Hemorrhoids refer to pillow-like clusters of veins that exist under the mucous membrane at the lower parts of your rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids or piles also refers to a condition where these blood vessels around the anus (external hemorrhoids) and in the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) become swollen with blood. This article will explore the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, the various treatment options, and how to prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are caused by the exertion of too much pressure on the rectal and anal blood vessels to a point that blood pools and distends them. This is mostly because of straining too frequently in the toilet. Other causes of hemorrhoids include excess body weight, aging, pregnancy, sitting too long, and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Itchiness
Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are not apparent because they are inside the rectum. In fact, people can go for years without realizing that they have them. Symptoms that indicate the presence of internal hemorrhoids include:
- Painless rectal bleeding that is seen in stool or on toilet paper after wiping. The rectum doesn’t have pain receptors so that’s why the bleeding is painless.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids which are internal hemorrhoids that protrude out of the anus. They may retract on their own, require manual manipulation to retract, or refuse to retract back to the rectum until medical intervention is made.
Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids
These symptoms can easily be detected since hemorrhoids are around or outside of the anus. They include:
- Pain
- Discomfort usually felt when you sit
- Painful bleeding since pain receptors are very much present at the anus
- Itchiness
- Hard swollen lumps
How to Treat Hemorrhoids
You can treat hemorrhoids at home using natural methods or get them taken care of by a doctor. Below are some of the treatment methods you can opt for:
At-Home Treatment
Hemorrhoids is mostly not a complicated condition and you can use simple home remedies to treat them. These home remedies are as follows:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties that will effectively reduce inflammation, pain, and itchiness. Before applying it on your hemorrhoids, however, make sure you dilute in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil since its high concentration may irritate your skin.
Warm Bath and Epsom Salts
For the irritation, inflammation, and pain that comes with hemorrhoids, soaking in warm water with Epsom salts will do the trick for you. You can also fit a sitz bath over your toilet and sit in it for 15 minutes after bowel movements, when the discomfort is usually at its worst. It will improve blood circulation and reduce the swelling.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects that make it good at soothing the inflammation and irritation of hemorrhoids. It also has tannins that that help in the shrinking of swollen blood vessels. It also helps along the healing process of the hemorrhoids.
Tea Bag
Tea leaves contain tannic acid which eases pains, inflammations, and reduces the bleeding of hemorrhoids.
H-Hemorrhoids Formula
H-Hemorrhoids Formula is a 100% natural remedy that reduces the symptoms of all kinds of hemorrhoids. It will shrink the hemorrhoids and provide fast relief within moments of applying it.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids
Some hemorrhoids treatments are prescribed or done by doctors without undergoing the surgeon’s knife. Some can even be found over-the-counter. They include:
Sclerotherapy
In this method, doctors inject the hemorrhoid with a medication that shrinks down blood vessels. It, therefore, shrinks down the size of the hemorrhoids until they are no longer a problem.
Topical Medication
These are remedies that are used to reduce the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids that can be found over-the-counter. They can be creams, ointments, pads, or suppositories made with soothing ingredients like witch hazel and hydrocortisone.
Rubber Band Ligation
This is one of the most commonly used methods to get rid of hemorrhoids. The doctor uses a ligator to place a tight rubber band on a hemorrhoid. This cuts off its blood supply so it dies and falls off.
Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids
For large and bothersome hemorrhoids or those that keep recurring despite using other treatment methods, surgical treatments are used as a last resort. They are:
Hemorrhoidectomy
A doctor or surgeon makes incisions using a scalpel on the sides of the hemorrhoid in order to remove the troublesome blood vessels. The surgery can be performed on both internal and external hemorrhoids and it’s very effective.
Stapling
This is a procedure that is done on prolapsed hemorrhoids to take them back to their original place in the rectum. The doctors use a stapling device to fix the hemorrhoid back in the rectum or anal canal.
Prevention
It’s better to take measures to avoid getting hemorrhoids rather than treating them. Some of the tips you can use to prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids are as follows:
Diet
Including a lot of fiber and water in your diet will help in adding to the bulk of your stool and softening it so that you won’t have to strain in the toilet. Foods rich in fiber are whole grain, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Go to the Toilet When You Feel the Urge
Ignoring the urge to pass stool leads to the hardening of stool and so passing it later will prove strenuous and cause hemorrhoids. Go as soon as you feel the urge and you’ll not have to sit in the toilet for too long which also causes hemorrhoids.
Exercise
Physical activity stimulates bowel movements so you’ll have an easier time passing stool. It also helps you keep your weight down so that unnecessary pressure is not exerted on your hemorrhoids.
So many options are available to ease your hemorrhoids symptoms and even completely eliminate them. The condition affects 1 in 20 Americans so don’t be afraid of seeking help and suffering in silence!
