Hemorrhoids or piles are a common but uncomfortable annoyance. Hemorrhoids are formed when the veins or blood vessels in and around your anus and lower rectum become swollen and irritated due to high-pressure exertion on them.
This condition is almost similarly common among men and women, however elderly and pregnant ladies are the usual target group for this issue. The weight of the fetus in the mother’s womb creates stress on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out during the labor process also puts extra pressure on these blood vessels.
Hemorrhoids can be either inside your anus (internal) or under the skin around your anus (external). Stools going through them cause pain and fresh blood is seen in your stool.
Symptoms and possible complications of hemorrhoid
Swollen blood veins on the outer rectum and anus can make bowel motions excruciating. Rectal pain, itching or infection known as pruritus ani, bleeding, and prolapse are common symptoms. Prolapse means a protrusion of hemorrhoids into the anal canal. Besides, hemorrhoids are one of the commonest causes of low red blood cell count in your blood results. We call it anemia due to blood loss via rectal bleeding.
What can I do to relieve my hemorrhoids?
Simple home-care methods can alleviate hemorrhoid pain and promote healing. Here are some practical ways.
- Fiber up! Adding fiber to your diet is critical. It’s recommended to acquire 20-30 grams of fiber per day from foods that aid hemorrhoids; add some fiber supplement as needed. Examples include psyllium husk, wheat dextrin and methylcellulose.
- Lubricate the process using a tablespoon of mineral oil mixed with applesauce or yogurt at breakfast or lunch helps feces pass hemorrhoids.
- Don’t wait when you feel the need to. When you feel the desire, go to the bathroom right away. Postponing bowel motions can cause constipation, and aggravating hemorrhoids.
- Elevating your feet on a step stool while sitting on the toilet may help feces pass more easily.
- Prescription drugs. There are over-the-counter remedies such as witch hazel-infused pads and calming lotions to relieve pain. Not working? Ask your doctorabout prescription remedies.
- Sitz baths. Soak the inflamed area in warm water for 10–15 minutes twice daily, using a basin that fits beneath the toilet seat.
Available treatment for hemorrhoids
There are medical and surgical treatments offered to patients based on their overall medical profile, stage and severity of hemorrhoid.
Prior to initiating surgical operations, medical and home care alternatives should be explored first. The drugs administered are typically used to reduce pain or inflammation, as well as to soften the stool. Conservative care involves using a warm sitz bath three times daily, eating a high-fiber diet, getting enough water in your system, using stool softeners, using topical and systemic analgesics, using proper anal cleanliness, and in certain situations, using a short course of topical steroid cream.
Either necrosis of the hemorrhoid tissue or removal of the hemorrhoid are the fundamental principles of the surgical methods. The treatments used to eliminate hemorrhoid tissue include sclerotherapy (in which a chemical injection is used to cut off the venous blood supply to the hemorrhoid), rubber band ligation (in which a rubber band is used to cut off the venous blood supply to the hemorrhoid), and electrocoagulation (cut off venous blood supply to hemorrhoid by electric current). The last step is to do a hemorrhoidectomy or hemorrhoid stapling procedure to remove the internal hemorrhoid.
In a conclusion, this condition has an overall good prognosis with early detection and management to prevent worsening of hemorrhoid and development of complications. Don’t feel embarrassed and Find doctor to discuss your medical concerns.
