemorrhoid cream like Preparation H over a suppository, says Leff. Suppositories are absolutely useless for external hemorrhoids. Even for internal hemorrhoids, they tend to float too far up the rectum to do much good, he says.
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Are Hemorrhoid Creams Effective
OTC hemorrhoid creams and ointments can be effective for temporarily relieving symptoms, but creams do not make hemorrhoids go away permanently. The effectiveness of hemorrhoid cream can vary with the product used and the individual. Most home remedies and OTC hemorrhoid creams have not been studied for safety or effectiveness for prolonged use, but if used too often or for more than a week, hemorrhoid creams could cause side effects.
How Long Do Hemorrhoid Symptoms Last
If your hemorrhoids are small, your symptoms may clear up in a few days without treatment. You may also need to make simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Some internal hemorrhoids become so enlarged that they stick out of the anus. These are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can take longer to heal and may require treatment from a doctor.
Some women will develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. This is because the increased pressure in your abdomen, especially in the third trimester, may make the veins in your rectum and anus larger.
Pregnancy hormones may also make it more likely for your veins to swell. If you develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, your symptoms may last until you give birth.
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