Hemorrhoids which are quite common medical issues are also called piles. Hemorrhoids actually appear as bulging veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus. Now the issue arises at that time when these blood vessels expand. In this case they become swollen and inflamed. Although hemorrhoids are very common, you will be surprised to know that almost 3 out of every 4 individuals are affected by this disease. So it becomes really very important to understand what hemorrhoids actually are, what their causes and symptoms are and how you can go for a better treatment. All the details are available in this comprehensive article. You just only need to stay with us till the end. So without any wastage of time let’s get started.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Due to different characteristics hemorrhoids are divided into two categories, internal and external. As the name suggests, internal hemorrhoids appear within the rectum and most of the cases are not visible. On the other hand external hemorrhoids grow under the skin close to the anus. This type of hemorrhoids can be visible and touched. Let’s talk about both of these types in a detailed way.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are less severe as compared to external. In most of the cases a person feels painless bleeding during stool or bowel movements. You can observe blood on toilet paper or in the bowel. Now try to understand a condition if internal hemorrhoids expands or grows outside the anus, it can result in discomfort and severe pain.
External Hemorrhoids
These types of hemorrhoids are mostly painful and uncomfortable. An affected person can experience swelling, itching and irritation. The situation becomes extremely painful when the blood clot starts to develop in an external hemorrhoid. In this condition a person must consult a professional healthcare provider for effective and urgent treatment.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
There is an important question at the moment: what are the factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. In this part of the article we will find out the answer to this important question. Let’s have a look.
Straining During Bowel Movements
The use of excessive stretching during stool elimination is one of the reasons for hemorrhoids. It is because by doing this extra pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus applies that in most of the cases results in hemorrhoids.
Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea
Those people who are already suffering from constipation or diarrhea are at higher risk of hemorrhoids. The science behind this factor is that both disorders can put pressure and strain on the rectal veins.
Prolonged Sitting
Research has shown that due to the longer duration of sitting in the toilet can be the result of strain on the veins in the anus and rectum.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another factor that can cause hemorrhoids. It is because during pregnancy the increase in pressure on the pelvic blood vessels can become the reason for this painful condition.
Obesity
Obesity or extra body weight is not only the reason for hemorrhoids but also one of the root causes in your overall health issues. Extra body weight plays its part to put extra pressure on the rectal and anal veins.
Lower Fiber Diet
Those people who eat a less fiber diet are at higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. Foods or diet that contain less amount of fiber can result in constipation and discomfort during stool elimination.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
It is very important to understand common symptoms of hemorrhoids for better diagnosis and effective treatment. A person can observe some common symptoms in case of hemorrhoids are as follows.
Bleeding
Bleeding is the most common sign of hemorrhoids. It can be visible easily on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl as bright red blood.
Itching and Irritation
Another symptom of hemorrhoids is the feeling of itching and irritation especially near the anal region.
Pain and Discomfort
If you or someone feels pain and discomfort during stool elimination or sitting then it can be the sign of hemorrhoids.
Swelling
Swelling is another common symptom. If you feel swelling especially around the anus then must consult with your doctor for further proper diagnosis.
Prolapse
Another symptom is the extending hemorrhoid and you can see it outside the anus.
Effective Treatments for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a painful medical disorder but can be effectively treated by a variety of methods. In most of the cases it is observed that this condition can be effectively treated by modification in Lifestyle, home remedies and with the use of medical procedures. Remember the treatment method is actually determined according to the seriousness of the hemorrhoids and their symptoms. Let’s talk about some of the effective treatment methods in the following.
Home Remedy and Lifestyle Changes
With the use of home remedies and modification in lifestyle you can treat hemorrhoids to a greater extent. Some of the important tips in this case are as follows.
Increase the Consumption of Fiber
There is a need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. When you eat those foods that have higher quantities of fiber they will help to soften stool. In this way the need to strain during bowel movements decreases to a great extent. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes are the best food items to consume for this purpose.
Stay Hydrated
Keep your body hydrated throughout the day. For this purpose, try to consume plenty of water in order to avoid constipation and facilitate bowel movements.
Regular Exercise
Physical exercises are very important for your overall functionality of the body. Here in this case of hemorrhoids try to make sure that you take regular physical exercise because it encourages consistent bowel movements and decreases strain on the rectal veins.
Avoid Straining
Some people seem to be in a hurry in performing any task. But here during bowel moments take your time and don’t apply extra pressure for quick elimination of stool. It is really important to avoid straining which is one of the reasons for hemorrhoids.
Warm Baths
This is also a useful method to treat hemorrhoids. In this method put the anal region in warm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Just repeat this process several times in a day. By doing this, swelling and discomfort can be reduced to a reasonable amount.
Over the Counter Treatments
Non-prescription medicines are also helpful in order to reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids. In this way you can apply ointments, creams and suppositories. Use of these OTC products can give you short term relief from itching and pain.
Medical Treatments
When home remedies and changes in Lifestyle do not work then you can go for medical treatment. Some of the important treatment methods are as follows.
Rubber Band Ligation
In this method a rubber band is tied around the bottom of the hemorrhoid. In this way the supply of the blood is blocked which results in it deteriorating and finally falling off.
Sclerotherapy
In this type of treatment, a chemical substance is injected into the hemorrhoid in order to remove or reduce it.
Infrared Coagulation
As the name suggests, in this method infrared radiation is used to break down the blood vessels in the hemorrhoid. By doing this it helps to narrow down or contract the hemorrhoid blood vessels.
Hemorrhoidectomy
This type of treatment is mostly performed in that case when other treatment methods fail to give required results. In this type of treatment method hemorrhoids are removed surgically.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
As the name suggests, in this type of treatment hemorrhoids are moved and permanently fixed in their natural location inside the rectum. In this type of surgical treatment method a staple device is used.
Preventing Hemorrhoids
As we know that prevention is better than cure. So it is better to take preventive measures in order to reduce the chances of its growth. There are a lot of preventive measures that you can adopt. Some of the important ones are as follows.
Eat a High Fiber Diet
As we have discussed earlier in this comprehensive article, those foods that have lower quantities of fiber are one of the major reasons for hemorrhoids. So if you want to prevent symptoms of this painful disease then start eating fruits and vegetables and add whole grains in your diet.
Stay Hydrated
Just make sure to drink plenty of water in order to keep your stools soft. The research shows that at least eight glasses of water are very important to drink daily on a regular basis.
Exercise
Try to involve yourself in some physical activities because by doing this it helps to keep bowel movement regular.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting
Just try to make sure to avoid sitting for a longer period of time. You can take pauses from sitting in that case when you work for long hours or travel regularly.
Don’t Delay Bowel Movements
It is very important to go to the bathroom as early as you can in that case when you feel bowel movements. In this way you can prevent yourself from constipation and straining.
Practice Good Hygiene
Make sure that you keep the anal area neat and clean and dry. It is very important in order to prevent infection and inflammation.
When to Consult a Doctor?
In most of the cases you can reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids with the help of lifestyle changes and home remedies. There are some of the cases where you must have to visit your professional physician. Let’s find out.
Severe Pain
When you experience a severe pain despite the fact that you have to use all the treatment methods except medical, then just go to your doctor for further guidance.
Constant Bleeding
If you observe constant bleeding in your stool or on toilet paper for more than 4 to 5 days then the situation demands you to go for medical treatment.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
You must go to your professional doctor in that case when hemorrhoids cannot be returned into the anus.
Sign of Infection
If you observe some signs of infection around the anus like redness, swelling and fever then you don’t have to waste your time. Just visit your doctor and explain all the situations in front of them.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are common but in most of the cases they are very painful and itching. Don’t be confused here because they are manageable. You can effectively treat hemorrhoids by implementing several important techniques and methods. With the help of changes in your lifestyle and use of home remedies and medical treatments you can remove symptoms of this painful disease. The important thing here in this whole scenario is to understand what hemorrhoids actually are, what their causes, symptoms are and how you can go for effective treatment options. While in most of the cases hemorrhoids can be treated effectively with the use of above mentioned methods but if you observe severe symptoms then must consult your doctor immediately.