Hemorrhoids are clusters of tissues around the anal area. They contain blood vessels and their surrounding tissue is made up of muscle and flexible fiber. Also called “piles”, they can enlarge and develop blood clots, which require hemorrhoid treatment immediately. Piles can be either internal, where the hemorrhoid grows at the top part of the anal canal, or external where they grow at the bottom end near the anus.
There is no main cause for hemorrhoids but several contributing factors include prolonged time periods of sitting in the toilet, constipation, obesity, pregnancy, diarrhea, and a diet low in fluids and fiber. Common symptoms include itching in the anal area, pain during bowel movement, and signs of bleeding during defecation. You might observe bright red blood on your toilet wipes or in the toilet bowl. Hemorrhoids are not usually cause for panic because changes in diet and bowel habits are sufficient as hemorrhoid treatment—at least, for most people.
To reduce the itching and pain from hemorrhoids, the first thing to do is to wear cotton undergarments always, avoid scratching the anal area and avoid straining during bowel movement. This includes limiting the time you sit on the toilet. Once you observe that the pain and itching have been alleviated, there is no need to worry about getting medical treatment or surgery. There are also over-the-counter creams, ointments and pads available for hemorrhoid treatment. Laxatives also help by preventing too much strain during bowel movement. For hemorrhoids that have grown too large and painful, it is necessary to undergo medical treatment. Nonsurgical procedures, also called fixative procedures, involve reducing the blood flow to the hemorrhoid so it shrinks and disappears. Any scar tissues left in its place help prevent piles from coming back. Examples of this kind of hemorrhoid treatment are the rubber band ligation in which the hemorrhoid is tied with a rubber band, or coagulation therapy wherein a scar tissue is deliberately created through heat, electric current or a laser.
For internal hemorrhoids, surgical removal termed as hemorrhoid is the only answer. It is also carried out when several small piles are present, or when other treatments weren’t successful with bleeding control. For this procedure, the hemorrhoids are cut off and the remaining wound is sutured (closed technique) and in some cases left open (open technique). A major problem with this treatment is post surgical pain, so narcotics or other strong pain medications are needed. In some cases a combination of fixative and surgical procedures is the best way to deal with hemorrhoids.
It is always better to try out fixative procedures for hemorrhoid treatment before deciding to undergo surgery. On the other hand, hemorrhoid offers better, long term results. The only drawback is that a surgical procedure costs more money, requires a longer time for recuperation, and is more prone to further complications aside from being more painful. This is why for people over 70 and for those with poor health, fixative treatments are highly recommended. But like they always say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Take care of yourself first, and you won’t have to worry about any of these.
Hemorrhoids are clusters of tissues around the anal area. They contain blood vessels and their surrounding tissue is made up of muscle and flexible fiber. Also called “piles”, they can enlarge and develop blood clots, which require hemorrhoid treatment immediately. Piles can be either internal, where the hemorrhoid grows at the top part of the anal canal, or external where they grow at the bottom end near the anus.
There is no main cause for hemorrhoids but several contributing factors include prolonged time periods of sitting in the toilet, constipation, obesity, pregnancy, diarrhea, and a diet low in fluids and fiber. Common symptoms include itching in the anal area, pain during bowel movement, and signs of bleeding during defecation. You might observe bright red blood on your toilet wipes or in the toilet bowl. Hemorrhoids are not usually cause for panic because changes in diet and bowel habits are sufficient as hemorrhoid treatment—at least, for most people.
To reduce the itching and pain from hemorrhoids, the first thing to do is to wear cotton undergarments always, avoid scratching the anal area and avoid straining during bowel movement. This includes limiting the time you sit on the toilet. Once you observe that the pain and itching have been alleviated, there is no need to worry about getting medical treatment or surgery. There are also over-the-counter creams, ointments and pads available for hemorrhoid treatment. Laxatives also help by preventing too much strain during bowel movement. For hemorrhoids that have grown too large and painful, it is necessary to undergo medical treatment. Nonsurgical procedures, also called fixative procedures, involve reducing the blood flow to the hemorrhoid so it shrinks and disappears. Any scar tissues left in its place help prevent piles from coming back. Examples of this kind of hemorrhoid treatment are the rubber band ligation in which the hemorrhoid is tied with a rubber band, or coagulation therapy wherein a scar tissue is deliberately created through heat, electric current or a laser.
For internal hemorrhoids, surgical removal termed as hemorrhoid is the only answer. It is also carried out when several small piles are present, or when other treatments weren’t successful with bleeding control. For this procedure, the hemorrhoids are cut off and the remaining wound is sutured (closed technique) and in some cases left open (open technique). A major problem with this treatment is post surgical pain, so narcotics or other strong pain medications are needed. In some cases a combination of fixative and surgical procedures is the best way to deal with hemorrhoids.
It is always better to try out fixative procedures for hemorrhoid treatment before deciding to undergo surgery. On the other hand, hemorrhoid offers better, long term results. The only drawback is that a surgical procedure costs more money, requires a longer time for recuperation, and is more prone to further complications aside from being more painful. This is why for people over 70 and for those with poor health, fixative treatments are highly recommended. But like they always say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Take care of yourself first, and you won’t have to worry about any of these.
