Treatment For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common issues among individuals world wide affecting approximately fifty percent of all people who are over the age of fifty. Hemorrhoids are defined as the swelling and inflammation of the veins in the lower anus and rectum and can develop internally within the anus or externally just below the skin on the outside of the anus.

Fortunately, complications arising from the condition of hemorrhoids are extremely rare, however, the symptoms can sometimes be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases a patient may have to undergo a medical procedure to shrink or remove the hemorrhoids. 

The Symptoms Associated with Hemorrhoids 

Many individuals may be unaware that they have hemorrhoids as some will cause no symptoms at all, however, others will experience very uncomfortable symptoms that include burning, itching, irritation, pain, or discomfort around the area of the anus.

Sometimes bleeding will occur without having any pain and will appear after a bowel movement as bright red in the toilet bowel or be noticeable on the toilet tissues after wiping. Swelling or a painful lump may also be felt around the anal area or an individual may have hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus which are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. Sometimes a leakage of feces will also occur when having the condition of hemorrhoids. 

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids 

Hemorrhoids are primarily caused when the veins in the lower anus experience pressure causing them to stretch and swell or bulge. This pressure can be caused by a number of factors including straining during a bowel movement.

Other factors that may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids include diarrhea or constipation that is chronic, sitting for excessive periods of time on the toilet, pregnancy, being overweight or obese, and engaging in anal intercourse. The elderly are also more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids as the veins in the anus and rectum tend to stretch or weaken with age. 

Methods of Treatment for Hemorrhoids 

In most cases, hemorrhoids can be effectively treated at home and do not require medical attention.  Warm baths taken several times a day in plain water for approximately ten minutes will help to shrink the hemorrhoids and relieve the symptoms. 

Over-the-counter suppositories or creams are also effective in relieving the symptoms for most individuals; however, these should only be used temporarily and for no longer than a period of one week due the potential side effects that they can cause including inflammation, rashes, and thinning of the skin around the anus.

For patients who are experiencing more frequent or severe symptoms, there are several minor procedures that can be performed in a physician's office to shrink or remove the hemorrhoids. 

Minimally invasive medical procedures for the treatment of hemorrhoids include "rubber band litigation" that consists of placing one or two tiny rubber bounds around the hemorrhoid that cut of the blood supply or circulation causing the hemorrhoid to fall off on its own within a few days.

Another method involves the injection of a chemical into the hemorrhoid that will shrink the tissue. Surgical procedures are typically only performed when other methods of treatment have failed or when a patient has very large hemorrhoids.

While most hemorrhoids typically do not require any medical treatment, if you are experiencing significant changes in bowel habits, frequent bleeding that does not improve or other symptoms that are concerning you, it is essential that you contact your physician for an evaluation as soon as possible.