Want to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids? Know the Best Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged blood vessels located in the lower part of the rectum and anus. As the pressure in the vessels increases, they become swollen. When the walls of these vessels are stretched, especially when you poop, the veins bulge and become irritated. Swollen hemorrhoids are also known as piles. 

The chances of developing hemorrhoids increase with age. They should be treated from an experienced internal medicine doctor as soon as they appear. In this post, we’ll dive in deep to learn more about hemorrhoids for getting the best treatment from the internists.

Types of Hemorrhoids

Source: www.mayoclinic.org 

Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external.

Internal Hemorrhoids - They develop inside the rectum or anus. They are normally painless and not visible from outside. The first sign of them is rectal bleeding. Sometimes, hormones prolapse and bulge outside the anal sphincter which can be painful.

External Hemorrhoids - They are the most common and troublesome hemorrhoids that develop under the skin around the anus. As this part of the body has many more pain-sensing nerves, they tend to bleed and pain.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Increased pressure in the lower rectum can enlarge the veins and affect blood flow which leads to hemorrhoids. Wondering what causes venous pressure to increase within the blood vessels? Some common causes of hemorrhoids include:

• Staying in a seated position for a long time, especially on the toilet
• Straining during a bowel movement
• Regularly lifting heavy objects
• Pregnancy enlarges the uterus which presses the vein and causing it to bulge
• Complications from chronic diarrhea and constipation
• Some people with a family history of hemorrhoids are more likely to develop them
• Having anal intercourse can cause new hemorrhoids
• Consuming a low fiber diet
• Diet-related obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Spinal cord injury
• Liver disease
• Colon cancer

Risk Factors & Complications of Hemorrhoids

The risk of developing hemorrhoids increases with growing age as the tissues that support the veins in the anus or rectum can stretch and weakens. If you are pregnant or have obesity, you have more tendency to get hemorrhoids.

Some of the complications of hemorrhoids include blood clots, anemia, and strangulated hemorrhoid. Sometimes, a painful clot can build in hemorrhoid that needs to be drained. A person may have anemia due to chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids. If the blood supply is cut off to internal hemorrhoids, it causes painful strangulated hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

While the symptoms are alarming, they aren’t life-threatening and often goes away on their own. If your symptoms are unpleasant and painful which are not getting better with time, talk to your internal medicine doctor. The symptoms generally depend on the type of hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids Symptoms

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• A lump or swelling outside the anus
• A prolapsed hemorrhoid resulting in pain

External hemorrhoids Symptoms

• Pain, discomfort or itching around the anus
• Swelling in the anal region
• Fecal leakage

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

Your internal medicine doctor may carry out a physical examination to check for any abnormalities within the anus. This test is known as a digital rectal exam. This is a manual inspection in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. For any abnormalities, the doctor may order an additional test called a sigmoidoscopy.

This test is performed by using a small fiber-optic camera that fits into a small tube and goes into the rectum. This test is used to examine the lower portion of the colon. To diagnose the entire colon, your doctor may use a colonoscopy test.   

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

For mild pain, inflammation, and swelling, you may start with home remedies such as:

• Apply petroleum jelly inside your anus, using over-the-counter ointments, creams or suppository containing hydrocortisone.
• Change your eating habits by consuming high-fiber foods to avoid problems with gas.
• Soak your anal area in a warm sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.
• Apply ice packs and cold compresses to the affected areas to help reduce swelling.

If your symptoms are severe and aren’t getting better with home treatments, you must see your internal medicine physician who will conduct the following procedures to help remove hemorrhoids.

Non-Invasive Methods - Rubber band ligation is the most common method in which a tiny rubber band is placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. Another procedure is injection or sclerotherapy in which a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. Coagulation techniques with a laser, an infrared light, or an electric probe are used.

Surgical Procedures - Surgery may include complete removal of hemorrhoid, called hemorrhoidectomy, and may involve stapling that blocks blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissues. 

If you are suspecting any of the symptoms of hemorrhoids and looking for the best doctors of internal medicine in Brooklyn, New York City visit Artisans of Medicine today!