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.
Dealing With External Hemorrhoids
Pressure on the rectum can lead to an external hemorrhoid. If you develop this problem, its time to treat your rear with extra care for the next few days. If the issue doesnt clear up soon, see a doctor for assistance. To locate an experienced colorectal physician with expertise in treating hemorrhoids, use our online Find a Doctor feature.
As with all medical issues, your physician is the ultimate source as to what procedure best fits your needs. Discuss all options and get a second opinion if you have any doubts. These articles are intended to be a source of general information only.
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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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What Is A Hemorrhoid
A hemorrhoid is essentially an engorged or swollen blood vessel, says Sameet Shah, D.O., a gastroenterologist at Mountainside Medical Group.
Hemorrhoids can be inside or outside your body. With external hemorrhoids, you can see them and they tend to hurt. With internal hemorrhoids, you dont see or feel them, but a symptom might be bleeding during a bowel movement.
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is due to constipation or straining while using the toilet. Women are prone to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after giving birth because of the increased pressure on the pelvic floor and hormonal changes that can lead to constipation. Children and adolescents can also get hemorrhoids.
Are External Hemorrhoids Painful
External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.
They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.
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How Can I Take Care Of Myself
Always tell your healthcare provider when you have rectal bleeding. Although bleeding is often from hemorrhoids, more serious illnesses, such as colon cancer, can also cause bleeding.
Follow these guidelines to help prevent hemorrhoids and to relieve their discomfort:
- Do not strain during bowel movements. The straining makes hemorrhoids swell.
- Follow your high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water. If necessary, take a stool softener, such as Haley’s M-O, psyllium, Metamucil or Citrucel, or mineral oil. Softer stools make it easier to empty the bowels and reduce pressure on the veins.
- Ask your healthcare provider what nonprescription product you should buy to relieve pain and itching. Also, ask about any side effects of any medications prescribed for you.
- Exercise regularly to help prevent constipation.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects when you have hemorrhoids. It may increase the pressure on the veins and make the hemorrhoids worse.
When Is It Time To Seek Medical Care For Hemorrhoids
Drinking more water, eating more fiber, and taking over-the-counter medications may help hemorrhoids to resolve on their own at home. However, often a doctor can help you get effective relief faster than you might on your own. And, in some cases, your symptoms could indicate a condition more serious than hemorrhoids. Thats why its always better to be safe than sorry and get your hemorrhoids evaluated sooner rather than later.
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Laser Treatment For External And Internal Hemorrhoids
Many people suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids, and over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective. It is best to have a doctor examine the area and recommend treatment options. A new procedure that is becoming increasingly popular is laser treatment for external and internal hemorrhoids. This treatment uses laser energy to cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off .
How Are Hemorrhoids Treated
Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on:
- Your age, overall health, and past health
- How serious your case is
- Whether you have internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or both
- How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies
- If your condition is expected to get worse
- What you would like to do
The main goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms. This may be done by:
- Sitting in plain, warm water in a bathtub several times a day
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Using hemorrhoid creams or medicines inserted into your rectum
Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you add more fiber and fluids to your diet to help soften your stools. Having softer stools means you don’t have to strain during bowel movements. This reduces the pressure on your hemorrhoids.
Adding more fiber to your diet means eating more:
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.
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Crh Oregan System: May Help Reduce Symptoms For External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are located in an area that contains nerve endings, which means removing them can be an extremely painful process. Because external hemorrhoids are often mistaken for internal hemorrhoids, it is important to see a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. Nevertheless, it is very rare for someone to have external hemorrhoids without any internal disease. In most cases, many of the symptoms typically associated with external hemorrhoids actually result from internal hemorrhoids. This means treating the internal disease can relieve your symptoms.
While the CRH ORegan System does not treat external hemorrhoids, many patients will see a reduction in external hemorrhoid swelling after undergoing internal banding.
Because external hemorrhoids typically indicate an internal hemorrhoid problem, the CRH ORegan System can painlessly resolve the symptoms of individuals with external hemorrhoids in 90% of cases by banding internal hemorrhoids. This procedure has only a 1% complication rate, involving some pain and bleeding. After addressing the core internal hemorrhoid issue, external hemorrhoid symptoms normally subside.
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Hemorrhoid Remedies You Can Try On Your Own At Home
There are several steps you can take at home to ease the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids:
- Take a sitz bath two to three times daily for 15 to 20 minutes. Sit in warm water, covering just your hips and buttocks. This can help reduce itching and irritation. You can take a sitz bath in a few inches of warm water in a regular tub, but small tubs that fit over toilet seats are also available for this purpose at pharmacies. Following a sitz bath, gently pat the area dry to avoid further irritation.
- Use ice packs on the area to relieve swelling and pain.
- Dont push too hard or strain while passing a bowel movement.
- Keep the area clean by bathing or showering daily with warm water. After bathing, gently pat the area dry. You can even use a hair dryer to dry the area.
- Sit on cushions rather than hard surfaces to help lessen the swelling of hemorrhoids and keep new ones from forming.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin as needed.
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Change In Bowel Habits
With a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid you may develop the sensation that you cant fully evacuate your bowels. You may also notice a mucous discharge or difficulty cleaning yourself following a bowel movement because of displaced toilet tissue.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable but easily treated with medical intervention.
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What Are Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and . Sometimes, the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when you poop. Hemorrhoids are also called piles.
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. They often go away on their own. Treatments can also help.
How Do They Occur
- straining to have a bowel movement when you are constipated
- waiting too long to have a bowel movement
- coughing and sneezing often
- sitting for a long while
Hemorrhoids may also develop from:
- some liver diseases
Flare-ups of hemorrhoids may occur during periods of stress. Some people inherit a tendency to have hemorrhoids.
Pregnant women should try to avoid becoming constipated because they are more likely to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus may press on blood vessels and cause hemorrhoids. Also, the strain of childbirth sometimes causes hemorrhoids after the birth.
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Risk Factors For Hemorrhoids
Several risk factors have been claimed to be the etiologies of hemorrhoid development including aging, obesity, abdominal obesity, depressive mood and pregnancy. Meanwhile, some conditions related to increased intraabdominal pressure, such as constipation and prolonged straining, are widely believed to cause hemorrhoids as a result of compromised venous drainage of hemorrhoid plexus. Some types of food and lifestyle, including low fiber diet, spicy foods and alcohol intake, was reported to link with the development of hemorrhoids and the aggravation of acute hemorrhoid symptoms.
Some People Use Witch Hazel To Treat Hemorrhoids
There are many natural remedies that people use to treat hemorrhoids. Some people have used witch hazel with success. Witch hazel is an astringent which helps shrink swollen tissue and soothes the skin. The alcohol in the witch hazel helps dry up blood and other discharge, which leads to reduced swelling and pain. It also can prevent infection by killing bacteria and other microbes that may be present.
There are many ways to treat hemorrhoids. Some people try topical treatments such as witch hazel. These treatments have a variety of uses and can provide relief for symptoms of hemorrhoids. Witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis virginiana, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It is known for its astringent properties which make it popular in skin care products like soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Some people use witch hazel to treat hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is a nontoxic, natural astringent made from the bark and leaves of the hamamelis virginiana tree. This plant has been used for centuries for a variety of medical purposes, including treating skin conditions like sunburns and spider bites.
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How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Fast
This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 262,255 times.
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.
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External Hemorrhoid Healing Time
For small external hemorrhoids, healing time can be as little as a few days even without treatment.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids have a longer healing time and may require doctor treatment.
Depending on the course of treatment, healing time can be as little as a week or as long as a few months.
For women who experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy, they will usually last until after you give birth.
Because every patient is different, and there are several different types of hemorrhoids, healing time for external hemorrhoids will vary based on specific case and specific individual.
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If You Notice Bleeding Before During Or After Bowel Movements
If you notice blood before, during, or after bowel movements, you should seek medical care. Bleeding during bowel movements may be associated with hemorrhoids, but it could also be . Call your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis and rule out anything life-threatening. Your doctor can help you identify and address the cause of your bleeding. And if its hemorrhoids, they can offer treatment, relief, and suggestions to help you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.
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Hemorrhoids And What To Do About Them
You can experience differing symptoms depending on the location of your hemorrhoids. Signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:
-
Pain and discomfort
Unlike external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids usually can’t be seen, and often don’t cause obvious symptoms until or unless you’re having a bowel movement.
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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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.
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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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