Hemorrhoids can be embarrassing, but there are several ways to prevent them and manage the symptoms. Using the toilet whenever you feel the need is one way to avoid these discomforts. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, eat more high-fiber foods, and take fiber supplements. Aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 35 grams of fiber for men. Lastly, stay active and try to avoid sitting down for long periods of time. Use laxatives and enemas only when they are prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. Too much can affect your poop regulation.
Symptoms
You may have hemorrhoids if you feel pain or discomfort in the anus, but you may not have a symptom to be concerned about. Pain or bleeding during bowel movements are the most common signs of hemorrhoids. You may also notice blood in your stool or a hard lump near your anus. Hemorrhoids may occur as a result of constipation or diarrhea, or as a result of an anal infection. People who sit for long periods of time are at a greater risk for developing hemorrhoids.
In some cases, bleeding after bowel movement may be painful, but most hemorrhoids aren’t painful. Some cases of hemorrhoids may have blood clots, in which case medical care is necessary. If your hemorrhoid is enlarged or inflamed, surgeons may be required to remove it. You should also seek medical attention if you develop bleeding or discomfort.
Diagnosis
A physician may diagnose hemorrhoids based on the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids is important for deciding what treatment to pursue. A physician may suggest hemorrhoid creams or medication. Hemorrhoid surgery may be an option, but it can be painful and cause infection. The doctor may prescribe an enema.
Treatments for hemorrhoids depend on the severity and grade of the disease. In many cases, patients with grade I hemorrhoids can be treated in a primary care office. However, patients with grade III hemorrhoids may require treatment in a surgical suite. Common surgical procedures include ligation, tissue destruction, fixation techniques, excision, and hemorrhoidopexy.
The successful treatment of hemorrhoids requires careful evaluation and management of any compounding issues. External hemorrhoids can cause skin tags. Skin tags can develop without a previous incident, and they may interfere with cleaning your anus after a bowel movement. For this reason, some patients consider surgical removal. A doctor should be able to properly diagnose hemorrhoids in their early stages, since they can lead to serious complications, such as colon cancer and diabetes.
Treatment
Surgical intervention is an option for patients who experience recurrent hemorrhoids, are unresponsive to nonsurgical methods, or who have advanced symptoms. A surgical intervention may also be necessary if hemorrhoids have a complication, such as thrombosis or strangulation. It can also be performed for cosmetic purposes, or due to the patient’s preference. However, not all surgical options are proven effective.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may help alleviate hemorrhoids temporarily. But these medications may have side effects that require further medical care. They may also thin the skin, which may make it more sensitive. Hemorrhoids are extremely painful, and even if they don’t cause bleeding, they might not go away entirely.
Rubber band ligation is another surgical method that can relieve hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation involves cutting off the hemorrhoidal tissue. Sometimes, additional ligation is needed to reduce bleeding. However, this procedure can be painful and may lead to other complications. If this doesn’t work, a colorectal surgeon may be the best option. These procedures are effective for moderate to severe hemorrhoids, but do come with risks.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent hemorrhoids is to avoid standing for long periods of time or doing heavy lifting. You may also want to reduce your weight as this can help prevent hemorrhoids. People with other medical conditions are also more likely to develop hemorrhoids. People with liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension and abdominal tumors are at higher risk for hemorrhoids.
The prevention of hemorrhoids begins with your bowel habits. Avoid delaying bowel movements, as this can result in hard stool that is difficult to pass later. Avoid sitting for long periods on the toilet as this can increase pressure on the veins. Always clean your rectal area with soft, unperfumed tissue. Some people find that using pre-moistened wipes are helpful. It’s also important to avoid storing waste for long periods of time in your anus.
It is important to learn about the causes of hemorrhoids and what you can do to prevent them. There are a variety of medical treatments available, but most focus on medical treatment. These treatments can be expensive, and they may not work. If the underlying cause of hemorrhoids is not addressed, the hemorrhoids are likely to return. In such cases, it is important to know what causes hemorrhoids in the first place.