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.
What Is A Hemorrhoidectomy
A hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove hemorrhoids, whether theyre internal or external.
Surgery is typically not the first line of treatment. But when all else fails, hemorrhoidectomy is a safe, effective treatment that doesnt just make hemorrhoids easier to live with it gets rid of them altogether.
What Are The Treatments For Hemorrhoids
If at-home treatments for hemorrhoids don’t help you, you may need a medical procedure. There are several different procedures that your provider can do in the office. These procedures use different techniques to cause scar tissue to form in the hemorrhoids. This cuts off the blood supply, which usually shrinks the hemorrhoids. In severe cases, you may need surgery.
Also Check: How To Treat External Hemorrhoids At Home
Hemorrhoids: Signs Symptoms And Complications
For most people, the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoidsitchiness, swelling, discomfortwill be mild and respond to home remedies. In a minority of cases, however, hemorrhoid signs and symptoms will be severe enough that they require treatment from a physician. Rarely, hemorrhoids that cause significant blood loss or a blood clot can be life-threatening. It’s important to note that one of the chief calling cards of hemorrhoids, blood in or on the stool or on toilet paper, should never be considered normal. While the cause could indeed be hemorrhoids, a more serious condition could be afoot.
Hemorrhoids can come with external and/or internal symptoms, depending on how they form.
External Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids on the outside of the anus are known as external hemorrhoids. A hard lump might be felt in that area and can often be uncomfortable because it is irritated by bowel movements and by wiping with toilet paper. External hemorrhoids are painful because of the many nerve endings located on the skin around the anus.
If the hemorrhoid becomes inflamed and engorged with blood it may look bluish-purple and be painful, not only during a bowel movement but even when walking or sitting.
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:
- Anal pain
- Tenderness when wiping
Internal Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:
Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute Is Centered Around Treating Diseases Of The Colon Rectum And Anus
Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute has been in practice since 1990 as a free standing, private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We are known for our efficiency and patient care, in a more relaxed office-based setting. Our doctors are known regionally for their expertise and are active in teaching surgical residents and other physicians. We are also a major sponsor of The Rumpshaker 5K, a race that promotes awareness about colorectal cancer. Check out our website for more information, or give us a call to make an appointment at 458-5000, or email us at .
Also Check: What To Do With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
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Its Crucial To Rule Out Other Problems Besides Hemorrhoids
Most people who have hemorrhoids discover them by either feeling the lump of an external hemorrhoid when they wipe after a bowel movement noticing drops of blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper or
feeling a prolapsing hemorrhoid after bowel movements.
With a history of symptoms, physicians like those of us at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, can make an accurate diagnosis on the basis of an examination of the anus and anal area. We want to identify the hemorrhoids, but its also very important that we rule out other causes of hemorrhoid-like symptoms, such as: anal fissures, fistulae, bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, blood coagulation disorders, perianal skin diseases, infections, and tumors.
We want to stress that you should not assume that rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you are over 40 years of age. Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer. If you have bleeding along with a noticeable change in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency, consult your doctor. These types of stools can signal more extensive bleeding elsewhere in your digestive tract. Seek emergency care if you experience large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness.
What we can do about hemorrhoids & what to expect at your appointment
Prevention & treatment for hemorrhoids
Recommended Reading: Can Hemorrhoids Be Cured Permanently
Which Products Can Help Relieve And Treat The Problem
There are a number of effective over-the-counter products that you can use to relieve symptoms and treat hemorrhoids:
- Witch hazel pads help to relieve the discomfort, burning sensation and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
- Local anesthetics relieve the pain temporarily but quickly.
- Astringent agents protect the affected area from irritation, decrease inflammation, and relieve burning sensation and itching.
- Protective agents form a barrier on the skin and decrease inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory agents relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids.
- Moist wipes can be used after each bowel movement to clean the affected area and avoid infections.
- If the pain is too uncomfortable, analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief and be used as a complement to topical medications. Speak to your pharmacist for advice before using them, as these products may not be suitable for you.
Hemorrhoids can potentially lead to more serious complications like significant bleeding, infection or thrombosis. See your doctor if such problems arise or if hemorrhoids last more than seven days.
Dont hesitate to speak to your pharmacist if you have any questions about the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
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How To Get Rid Of Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are on the inside lining of the rectum and are not visibly seen by the eye unless they are enlarged and then they can be felt too. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless and get noticed when causing rectal bleeding with a bowel movement.
The easiest and fastest way to get rid of internal hemorrhoids is changing your lifestyle and eating habits, using stool softeners if you are constipated, using the squatting method and not straining on the toilet or sit too long.
If you are struggling with internal hemorrhoids and its making your life miserable, imagine one day when you wake up and the hemorrhoids are gone. Wouldnt that be the best feeling in the world. Have a look at this and see how it can help you in an easy and risk-free way.
Some complex cases of hemorrhoids may need surgery to treat them, but most cases can be cured by following only some home procedures, including:
Make sure you watch the video too about internal hemorrhoids!
Recommended Reading: Can Ibuprofen Help With Hemorrhoids
Read Also: Bleeding Hemorrhoids And Blood Thinners
Why Is A Hemorrhoidectomy Performed
If your hemorrhoids are severe, they can cause itching, bleeding, and pain. They can continue to swell, increasing in size over time.
Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can cause some mild fecal incontinence, mucus discharge, and irritated skin. When the blood supply to internal hemorrhoids is cut off , they can become gangrenous.
Hemorrhoids are fairly common, affecting nearly three out of four adults at some point in their lives. Most people are able to use noninvasive methods to manage symptoms. When those dont work, hemorrhoidectomy can be an effective treatment.
Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Also Check: Are There Any Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
How Do Healthcare Providers Treat Hemorrhoids
You should see your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life or sleep. Also seek help if signs dont improve after a week of at-home treatments. Your provider may treat hemorrhoids with:
- Rubber band ligation: A small rubber band placed around the base of a hemorrhoid cuts off blood supply to the vein.
- Electrocoagulation: An electric current stops blood flow to a hemorrhoid.
- Infrared coagulation: A small probe inserted into the rectum transmits heat to get rid of the hemorrhoid.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical injected into the swollen vein destroys hemorrhoid tissue.
Surgical treatments include:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgery removes large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal ones.
- Hemorrhoid stapling: A stapling instrument removes an internal hemorrhoid. Or it pulls a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid back inside the anus and holds it there.
What’s The Best Way To Treat Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be managed right at home within the course of a week. When a patient has a mild hemorrhoid, I typically recommend the following:
Very painful or severe hemorrhoids may need to be treated with a surgical procedure performed by a physician. Depending on the size and location of the hemorrhoid, a gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon can help determine the best procedure for you.
Recommended Reading: How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Factors That Can Cause Constipation And Hemorrhoids In Men:
- Not drinking enough water
- Eating foods high in fat content
- Eating too many dairy products
- Certain medications
- Resisting the urge to go
- Lack of exercise
- Using laxatives too often
If you are in your fifties or older and can relate to the problem of constipation, your risk of a hemorrhoid flare-up is much higher.
The best solution is to eliminate the list of potential factors that cause constipation.
Remember, if you need to drastically change your daily dieting habits from junk food to healthy meals, do so in small increments.
This also includes any other lifestyle change, like your exercise regime. A drastic change can lead to further constipation, and you wont want that for your hemorrhoids.
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.
Also Check: How To Heal Hemorrhoids Postpartum
Constipation: The Main Culprit Of Hemorrhoids
Every doctor will tell you that if you find yourself straining on the toilet, struggling to go, and in general, experiencing constipation, your hemorrhoids are bound to become inflamed.
This can lead to extreme hemorrhoid pain.
A regular, happy, and healthy colon is the key to preventing flare-ups, among many other potential diseases and lower intestinal conditions.
In the end, the goal is to have softer stools so your body doesnt overexert itself during bowel movements.
Your hemorrhoids will then proceed with their regular functions and avoid becoming inflamed and irritated.
This is a great post that describes how to stop hemorrhoid itching and burning.
What Causes Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are usually caused by constipation . Constipation causes you to strain when you go to the toilet. This puts pressure on the blood vessels in the anus, making them swell.
Other things can increase the chance you will get haemorrhoids:
- ageing
- spending long periods of time on the toilet
- regularly lifting heavy objects
Haemorrhoids are particularly common during pregnancy. This is because constipation is quite common in pregnancy, but also:
- the growing baby places pressure on the abdomen
- there is more blood flowing through the body
- the hormones produced during pregnancy soften the blood vessels
Haemorrhoids may also be more common in some families than in others.
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How Do You Treat Them
The grade of the haemorrhoid, along with symptom severity, plays a role in medical decision making. Dietary and lifestyle changes should be introduced for all patients and can be helpful in managing symptoms for patients with grade one haemorrhoids.
A number of drugs, suppositories, creams and wipes are available too. Analgesic topical creams would be a reasonable option to manage pain associated with haemorrhoids. But there is a lack of strong evidence to support a benefit for topical treatment in symptomatic haemorrhoids.
Flavonoids, a large class of plant pigments, have been shown to improve symptoms of bleeding, discharge and itch. They are taken in tablet form.
In cases where symptoms persist and for those with grade two haemorrhoids, a gatroenterologist or surgeon can use rubber band ligation, which seems to be the most effective therapy. This is where a rubber band is applied to the base of a haemorrhoid via a proctoscope or colonoscope. The band cuts off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid causing it to slough off in around one to two weeks.
If this fails, or for grade three to four haemorrhoids, the most effective therapy appears to be surgical excision or haemorrhoidectomy. There are variations in surgical techniques and it would be worth consulting a colorectal surgeon for advice on the best approach for a particular patient.
Most Common Reasons People Get Hemorrhoids And What To Do About It
Hemorrhoids theyre extremely common and not typically dangerous, but also extremely undesired. The pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids are often stressors for patients, so many people wonder: What causes hemorrhoids, and how can I avoid them? Here, well discuss the main causes of hemorrhoids, as well as the best prevention tactics to avoid this uncomfortable condition.
Recommended Reading: What Can I Do For 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.
Can Men Get Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common problems experienced by older adults, and this includes both men and women equally.
Both genders have an increased chance of having hemorrhoid flare-ups when age 50 or higher.
Research suggests that the tissue holding together the cushion of veins and blood vessels weakens with age, making it more likely that older men and women experienced inflammation of hemorrhoids and the known symptoms of itching, pain, and discomfort.
Although young men can also get hemorrhoids, especially if they experience chronic constipation or diarrhea, it is more common for women who are pregnant because of the added pressure and stress to the lower rectum.
This issue is no stranger to men.
In fact, this issue is familiar to most over the age of fifty, and additionally, pregnant women.
Why is this?
There are many reasons why hemorrhoids become more of a nuisance for the aging population, men included.
When you are pregnant with hemorrhoids, the added pressure of their growing uterus presses on these veins, straining them and resulting in inflammation.
For men, however, the story is obviously a bit different.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids Naturally
Alcohol Consumption And Hemorrhoids
There is a dehydrating factor in alcohol that is an indirect link to inflamed hemorrhoids.
In excess, alcohol can bring about the symptoms of hemorrhoids, and this is because its consumption prevents the body from properly absorbing fluids.
Through dehydration arises the main source of hemorrhoid causation hard stools. Stools that are difficult to pass may tear the delicate lining of the lower rectal area, disrupting the hemorrhoids and resulting in bleeding during a bowel movement.
Instead of reaching for the extra cocktail or beer, go instead for a glass of water.
Better yet, drink at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid the overindulgence of alcohol. By doing so, you will, in turn, make your stools softer and easier to pass.
Men can take steps in the prevention of inflamed and uncomfortable hemorrhoids.
Simple changes like drinking more water, slowly increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, and exercising regularly can all help keep the colon regular and soften stools, eliminating straining during bowel movements.
Now that you know what causes hemorrhoids, do your best to work to address them.
These small steps can greatly reduce and prevent inflammation in the hemorrhoids, and with these, men can hopefully avoid flare-ups altogether.