Hemorrhoids can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition that affects millions of people. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hemorrhoids is key to finding relief. This guide covers the basics about hemorrhoids and explores both at-home remedies and medical procedures to alleviate discomfort.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins located in the lowest area of the rectum and anus that have become inflamed or swollen. There are two types of hemorrhoids, each with their own set of symptoms and challenges.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and often aren’t visible. When irritated, they can cause the following symptoms:
- Bright, red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- A bulge that can be felt around the anus
- Leakage of feces
- Itching or irritation around the anus
Internal hemorrhoids sometimes prolapse, protruding out of the anus, which can cause pain and swelling.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin surrounding the anus. They are often visible as soft lumps. Symptoms include:
- Small amounts of bright, red blood on toilet paper
- Hard lumps around the anus
- Itching, irritation, swelling and pain around the anus
- Leakage of feces
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur when a blood clot develops, causing severe pain, swelling, and inflammation.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
There are many contributing factors as to why hemorrhoids may develop, including:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea that puts pressure on rectal veins
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Sitting for long periods
- Aging
- Heavy lifting
- Straining during bowel movements
- Lack of fiber in the diet
Hemorrhoids can be caused by increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal areas. When those veins are repeatedly strained, they can stretch and bulge, developing into hemorrhoids.
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, an evaluation by a healthcare professional can determine if hemorrhoids are present. Based on a physical exam and your medical history, they may perform additional screening measures such as:
- Visual exam: Using an anoscope to view the inside of the anal canal and lower rectum
- Digital exam: Feeling inside the anus with a lubricated, gloved finger
- Endoscopy exam: Using a hollow tube with a light and camera at the end to view the rectum and anal canal
These tests allow your doctor to assess the location, size, and extent of the hemorrhoids so proper treatment can be determined.
Best At-Home Treatments for Hemorrhoids
For less severe cases of hemorrhoids, many treatment options do not require a prescription and can ease discomfort from home.
Prevent Constipation and Strain
Best hemorrhoid treatment at home includes preventing constipation, as it can help decrease hemorrhoid flare-ups. Home remedies include:
- Increasing fiber with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Staying hydrated by drinking more water
- Using a squatty potty to avoid straining
- Taking over-the-counter stool softeners
Avoid straining during bowel movements as it puts more pressure on the veins.
Soak in Warm Baths
Sitting in a warm bath helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area. This can relieve pain and itching. Try sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
Use Topical Creams and Ointments
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams containing hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve pain and itching. Witch hazel wipes and organic oils like coconut oil may also provide soothing relief.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For pain and swelling, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin as directed. They can reduce inflammation.
Use Cold Compresses
Applying something cool, like an ice pack or cold, wet rag, to the area for up to 20 minutes can decrease swelling.
When using these conservative home treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often resolve in a few days. See your doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week.
When to See Your Doctor
In some cases, hemorrhoids don’t respond well to at-home treatments or develop complications. See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Severe pain or rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of control/leakage of bowel movements
- External hemorrhoid blood clots
- Strangulated hemorrhoids – when an internal hemorrhoid prolapses and blood supply is cut off
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, like a gastroenterologist or proctologist. They can properly diagnose using advanced techniques and provide professional treatment options.
Medical Procedures for Hemorrhoids
When hemorrhoids persist or advanced treatment is needed, doctors can perform various medical procedures, from minimally invasive to more involved surgeries:
Rubber Band Ligation
In rubber band ligation, a specialized rubber band is applied by the doctor around the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict blood flow. The hemorrhoid subsequently undergoes necrosis and naturally detaches within approximately a week.
Sclerotherapy
A medicine is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. The scar tissue left cuts off blood supply so the hemorrhoid dies.
Infrared Coagulation
A device applies an intense beam of heat to small hemorrhoids to burn and cut off blood supply. The leftover scar tissue prevents blood from entering the vein.
Hemorrhoidectomy
This surgery removes excessive tissue causing bleeding and protrusion. It is done in a hospital under general anesthesia and allows for a faster recovery than a traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidectomy
This procedure locates the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoids, allowing precise surgical excisions resulting in less pain and faster healing.
Which is the Best Hemorrhoid Treatment?
The best course of treatment depends on the severity of your hemorrhoids and symptoms. Your doctor can recommend the most suitable options.
Mild cases often resolve with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes. Persistent, painful, or bleeding hemorrhoids may require prescription medications or medical procedures for removal. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor to determine the most effective