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.
What Causes Internal And External Hemorrhoids And Simple Ways To Treat Them
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, or straining during bowel movements. By midlife, hemorrhoids often become an ongoing complaint. By age 50, about half the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse . Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a recurrent and painful intrusion. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do about hemorrhoids.
What Are Possible Complications Of Piles
A possible complication of piles that hang down is that they can ‘strangulate’. This means that the blood supply to the pile has been cut off. A blood clot can form within the pile. This causes really severe pain if it occurs. The pain usually reaches a peak after 48-72 hours and then gradually goes away over 7-10 days.
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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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Understanding And Examining Hemorrhoids
Who Removes Hemorrhoids Treatment
Treating enlarged hemorrhoids is important, because they tend to get worse over time. Hemorrhoids are treated with a variety of measures including diet, over-the-counter medicine like
- anti-inflammatory pain killers,
and various treatment options are available, like
- sclerotherapy,
- surgery.
Who Removes Hemorrhoids?
Most hemorrhoid complaints begin with a trip to a family doctor. Your doctor will then refer you to a specialist: either a gastroenterologist or a proctologist . Proctologists specialize in surgical treatments, while gastroenterologists are experts in digestive diseases.
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What To Do For Severe Hemorrhoid Pain
When you have severe hemorrhoid pain, over the counter options don’t seem to cut it.
For immediate relief, sitz baths are one of the most recommended and useful options to treat hemorrhoids and relieve pain.
This warm bath submerges the rectal area that consists of the painful external hemorrhoids and can reduce inflammation and offer relief.
You can use a sitz bath multiple times throughout the day, soaking for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Use a hemorrhoid cushion to help with the pain when sitting on hard surfaces, and lubricate your external hemorrhoids to prevent friction and pain with creams that have soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients.
If your pain is so severe that it is hindering your lifestyle, make an appointment with your doctor about other treatment options.
How To Deal With Piles At Home
When you are under pressure at work and even at home, you will turn to your comfort foods. They dont keep you satiated for long, and they certainly do not contain enough fiber for healthy digestion. Constipation will worsen your hemorrhoids, and you will do anything to get rid of them. Thankfully, numerous natural remedies will reduce the discomfort.
Apply aloe vera gel, lemon juice, olive oil, or almond oil to overcome the emotional toll of hemorrhoids. Remember that high stress affects you on multiple levels, and do a lot more harm than aggravating hemorrhoids.
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How To Get Rid Of Piles
Banding treatmentBanding is the most commonly used piles treatment, especially for grade 2 and 3 piles. It may also be done to treat grade 1 piles which have not settled with the simple advice and treatment outlined above.
This procedure is usually done by a surgeon in an outpatient clinic. A haemorrhoid is grasped by the surgeon with forceps or a suction device. A rubber band is then placed at the base of the haemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid which then dies and drops off after a few days. The tissue at the base of the haemorrhoid heals with some scar tissue.
Banding of internal piles is usually painless, as the base of the haemorrhoid originates above the anal opening in the very last part of the gut where the gut lining is not sensitive to pain.
In about 8 in 10 cases, the piles are cured by this technique. In about 2 in 10 cases, the piles come back at some stage. Piles are less likely to come back after banding if you do not become constipated and do not strain on the toilet .
A small number of people have complications following banding, such as bleeding, infection or ulcers forming at the site of a treated haemorrhoid, or urinary problems.
Injection sclerotherapyPhenol in oil is injected into the tissues at the base of the piles. This causes a scarring reaction which obliterates the blood vessels going to the piles. The piles then die and drop off, similar to after banding.
What Makes Piles More Likely
There are certain situations that increase the chance of piles developing:
- Constipation, passing large stools , and straining at the toilet. These increase the pressure in and around the veins in the anus and seem to be a common reason for piles to develop.
- Being overweight. This increases your risk of developing piles.
- Pregnancy. Piles are common during pregnancy. This is probably due to pressure effects of the baby lying above the rectum and anus, and also the affect that the change in hormones during pregnancy can have on the veins. Piles occurring during pregnancy often go away after the birth of the child.
- Ageing. The tissues in the lining of the anus may become less supportive as we become older.
- Hereditary factors. Some people may inherit a weakness of the wall of the veins in the anal region.
- Other possible causes of piles include heavy lifting or a persistent cough.
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Home Remedies For Severe Hemorrhoids
At-home remedies are available to relieve symptoms.
My favorite at home remedies for severe hemorrhoids are:
Sitz baths are recommended to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, and creams and wipes are available as an over the counter method for hemorrhoid relief as well.
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.
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Bleeding Hemorrhoid Tests / Examinations
Out Cancer and Other Nasties Rectal bleeding may be due to bleeding hemroids or to serious conditions such as colorectal, colon and anal cancer or even to typhoid fever. Bleeding should NOT ascribed to bleeding internal hemroids until after the doctors anorectal examination.
The anorectal examination is frequently performed by the doctor stretching you anal canal open and looking in uncomfortable, not normally painful. Based on what he sees and your presenting symptoms he may suggest a sigmoidoscopy, which involves inserting a narrow tube about 25 inches or 65 cm up the anal canal that allows the doctor to visually inspect the inside of the rectum. If acolonoscopy appears required, the narrow tube goes up a long long way.
Only these types of medical examinations can rule out most of the other nasties that may imitate bleeding internal hemroids.
Of course if it is bleeding external hemroids, the doctor will be able to make that diagnosis pretty much there and then by just looking at them.
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
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Treatment For Bleeding Hemorrhoids
As said, when the surface of hemorrhoids is damaged, either due to rupture with hard stools or due to any other reason, they start bleeding. Usually, piles resolve on their own but most of them will need treatment to get them removed and to stop recurrence of piles. In any case, seeing a doctor is very important if you notice any streaks on stools or bleeding near the anus. There could be several other reasons other than piles that can cause bleeding.
Medicines For Treating Piles
Theres a range of medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms of piles. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions.
- If youre passing hard poo, a fibre supplement such as ispaghula husk or mild laxative such as lactulose will soften it.
- Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, may help to ease any pain from piles. Dont take painkillers that have an opioid in them , as these could make you constipated and add to your problems.
- Soothing creams, ointments and suppositories may ease any pain and itchiness from piles. There are lots of different products available over the counter. Some contain a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine. Only use these for a few days as they may affect the sensitivity of your skin ask your pharmacist for more information.
- Products that contain corticosteroids, such as Anusol HC and Proctosedyl, may reduce swelling and pain. Dont use these for more than a week as they can damage the skin around your anus. Most are available over the counter and others on prescription.
It can sometimes take up to a month for self-help measures and medicines to work. If your symptoms dont improve after this time, contact your GP. They may refer you to a specialist.
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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.
What Are The Types Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can happen inside or outside the rectum. The type depends on where the swollen vein develops. Types include:
- External: Swollen veins form underneath the skin around the anus. Your anus is the canal where poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Occasionally, they bleed. Sometimes they fill with blood that can clot. This is not dangerous, but can result in pain and swelling.
- Internal: Swollen veins form inside the rectum. Your rectum is the part of the digestive system that connects the colon to the anus. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed, but they usually arent painful.
- Prolapsed: Both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.
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Do Bleeding Hemorrhoids Require Treatment
Anyone who has ever suffered from either internal or external hemorrhoids can attest to the fact that they are extremely painful, can easily lead to bleeding, and will definitely affect your daily life until you figure out how to stop bleeding hemorrhoids.
Although you are probably reading this in search of a bleeding hemorrhoid treatment it is imperative to first understand the cause and effect of hemorrhoids before finding out how to stop their bleeding.
There are two varieties of bleeding piles that can occur and those are internal and external ones.
Internal bleeding hemorrhoids most likely will not be accompanied by pain and are generally discovered after noticing bloody stool in multiple bowel movements.
External bleeding hemorrhoids are easier to discover as they are quite painful and can bleed rather frequently. This type of piles can be caused by numerous things ranging from poor diet, excessive sitting, pregnancy, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption or weak blood vessels and capillaries among other things.
The hemorrhoids that bleed can drastically affect your daily life and ability to accomplish seemingly innocuous tasks such as sitting, running, or walking and due to the extreme pain that can accompany them they can be a burdensome ailment to experience.
Bleeding Hemorrhoid RISKS / SIDE EFFECTS
When To See A Doctor
Its best to contact a doctor if youre noticing blood. While it could be due to a hemorrhoid, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colorectal cancer.
A doctor will likely start by confirming that hemorrhoids are the source of the blood youve noticed. To do this, theyll either examine the area for external hemorrhoids or insert a gloved finger to check for internal hemorrhoids.
If its still not clear where the bloods coming from, they may recommend a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a small, lighted camera into your colon while you are sedated. This will help them check for any signs of other conditions that could be causing the bleeding.
Make sure to tell them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
- dizziness
You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
However, while primary care doctors can usually provide treatment for hemorrhoids, you may need to visit a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon if you have severe hemorrhoids or experience any complications.
Gastroenterologists specialize in the treatment of conditions that affect the digestive tract, including hemorrhoids. They can perform colonoscopies and other procedures, such as rubber band ligation.
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