- Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and even bleeding.
- Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum- internal hemorrhoids or they also can develop under the skin around the anus- external hemorrhoids.
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Have you gone for a long call and felt pain as you relieve yourself only to realise you have swelling in your anus and or you are bleeding?
Chances are, you might have hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids cause an uncomfortable experience.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and even bleeding.
Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum- internal hemorrhoids or they also can develop under the skin around the anus- external hemorrhoids.
There are also situations when both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of your anus. These haemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be caused by a long day sitting at a desk, a recent bout of constipation or rectal surgery.
According to Cleveland Clinic, hemorrhoids can be caused by any kind of straining that increases pressure on your belly or lower extremities.
This may be straining during bowel movement which leads to pushing hard, pelvic pressure from weight gain, especially during pregnancy and straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting.
The straining or sitting for a long period can interfere with blood flow to and from the area, causing it to pool and enlarge the vessels.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are painless and can be noted if one starts noticing bleeding in the tissue paper or in their faeces.
External hemorrhoids are characterised by an itchy anus, hard lumps near your anus that feel sore or tender, pain or ache in your anus, especially when you sit, and rectal bleeding.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable.
You may be able to feel them bulging outside of your anus and gently push them back inside.
At the end of the day, hemorrhoids should be treated promptly, as they can lead to complications if left untreated.
How to get rid of hemorrhoids
According to SingleCare, the different ways to help relieve hemorrhoids range from simple lifestyle changes to topical or oral medications.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the hemorrhoids and your overall condition.
Here are some ways:
- Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes include avoiding straining during bowel movements, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, using the squat position while on the toilet seat and exercising regularly to improve blood circulation.
- Increase fiber in the diet
Not eating enough fiber can lead to straining and harder stools which can lead to hemorrhoids.
Increasing your fiber intake may help soften stools and alleviate strain during bowel movements, which may help reduce the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.
High-fiber foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some examples of fibre-rich foods are oats, legumes (beans and lentils), seeds and nuts, bread, cereals and pasta.
- Sitz bath
Cleveland Clinic defines a sitz bath as a warm, shallow bath you sit in to relieve discomfort in your perineal region.
Soaking this area in warm water relaxes your anal sphincter, which helps increase blood flow through your anal tissues.
It involves sitting in a shallow basin of warm water that covers only the hips and buttocks or simply sitting in a regular bathtub with three to four inches of warm water.
This can be done for about 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, especially after bowel movements.
Adding Epsom salts to the water may also provide additional relief.
- Topical medication
They usually come in the form of creams, ointments, or suppositories and are applied directly to the affected area.
What are the medical procedures that can help relieve hemorrhoids?
According to SingleCare, there are in-office procedures which are less invasive.
They include:
- Rubber band ligation: This involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off within a week.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing scar tissue to form. The scar tissue causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually disappear.
- Infrared coagulation: Heat is applied to the hemorrhoidal tissue to create scar tissue, cutting off its blood supply and ultimately causing it to shrink and fall off
SingleCare also touches on surgical procedures including:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of external or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. It is one of the most effective ways to treat large, recurring hemorrhoids.
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: This procedure involves using a circular stapling device to remove hemorrhoidal tissue and lift the remaining tissue back into its original position.