What are hemorrhoids and how do they affect your health. How can you identify the symptoms of hemorrhoids. What causes hemorrhoids to develop. How are hemorrhoids diagnosed by medical professionals. What dietary changes can help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. Which medications are commonly used to treat hemorrhoids. What topical treatments provide relief for hemorrhoid discomfort.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types and Prevalence

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. They come in two varieties:

• Internal hemorrhoids: These form inside the rectum’s lining
• External hemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus

Hemorrhoids affect a significant portion of the population. Approximately 1 in 20 Americans experience this condition, with at least half of adults over 50 having dealt with hemorrhoids at some point. While they don’t typically cause serious health issues, hemorrhoids can become quite painful and uncomfortable.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms

How can you tell if you’re dealing with hemorrhoids? Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• Anal itching or pain, particularly noticeable when sitting or having a bowel movement
• Rectal bleeding, usually bright red in color
• Bulging tissue or lumps around the anus
• Leakage of stool

Are these symptoms always indicative of hemorrhoids? While these signs are common for hemorrhoids, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as some symptoms may overlap with other conditions.

Root Causes: What Leads to Hemorrhoid Development?

Understanding the causes of hemorrhoids can help in prevention and management. Hemorrhoids may occur due to:

• Increased pressure in the rectal area, often caused by obesity, prolonged sitting, or pregnancy
• Straining during bowel movements or spending too much time on the toilet
• Exertion while lifting heavy objects
• Frequent constipation or diarrhea
• Age-related weakening of tissues surrounding the anus and rectum

Can lifestyle changes help prevent hemorrhoids? Indeed, many of these causes can be addressed through lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and improving dietary habits.

Diagnostic Approaches: How Medical Professionals Identify Hemorrhoids

When you visit a doctor with symptoms of hemorrhoids, they may use several methods to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Taking a detailed medical history
2. Performing a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam
3. Conducting additional tests if necessary, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

Why might additional tests be necessary? While hemorrhoids are often easily diagnosed through physical examination, additional tests may be required to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of the hemorrhoids.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be risky, as symptoms may mimic other, potentially more serious conditions. A professional medical evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dietary Interventions: Alleviating Hemorrhoid Symptoms Through Nutrition

One of the most effective ways to manage hemorrhoids is by preventing constipation and hard stools. Dietary changes can play a crucial role in this process.

Increasing Fiber Intake

How does fiber help with hemorrhoids? Fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, aids digestion by absorbing water and promoting the movement of waste through the digestive tract. Adults should aim for 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of fiber include:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes

Can increasing fiber intake provide benefits beyond hemorrhoid relief? Yes, a high-fiber diet offers numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, better blood sugar control, and potential weight management.

Hydration: The Key to Softer Stools

Why is water intake important for managing hemorrhoids? When you’re dehydrated, your body tries to conserve water by drawing more from the bowels. This can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Increasing your water intake helps keep stools soft and easy to pass, reducing strain during bowel movements.

How much water should you drink? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors like climate, activity level, and overall health may necessitate higher intake.

Medication Options: Pharmaceutical Approaches to Hemorrhoid Relief

When dietary changes alone aren’t sufficient, several medication options are available to manage hemorrhoid symptoms:

Fiber Supplements

How do fiber supplements work? These bulk-forming agents absorb fluid in your gut, making your stool bulkier and easier to pass. Common products include:

• Benefiber (wheat dextrin)
• Metamucil, Konsul, Serutan (psyllium seed)
• FiberCon (polycarbophil)
• Citrucel (methylcellulose)

Are there any side effects to be aware of? While generally safe, fiber supplements may cause bloating and abdominal discomfort. Starting with smaller doses and gradually increasing, along with drinking plenty of fluids, can help mitigate these effects.

Stool Softeners

How do stool softeners provide relief? These products work by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They’re particularly beneficial for patients recovering from childbirth or surgery, or anyone who should avoid straining during bowel movements. Popular brands include:

• Colace
• Docusate
• Surfak Stool Softener
• Phillips Stool Softener

Laxatives

When might laxatives be recommended for hemorrhoid management? Osmotic laxatives increase the amount of water retained in the colon, resulting in softer stools. While available over-the-counter, these should be used with caution, especially by older adults or those with heart or kidney issues, as they can cause dehydration or mineral imbalances. Common brands include:

• Miralax
• Glycolax
• Milk of Magnesia

Topical Treatments: Direct Relief for Hemorrhoid Discomfort

Several topical treatments can provide direct relief from hemorrhoid symptoms:

Sitz Baths

How do sitz baths help with hemorrhoids? Warm sitz baths can soothe hemorrhoid pain and promote healing. Here’s how to take a sitz bath:

1. Fill a bathtub with 3-4 inches of lukewarm water (avoid using bubble bath or soap)
2. Add up to 2 cups of Epsom salts if desired
3. Soak for 15-20 minutes, three times a day
4. Gently pat the area dry with a soft towel afterward

For those who prefer not to use a full bathtub, portable sitz bath kits that fit over a toilet seat are available at most pharmacies.

Ointments, Creams, and Suppositories

What types of topical medications are available for hemorrhoid relief? A variety of over-the-counter products can help alleviate discomfort and itching associated with hemorrhoids:

• Products containing phenylephrine or similar ingredients that shrink blood vessels in the rectal area
• Hydrocortisone-based products that reduce inflammation and itching
• Combination products that offer both pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects

How long can these topical treatments be used? While these products can provide significant relief, it’s important to follow the instructions on the package and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond a week of use.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing Serious Hemorrhoid Complications

While many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. When should you consult a doctor for hemorrhoids?

• If you experience persistent bleeding or severe pain
• If symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment
• If you notice a significant change in bowel habits
• If you develop fever or other signs of infection

What treatment options might a doctor recommend for severe cases? For hemorrhoids that don’t respond to conservative treatments, a doctor may suggest more advanced options such as:

• Rubber band ligation: A procedure where a small rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply
• Sclerotherapy: Injection of a chemical solution to shrink the hemorrhoid
• Infrared coagulation: Using infrared light to create scar tissue that cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid
• Surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy): Reserved for the most severe cases

Prevention: Key Strategies for Avoiding Hemorrhoid Recurrence

How can you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring? Implementing these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk:

• Maintain a high-fiber diet and stay well-hydrated
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy bowel function
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
• Manage your weight to reduce pressure on the rectal veins
• Address constipation or diarrhea promptly

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hemorrhoids, you can take proactive steps to manage this common condition effectively. Remember, while hemorrhoids are often manageable at home, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment and rule out more serious conditions.

What Are They & How Do You Treat?

• Home
• Our Team
• Conditions
• Services
• FAQs
• Patient Info
• Contact
• Patient Portal

Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in the lower part of your rectum and anus become swollen. There are two types

Internal hemorrhoids which occur inside the lining of the rectum and anus

External hemorrhoids, which form under the skin surrounding the anus

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, affect 1 in 20 Americans. At least half of adults over 50 have experienced hemorrhoids. While they do not cause serious health problems, they can become painful. Fortunately, treatment options are readily available.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include

• Anal itching or pain, especially noticeable while sitting or having a bowel movement
• Rectal bleeding, usually bright red
• Bulging tissue or lumps surrounding anus
• Leakage of stool

Causes

Hemorrhoids may occur because of

• Increased pressure in rectal area due to obesity, frequent sitting or pregnancy
• Straining during bowel movements, or sitting on toilet too long
• Straining while lifting
• Frequent constipation or diarrhea
• Weakening of tissues surrounding anus and rectum due to aging

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose hemorrhoid pain and it’s underlying causes by:

• Taking a medical history
• Performing a physical exam, including a digital exam of the rectum
• Performing other tests, occasionally involving a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

Treatment

Sometimes hemorrhoids will go away on their own. In some cases you can take measures at home to relieve your symptoms.

DIETARY CHANGES  One of the best ways to alleviate pain or discomfort due to hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation or hard stools.  Sometimes constipation or hard stools can be helped with a few changes in the diet.

• Increase Dietary Fiber Fiber is the part of the fruits, vegetables and grains and legumes that cannot be digested by the human digestive system. Insoluble fiber helps in the bowel by absorbing water and pushing waste through the digestive tract. It is recommended that adults consume 25-35 grams per day. Consciously adding fiber to your diet can not only help your digestion, but provide other health benefits. Click here to learn more about a high fiber diet.
• Increase water intake When you don’t drink enough water, your body tries to draw more water from the bowels, causing stools to become hard and dry. Drinking more water can alleviate constipation by adding more water in the bowel to keep stools soft and easy to pass.

MEDICATIONS When dietary fiber is not sufficient there are several alternatives that your physician may suggest.

• Fiber supplements Bulk forming agents work by soaking up the fluid in your gut, making your stool bulkier and easier to pass. While they may cause bloating and abdominal discomfort, drinking plenty of fluid can ease those symptoms. Users should start with smaller doses, increasing until regularly bowel movements occur. Common product names include:
  • Benefiber—wheat dextrin
  • Metamucil, Konsul, Serutan—psyllium seed
  • FiberCon—polycarbophil
  • Citrucel—methylcullulose
• Stool softeners work by drawing water into the stool, making them softer and easier to pass. These products are especially helpful for patients after childbirth or surgery and others who shouldn’t strain to have a bowel movement. Common brands include:
  • Colace
  • Docusate
  • Surfak Stool Softener
  • Phillips Stool Softener
• Laxatives Osmotic agents are laxatives that increase the amount of water retained within the colon, resulting in a softer stool. While they are available over the counter, older adults and those with heart or kidney problems should limit the use of these products, as they can cause dehydration or mineral imbalances. Common brands include:
  • Miralax
  • Glycolax
  • Milk of Magnesia
• Topical Medications & treatments To alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, you may want to try

• Sitz Baths Warm sitz baths involve a lukewarm bath in the tub and can provide relief from hemorrhoid pain. Pharmacies offer another option of a sitz bath kit, which are inexpensive portable basins that fit over a toilet seat for those who prefer not to fill the bathtub for each treatment.

To take a sitz bath in your home bathtub:

• Fill a bathtub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water without bubble bath or soap.
• Add up to 2 cups of Epsom salts, if desired
• Soak three times a day for 15-20 minutes, ensuring that your bottom area is covered.
• Afterward, gently pat dry the area using a soft towel.

• Ointments, Creams and Suppositories A variety of ointments, creams and suppositories are available over-the-counter to help with the discomfort and itching associated with hemorrhoids. Some contain phenylephrine or similar medicines which work by shrinking the blood vessels in in the rectal area. Others contain hydrocortisone, a steroid that works by decreasing inflammation and shrinking the swollen areas. Finally, some contain lidocaine or pramoxine, which are local anesthetic that provide pain relief. Some medications contain a mixture of these preparations. Common brands are
  • Preparation H (various formula available that contain one or more of the phenylephrine, hydrocortisone and lidocaine medications)
  • Anusol-HC, ProtoCare HC Protosol-HC (Hydrocortisone)
  • HemAway (phenylephrine and lidocaine)
  • Recticare (lidocaine)
• Other topical options You may find relief from the use of pretreated wipes or witch hazel. Witch hazel is an astringent that can be obtained inexpensively and is known to help with relieving swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids.
• Medical Intervention If home treatment fails to alleviate your symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary.
• Rubber band ligation is an in-office procedure that involves placement of a rubber band ring around the base of an internal hemorrhoid. With a restricted the blood supply, the hemorrhoids shrinks and eventually drops off. Our office offers the CRH O’Regan System® a simple in-office hemorrhoid banding treatment. To find out more about Hemorrhoid Banding, click here.
• Injection sclerotheraphy—is an in-office procedure in which a hardening chemical is injected into hemorrhoid to make it clot

Non surgical procedures are successful in more than 80% of patients suffering with hemorrhoids. For those who do not respond well, you doctor may recommend a surgical procedure.

If you are bothered by hemorrhoids, our office can help. Call (706) 868-0104 for more information.

The content on our website is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

Best Laxatives for Hemorrhoids | Proctology Institute

April 23, 2017 by admin

Constipation is one of the leading symptoms of hemorrhoids. Laxatives help you deal with constipation because they help you achieve a more regular bowel movement, and prevent your hemorrhoids from worsening.

Unfortunately, laxatives are also habit-forming, and may create a dependency which can end up worsening your constipation instead of curing it.

A Word of Caution on Laxative Use

Laxatives force the stool to come out, and frequent consumption may cause the veins of the rectum and anus to bruise and swell, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Regular use will make you a dependent, to a point that you may find it difficult to do your business without a laxative.

Therefore, you should only use laxative as a last resort, and only if you’ve already tried to make some lifestyle changes to relieve the constipation. Lifestyle changes such as loading up on fiber-rich food and drinking plenty of liquids usually clear up the problem. If these measures have failed, then that’s the time you can look at laxatives as your next recourse.

There are many types of laxatives, which is why you need to choose the right kind. Here are the most common laxatives used in the treatment of hemorrhoids:

Bulk-Forming laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water into the stool. They form a softer and bulkier stool, which is easier to eliminate. They can either be natural (psyllium) or synthetic (methylcellulose).

Emollient laxatives

Also known as stool softeners, these laxatives work by increasing the moisture content of the stool in order to make it softer.

Stool softeners do not directly stimulate bowel movement, but they are used to prevent straining in the toilet, which is why they are highly recommended for hemorrhoids patients.

Stimulant laxatives

This type of laxatives makes the intestinal muscles contract in order to facilitate an easier bowel movement. However, frequent use of stimulant laxatives like senna can damage the lining of the intestines.

Rectal stimulants

Laxatives can be taken orally, or they can be inserted in the rectum. Suppositories and enemas are examples of rectal stimulants. They cause contractions within the colon lining to move the stool along.

Safest Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are the safest to use and are the most effective in treating constipation. Avoid those that stimulate or simulate contractions, as this will only worsen your hemorrhoids.

If you’re taking laxatives and your hemorrhoids seem to have taken a turn for the worse, it is wise to consult a Los Angeles proctologist. Please visit us at the Institute to get the best treatment for your hemorrhoids today.

how to get rid of and causes of constipation in hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a fairly common disease throughout the world. Out of 100 people,
every fourth can face it, and after 50 years – every second ¹ . In recent years, the prevalence of this disease has been growing. Its causes may be ² :

• physical inactivity;
• long sedentary work, including at the computer;
• prolonged driving;
• long standing work without movement;
• constipation, including during pregnancy;
• births.

What else do you need to know about hemorrhoids?

• This delicate problem can often be accompanied by constipation ³ .
• Together, these problems can increase pain, worsen symptoms, and increase the chance of bleeding ² .
• But even if there is no constipation, and the stool is hard, every trip to the toilet can cause discomfort. Therefore, the question “How to relieve pain with hemorrhoids?” may become more relevant than ever.

Why does hemorrhoid pain occur?

On the one hand, hemorrhoids themselves cause pain and discomfort. During a trip to the toilet, hard stools can damage enlarged veins and cause bleeding. Pain comes from injury of the nerve endings located on the veins of the rectum ⁴ by the solid contents of the intestine. Fear of worsening symptoms can cause a person to restrain urges, avoid bowel movements. This can lead to even more compaction of the stool, disruption of the biorhythms of the intestines and the appearance or increase of constipation. And this, in turn, increases the likelihood of pain, damage, cracking ⁴ .

On the other hand, with constipation, prolonged straining increases the pressure in the veins of the rectum, contributes to their stretching. The dense contents of the rectum can cause pain and bleeding. Thus, to reduce the pain of hemorrhoids, it is necessary to make the contents of the intestine softer so that it does not injure the veins, and going to the toilet is easy and comfortable.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

In addition to the generally accepted measures and drugs used in the treatment of hemorrhoids (for example, anti-inflammatory and analgesic suppositories), you can add a laxative ⁵ . Let’s see why.

Often hemorrhoids are accompanied by constipation, and then the use of a laxative is understandable. However, if the hemorrhoids are not constipated but the person has hard stools that make going to the toilet painful, the use of a laxative can soften the stool and thereby reduce discomfort ⁵ . Not all laxatives are suitable for softening the stool, but only those that form a physiological, soft and natural stool ⁵ . The optimal choice is Duphalac ^® due to its specific properties: mild action, favorable safety profile and the possibility of long-term use of the drug ^6.8 .

Due to its mechanism of action, Duphalac ^® attracts water to the intestines, thereby helping to soften the stool and gently cleanse the intestines ⁶ . Thus, Duphalac ^® helps to reduce pain when going to the toilet in people with hemorrhoids.

If hemorrhoids are accompanied by constipation, then Duphalac ^® will help to treat it and restore the natural rhythm of the intestines. The drug has a double effect. Working throughout the large intestine, Dufalac ^® gently and comfortably cleanses it, providing a laxative effect. Due to its prebiotic action, the drug restores a healthy balance of intestinal microflora ⁶ . Duphalac ^® has a long lasting effect in the normalization of stools ^6.7 .

Since hemorrhoids are basically a chronic disease and their treatment is long, the following characteristics are especially important for laxatives:

• long-term use;
• soft and comfortable action.

Duphalac ^® fulfills the above requirements and can therefore be a good helper for hemorrhoids, especially in their chronic form ^4-8 .

More information about the treatment of hemorrhoids and its prevention can be found in the articles:
“Hemorrhoids during pregnancy” and “Prevention of hemorrhoids”.

Home treatment for hemorrhoids: symptoms, tips and remedies

Sometimes we face such acute problems as hemorrhoids. Of course, all medical portals will tell you in a voice that at the first symptoms you should immediately consult a doctor. But what to do if the diagnosis has already been made?

First, let’s clarify what hemorrhoids are. In a sense, everyone has it – these are pillow-shaped clusters of veins that lie directly under the mucous membranes that line the lower rectum and anus. The condition that most of us call hemorrhoids develops when these veins swell and stretch, much like varicose veins in the legs. Because the blood vessels involved must constantly fight gravity to keep blood flowing back to the heart, some people believe that hemorrhoids are part of the price we pay to remain upright creatures. There is another, more capacious definition of hemorrhoids. “This is the name of the nodules, swollen veins in the anus and rectum, similar to varicose veins,” says the Mayo Clinic portal. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

According to statistics, three out of four adults suffer from this disease from time to time. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, but often the cause is unknown. Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat hemorrhoids. Many people manage to completely get rid of the disease at home, simply by changing their lifestyle.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

Signs of hemorrhoids largely depend on its type. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids, which occur in the lower part of the rectum, and external hemorrhoids, which develop under the skin around the anus. External hemorrhoids cause the most discomfort, as the skin that covers them is irritated and corroded. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, the pain may be sudden and severe. You may feel or see a lump around your anus. The clot usually dissolves, leaving excess skin (skin mark) that may itch or become irritated.

Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, even if they cause bleeding. For example, you may see bright red blood on toilet paper or dripping down the toilet. Internal hemorrhoids can also prolapse or extend beyond the anus, causing several potential problems. When hemorrhoids come out, they can collect small amounts of mucus and tiny particles of stool, which cause an irritation called anal itching. Constant rubbing to reduce itching only makes the problem worse.

With external hemorrhoids, swollen veins are located near the anus. Its main symptoms are:

Internal hemorrhoids lie directly inside the rectum. Usually, these nodules cannot be seen or felt, and they rarely cause discomfort. But straining or irritating a bowel movement can cause:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet

• Hemorrhoids pushing through the anus (prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids) causing pain and irritation

• Thrombosed hemorrhoids. If blood accumulates in external hemorrhoids and forms a clot (thrombus). This, in turn, can lead to severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and the formation of a hard bump near the anus.

Stages of hemorrhoids

When symptoms of hemorrhoids develop, there are many treatment options, depending on the situation and the severity of the hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are classified according to the degree of prolapse below the scallop line into the anal canal.

Grade 1: Internal hemorrhoids protrude into the canal but do not protrude or fall completely. The nodes may bleed.

Grade 2: Hemorrhoids protrude beyond the anus when straining due to defecation or gas, but spontaneously return to their original internal position as soon as the tension subsides.

Grade 3: Hemorrhoids may protrude beyond the anal margin without any tension and require the patient to manually push them inwards.

When to see a doctor if you suspect hemorrhoids

If you notice slight bleeding or see blood on the toilet paper, this is already a reason to see a doctor. But do not assume that rectal bleeding is necessarily a sign of hemorrhoids. It is also common in other, more serious conditions, such as cancer of the rectum or anal canal.

Diagnosis of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can usually be diagnosed based on a simple medical history and physical examination. External hemorrhoids are usually obvious, especially if a blood clot has formed. Your doctor may do a digital rectal examination to check for blood in the stool. She or he may also examine the anal canal with an anoscope, a short plastic tube inserted into the rectum with light. If there is evidence of rectal bleeding or microscopic blood in the stool, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be done to rule out other causes of bleeding, such as colorectal polyps or cancer, especially in people over 45 years of age.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Traditionally, hemorrhoids have been associated with chronic constipation, straining during a bowel movement, and prolonged sitting on the toilet, all of which interfere with blood flow in and out of the area, causing it to pool and vasodilate. This also explains why hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy when the enlarging uterus presses on the veins.

More recent studies show that patients with hemorrhoids tend to have higher anal tone at rest, i.e. anal smooth muscle tends to be tighter than average (even in the absence of tension). Constipation exacerbates these problems because straining during a bowel movement increases pressure in the anal canal and pushes the hemorrhoid against the sphincter muscle. Finally, the connective tissues that support and hold hemorrhoids in place can weaken with age, causing the hemorrhoids to bulge and prolapse.

The veins around the anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop due to increased pressure in the lower rectum caused by:

• Tension during defecation

• Long sitting on the toilet

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• obese

• Pregnancy

• anal sex

• Improper diet

• Regular weight lifting

Risk factors for hemorrhoids

With age, the risk of hemorrhoids increases. This is because the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch. This can also happen during pregnancy: the baby’s weight puts a lot of pressure on the anal area as well. By age 50, about half of the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse (hemorrhoids that protrude through the anal canal). Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Complications of hemorrhoids

Complications of hemorrhoids are rare, but sometimes they occur:

• Anemia. In rare cases, chronic blood loss due to hemorrhoids can cause anemia, in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your cells.

• Suffocated hemorrhoids. If the blood supply to internal hemorrhoids is cut off, the hemorrhoids can be “suffocated”, causing severe pain.

• Thrombus. Sometimes a blood clot is also formed with thrombosed hemorrhoids. While not dangerous, it can be very painful.

Prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to make the stool soft and easy to pass through the anal canal. Regardless of the size or swelling of the hemorrhoids, treatment is not required if there are no symptoms. Prevention is perhaps the most effective treatment. Diet and adequate hydration are very important to maintain normal bowel movements. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can occur with hard stools and constipation, as well as with diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. People with constipation may need a high-fiber diet, adequate fluids, and stool softeners. People with frequent bowel movements may need antidiarrheal drugs and dietary adjustments. These preventive measures reduce the strain required to empty the bowels, thereby reducing pressure in the blood vessels and preventing swelling. Internal hemorrhoids always remain bulging or protruding and are at risk of thrombosis or strangulation in case of anal muscle spasm.

Hemorrhoids of the 1st degree are treated symptomatically. Spasm of the anal muscles is possible. Warm sitz baths, sitting in a warm bath for 20 minutes two or three times a day, can help. Avoiding spicy foods can also prevent anal itching. Over-the-counter medications may be helpful.

To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce their symptoms, follow these tips:

• Eat foods high in fiber. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will soften the stool and increase its volume, which will help avoid the tension that causes hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid gas problems.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Preferably, six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not counting alcohol) per day to keep stools soft.

• Consider fiber supplements. Most people don’t get enough fiber (20 to 30 grams per day) in their diet. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) improve the overall symptoms and bleeding of hemorrhoids.

• Don’t stress. Tension and holding the breath while trying to defecate create increased pressure in the veins of the lower rectum.

• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge. If the urge passes, your stool may dry out and be harder to pass.

• Do exercises. Stay active to help prevent constipation and relieve pressure on your veins from prolonged standing or sitting. Exercise can also help you shed excess weight, which can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

• Avoid prolonged sitting. Sitting too long, especially on the toilet, puts more pressure on the veins in the anus.

• Take a sitz bath. A bath with warm water can reduce itching, irritation and spasm of the sphincter muscle. Pharmacies sell small plastic tubs that fit over the toilet seat, or you can sit in a regular warm tub. Most experts recommend a 20-minute sitz bath after each bowel movement (which is hard to imagine in real life), or at least two or three times a week. Try to gently blot the anal area afterwards; do not rub or rub hard. You can also use a hair dryer to dry this area.

• Look for topical hemorrhoid relief. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams containing a local anesthetic can temporarily relieve pain. Witch hazel wipes are soothing and non-irritating. A small ice pack applied to the anal area for a few minutes can also help prevent pain. Finally, sitting on a cushion rather than on a hard surface helps reduce the swelling of existing hemorrhoids and prevents new ones from forming.

Top 5 remedies for hemorrhoids

№1 Napkins Proktolif, Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory, Russia

Napkins Proktolif – an effective and practical tool for the prevention of hemorrhoids and skin diseases. Thanks to the active ingredients, Proctoliph wipes have a wound-healing, capillary-protective and antipruritic effect and are widely used in proctology for the prevention and complex treatment of hemorrhoids. They eliminate burning, itching, pain, swelling, heal cracks.

Proctoliph wipes are also effectively used in dermatology and relieve inflammation in dermatitis of various etiologies, such as: exudative diathesis, rosacea, diaper rash; skin irritation from aggressive influences (thermal and sunburn, insect bites.

Napkins have wound-healing, capillary-protective and antipruritic action.

They prevent exacerbation and relieve inflammation of the rectum with hemorrhoids (eliminate burning, itching, pain, swelling, heal cracks).

Relieve inflammation of the skin in various dermatological diseases.

Proctoliph Hamamelis medical wipes 10 pcs. prophylaxis of hemorrhoids

Manufacturer: Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory, Russia

No.

2 Ointment for rectal and external use Relief, Bayer, Germany

Ointment with a vasoconstrictor component – phenylephrine. It is prescribed for the external manifestation of the disease, although the use of the internal variety of hemorrhoids is not excluded. The use of Relief ointment is indicated for chronic hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

The ointment has a vasoconstrictive effect by reducing the lumen of the vessels and helps to eliminate bleeding.

Relief ointment for rectal and external use tube 28.4 g

Producer: Bayer [Bayer], Greece

№3 Cream for rectal and external use Proktonis, VIS, Russia

Proktonis is a biologically active food supplement. Is not a medicine. Proctonis has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and hemostatic effect.

• Normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Relieves pain from hemorrhoids.

• Eliminates flatulence.

• Can be used as a mild laxative.

Proktonis cream 30 ml

Producer: VIS OOO, Russia

No. 4 Ointment for rectal and external use Posterizan, Dr. Kade GmbH, Germany

A drug with anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects for topical use.

Cell wall antigens and metabolic products of Escherichia coli in contact with the rectal mucosa and skin of the anogenital area increase local tissue resistance to the effects of pathogenic microflora. The drug stimulates the T-system of immunity, phagocytic activity of leukocytes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system, non-specific immunity factors, reduces exudation during inflammation, normalizes the permeability and tone of blood vessels, stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Hydrocortisone, when applied topically, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. When applied to the affected surface reduces swelling, redness, itching.

Posterizan ointment for rectal and external use 25 g

Manufacturer: Dr.