The swollen vein in the lower section of the rectum and anus is known as Hemorrhoids are also called Piles. At times, the walls of these veins stretch so thin that the veins swell and get aggravated when an individual passes the stools.
Anal and rectum-related conditions refer to an anorectal problem that includes anal fissure, pilonidal cyst, perianal abscess, anal fistula, hemorrhoids, and anal pain. Treatment referring to surgical procedures for the listed condition known as Anorectal Surgery.
Hemorrhoids are the most common medical condition for rectal bleeding. At the initial stage, it may disappear all alone, or prescribe medicines can also help to cure hemorrhoids.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be of three types, includes:
Internal hemorrhoids condition
Internal hemorrhoids mainly develop inside the rectum that an individual can not see or feel them. This medical condition doesn’t usually hurt since you have few pain-sensing nerves in this area. The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
- Blood discharge in stools, on toilet paper after wipe, or in the toilet seat.
- Tissue that lumps outside of the anal opening also known as prolapse. This condition usually hurts when you poop. A prolapsed hemorrhoids can be visible as moist pink color lumps that generally settle inside all alone. Even if they don’t go back inside, they can gently push back.
External hemorrhoids condition
External hemorrhoids are usually located around the anus under the skin, close to the pain-sensing nerves. External hemorrhoids symptoms include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Itching and swelling
- Bleeding
Thrombosed hemorrhoids condition
In this medical condition, external hemorrhoids change into blue or purple color due to a blood clot. This is known as thrombosis or a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Thrombosed hemorrhoid symptoms include:
- Terrible pain and itching
- Bleeding
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
A family history of hemorrhoids may increase the chances of getting hemorrhoids for an individual. Building up pressure or stressing in the lower rectum can impact the blood circulation that prompts veins to swell. The reason for hemorrhoids may include:
- Prolonged constipation
- Low fiber diet
- Stressing during bowel movements
- Anal intercourse
- Physical hard work that includes lifting heavyweights
- Being obese
- During pregnancy when the developing uterus pushes on your veins
- Individuals who sit or stand for too long are also at higher risk
Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids
To diagnose the hemorrhoids your doctor will check your medical history and symptoms. They’ll also conduct few tests, that includes:
- Digital Rectal Examination: In this test, the doctor will use the lubrication and glove to insert a finger into the rectum to examine the muscle tenderness, tone, lumps, or any other issues.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will look at the anus and rectum to identify swelling, discomfort, bulge, or any other issues.
To diagnose internal hemorrhoids your doctor needs to conduct a more thorough examination, that includes:
- Anoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a plastic tube called an anoscope to look inside the anal canal.
- Sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor examines the lower colon through a flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope. It can also be used to collect a tissue sample for further examination.
- Colonoscopy. The doctor examines the large intestine with a long flexible tube known as a colonoscope, it can also use to collect sample tissue or look for other issues if any.
Treatment of Hemorrhoids
According to experienced board-certified general surgeon Dr. Valeria Simone MD (Southlake General Surgery, Texas), treatment of hemorrhoids can be decided based on the symptoms and severity of the medical condition through medicines and surgery.
- Home remedies for hemorrhoids. A few changes in the lifestyle can give relief from symptoms of mild hemorrhoid condition within 5-7 days. However, an individual must make changes in regular diets such as taking high fiber meals such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation and don’t stress during bowel movements. Sitz bath for about 15-20 minutes a couple of times a day can make you feel comfortable from uneasiness. You can also use ice packs to get relief from pain and swelling.
- Medicines. Your doctor will prescribe you medicines based on the symptoms to relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
- Hemorrhoids surgery. Your doctor will examine hemorrhoids and if they are large and other treatments were not helpful to cure them, then hemorrhoids surgery is what you needed. Hemorrhoids surgery at Southlake General Surgery, Texas is performed by an experienced general surgeon.
What are the complications of hemorrhoids?
In a rare condition, hemorrhoids can lead to the following problems:
- Anemia. Loss of the excess amount of blood discharge in stools due to hemorrhoids that last a long time may lead to anemia.
- Infection. An individual may get infected due to external hemorrhoids that have sores.
- Skin tags. An individual may have a skin tag if the clot in a thrombosed hemorrhoid dissolves. You may notice a skin left over, that could get aggravated.
- Strangulated hemorrhoid. Blood circulation to a prolapsed hemorrhoid can be obstructed by the muscle. This can be very painful, and you need immediate surgical treatment.
How to prevent hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids prevention can be followed by these guidelines:
- Daily Exercise. Physical activity such as morning walk for about 30-45 minutes daily keeps your blood circulation and bowel movements in motion. Maintain a healthy weight.
- Fiber Diet. Taking a high fiber diet can help pass the stool easily and avoid constipation too. To increase the fiber in your daily meals you can add vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. An individual needs 20-30 grams of fiber in the diet a day. You can also take over-the-counter fiber supplements to soften bowel movements.
- Increase Water Intake. Increasing the amount of water intake can help soften stools and relieve constipation. Don’t strain during bowel movements. You can also add fresh juice and vegetables that are rich in fiber and water.
- Don’t wait to use the toilet as an when you feel the urge.
- Don’t strain during a bowel movement. This is one of the habits you can change on putting pressure during the bowel movement and don’t sit on the toilet for a long duration to avoid stress on the veins.
When to consult the doctor
It is rare that hemorrhoids are life-threatening. In case, symptoms of hemorrhoids don’t settle in a week or so or you have bleeding stools, please consult with your doctor to avoid any future complications.
Book an Appointment
For more information about Hemorrhoids causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and consultation. Please contact our healthcare expert at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also book an online appointment with us.
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