What are Haemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and the anus. Hemorrhoids are caused due to chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, straining when passing a stool, chronic constipation, and heavyweights. Internal hemorrhoids grow within the rectum, whereas external hemorrhoids develop underneath the skin around the anus.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids is a common cause of many signs and symptoms related to rectal and anal complications. Symptoms for hemorrhoids can differ based on the size of piles and whether they are found inside or outside the anus.

SYMPTOMS FOR HEMORRHOIDS

What is the diagnosis for hemorrhoids?

In the case of external hemorrhoids, they can be visible to our doctor. Internal hemorrhoids can be diagnosed by examining the anal canal and rectum.

Thus, the diagnosis can be performed through visual inspection and digital examination.

• Digital Examination

A gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into your rectum by your doctor to spot growths or any unusual signs.

• Visual Inspection :

Since internal hemorrhoids are often too soft to feel during a digital rectal examination, your doctor can use an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope to examine the lower portion of your colon and rectum.

• Colonoscopy:

Your doctor might examine the entire colon through colonoscopy if you are middle-aged and have risk factors for colorectal cancer.

What is the best way to treat hemorrhoids?

The best way to treat hemorrhoids usually depends on the type and size of the inflammation. You can start with home remedies, but if symptoms persist for a week, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist immediately.

HOME REMEDIES

Home remedies can be used to alleviate the moderate discomfort, swelling, and inflammation of hemorrhoids.

• High Fibre diet: Consume foods that are rich in nutrition. Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This softens the stool and raises its bulk, which will help you stop straining, aggravating hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Topical Treatments: You can also use a hydrocortisone-based over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository and apply it gently on the affected area.
• Soak in warm water: Two or three times a day, soak your anal region in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Oral Pain Relievers: In case of excruciating pain and discomfort while performing bowel function, you can also take aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen to relieve irritation.

However, it would be best to keep your general physician or regular doctor in the loop to track these treatments and look out for any concerns requiring professional medical assistance.

MEDICATIONS

Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories, or pads if your hemorrhoids are just causing minor discomfort. Since it can thin your skin, it is not recommended to use an over-the-counter steroid cream for more than seven days unless your doctor says so.

EXTERNAL HEMORRHOID THROMBECTOMY

If an external hemorrhoid has developed a painful blood clot (thrombosis), the doctor may extract the piles. This method offers immediate relief and is performed under local anesthesia.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES

Your gastroenterologist may suggest minimally invasive procedures for recurrent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids.

• Sclerotherapy: In sclerotherapy, our doctor injects a chemical solution into it to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue. Although the injection is painless, it may not be effective depending on the nature of the piles.
• Coagulation: Laser or infrared light, as well as heat, are used in coagulation techniques. They harden and shrivel thin, bleeding internal hemorrhoids.
• Rubber Band Ligation: To stop the circulation of internal hemorrhoids, the doctor wraps one or two tiny rubber bands around its base. Within a week, the hemorrhoid withers and falls off. Hemorrhoid banding is inconvenient and can result in bleeding, starting two to four days after the operation.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

If other treatments haven’t worked or if you have big hemorrhoids, your doctor may suggest surgical procedures. However, only a few patients of with hemorrhoids require surgery:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: The most common and comprehensive treatment for serious or recurring hemorrhoids is hemorrhoidectomy. In a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon removes excessive tissue that causes bleeding. This procedure is conducted with anesthesia. There are chances of Urinary tract infections resulting from complications such as temporary trouble emptying your bladder. Most people experience some discomfort after the procedure, which can be alleviated with medication. A warm bath can also be beneficial.

• Hemorrhoid stapling: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a procedure that stops blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue. It is a procedure primarily used to treat internal hemorrhoids. Stapling is less painful than hemorrhoidectomy and also allows for a quicker return to normal activity.However, in comparison to hemorrhoidectomy, Stapling has been linked to a higher risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse. Bleeding, urinary leakage, and discomfort, as well as a life-threatening blood infection, are all possible complications.

Surgery is usually the last resort, and one must consult the doctor to understand and discuss the most suitable course of action and the best way to treat hemorrhoids.

How can you prevent hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be prevented by keeping dietary problems at bay and keeping stools soft so they can pass easily. Some of the preventive measures that can be taken to prevent and reduce the effect of hemorrhoids are as follows:

• Eat high fiber food such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as it softens the stools and avoids straining.
• Stay hydrated to allow for easy bowel movements
• Exercise to reduce pressure on the viens
• Avoid sitting too long in the toilet
• Don’t resist the urge to pass a bowel movement

Thus, it is important to take measures to soften your stools before your appointment for hemorrhoids. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is crucial for an easy bowel movement, and increasing intake of high-fiber foods can go a long way in treating hemorrhoids.