Introduction | Symptoms | Causes | Prevention | Treatment
Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins around the anus or at the lower rectum. The condition is similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids commonly result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on anus veins during pregnancy or due to sexual intercourse. Hemorrhoids can be classified as internal hemorrhoids (present inside the anus or rectum) and external hemorrhoids (present outside of the anus) based on its location inside the rectum. External hemorrhoids are the most common type. They can cause pain, itching, bleeding and difficulty sitting.
Hemorrhoids are the most prevalent ailments that can have significant impact on the quality of life. Around 10 million people report incidence of hemorrhoids in USA each year. Both men and women experience hemorrhoids at the same rate. About half of the adult population experiences the symptoms of hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50. Although hemorrhoids cause pain and discomfort, they are usually not a life-threatening condition. With proper care and lifestyle changes they often go away on their own.
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend upon their location. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum and cannot be seen or felt. However if the surface of hemorrhoid is damaged due to straining, it might cause bleeding. Occasionally, internal hemorrhoids are pushed out through the anal opening due to excessive straining. This creates a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid which can be painful.
Sometimes the blood pool is formed inside an external hemorrhoid. The blood clot (thrombus) results in severe pain, swelling, inflammation. This hard lump around the anus can be extremely painful and need to be surgically removed.
Hemorrhoids or piles can develop due to increased pressure in the anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissues supporting the veins in anus and lower rectum become weak and stretch. They are known to become more prevalent with age. Though the exact cause of Hemorrhoids is unknown, they can occur due to:
Hemorrhoids rarely cause complications. The complications due to hemorrhoids are:
Below remedies can help prevent hemorrhoids and reduce the risk of reoccurrence:
There are a variety of natural hemorrhoids treatments that can relieve pain, swelling, itching, and inflammation at home. Often these home treatments prove sufficient and hemorrhoids go away within few days. Always consult your doctor in case you have severe pain and bleeding. Follow the below-given quick tips for effective piles treatment at home:
Apply hemorrhoid creams or ointments that can stop the itching. Topical analgesics such as Sombra can also provide external hemorrhoid pain relief through pain gate theory and cold therapy.
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Calmoseptine Moisture Barrier Ointment | GoodSense Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream | Sombra Cool Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel |
Sitz Bath is considered to be the best cure for hemorrhoids. Soak your anal region in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to minimize the pain, especially after bowel movements. Repeat the process two to three times a day for quick hemorrhoid relief. A sitz bath set fits over any standard toilet. Sitz bath sets are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.
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Carex Sitz Bath Set | Graham Field Grafco Sitz Bath | Drive Sitz Bath |
It is important to keep the anal area clean and hygienic after bowel movements. Always use moist towelettes, wipes, or wet toilet paper which is perfume and alcohol free. Avoid rubbing soap or dry toilet paper over the hemorrhoid. It is recommended to use wipes containing aloe vera or witch hazel for hemorrhoids.
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Abena Soft-Care Wet Skin Cleansing Wipes | Abena Pre-Moistened Cleansing Wipes | Medline Aloetouch Personal Cleansing Wipes |
Cold therapy or cryotherapy is the time tested treatment to relieve pain and inflammation. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to help relieve hemorrhoids swelling and pain. The cooling comfort from cold therapy also provides soothing relief from itching caused by hemorrhoids.
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Sammons Preston Black Cold Packs | Sammons Preston Cold Pacs | Cara Cold Therapy English Ice Bag |
Stool softeners or laxatives, can help alleviate constipation, reduce stool mass, and make bowel movements quick and painless. You can also try laxative anema to stimulate bowel movements.
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Bayer MiraLAX Laxative Powder | Fleet Saline Laxative Enema | GoodSense Milk Of Magnesia |
Foam ring cushions are beneficial for those suffering from hemorrhoids and new mothers. The ring cushion adjusts to natural body contours and relieves the pressures from the perineum area and distributes it to the buttocks and thighs.
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AT Surgical Invalid Ring Cushion | Carex Swivel Ring Cushion | Hermell Foam Comfort Ring |
Squatting prevents excessive straining and damage to the anal region while on toilet. Due to nature of the recto-anal angle, squatting can help to have natural bowel movements. Try Squatty Potty Ecco Toilet Stool to get the right angle and efficiency of natural squatting. It works well with all commodes and toilet heights.
If you have excessive pain, dizziness, and rectal bleeding during bowel movements, a physical examination may be required by the doctor. Medical tests can help rule out other serious conditions or diseases such as colorectal cancer and anal cancer.
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