How do hemorrhoids develop. What are the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. Which treatments are most effective for hemorrhoid relief. When should you seek medical attention for hemorrhoids. How can dietary changes help prevent hemorrhoids. What surgical options exist for severe hemorrhoids. Are there natural remedies that can alleviate hemorrhoid discomfort.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Risk Factors

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition affecting millions worldwide. These swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus can cause discomfort and concern for many individuals. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to understand what hemorrhoids are and why they occur.

Types of Hemorrhoids

There are two main types of hemorrhoids:

• External hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus and can be felt as tender, hard lumps.
• Internal hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum, these are often painless but can cause bleeding.

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Several factors can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids:

1. Straining during bowel movements
2. Prolonged sitting on the toilet
3. Chronic constipation or diarrhea
4. Low-fiber diet
5. Pregnancy
6. Aging
7. Heavy lifting

Are certain individuals more prone to developing hemorrhoids? Yes, some people have a higher risk due to factors such as genetics, obesity, or occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing.

Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms: When to Seek Help

Identifying hemorrhoid symptoms early can lead to more effective treatment and prevention of complications. While symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of hemorrhoids, there are some common signs to watch for.

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms

• Itching around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
• Swelling or lumps near the anal opening
• Bleeding during bowel movements

Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms

• Painless rectal bleeding (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl)
• Prolapse (hemorrhoid tissue protruding from the anus)
• Mucus discharge
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum

When should you consult a healthcare provider about hemorrhoid symptoms? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if home remedies fail to provide relief after a week.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Hemorrhoid Relief

Many individuals find relief from hemorrhoid symptoms through simple home remedies and lifestyle modifications. These approaches can be effective for mild to moderate cases and may help prevent recurrence.

Dietary Adjustments

How can dietary changes help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms? Implementing the following dietary strategies can make a significant difference:

• Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid spicy foods and excessive caffeine, which can irritate the digestive system

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes in daily habits can contribute to hemorrhoid relief:

1. Avoid straining during bowel movements
2. Limit time spent on the toilet
3. Exercise regularly to promote healthy bowel function
4. Practice good hygiene, including gentle cleaning of the anal area

Topical Treatments and Sitz Baths

What immediate relief options are available for hemorrhoid discomfort? Consider these solutions:

• Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel
• Sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes) to soothe the affected area
• Cold compresses to reduce swelling and numb pain

Medical Treatments for Persistent Hemorrhoids

When home remedies prove insufficient, various medical treatments can offer relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. These options range from minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions for more severe cases.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Several in-office procedures can effectively treat hemorrhoids without the need for surgery:

• Rubber band ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it
• Infrared coagulation: Uses infrared light to create scar tissue, cutting off blood supply to the hemorrhoid

Surgical Options

For severe or recurring hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be necessary. Common surgical procedures include:

1. Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids
2. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Uses a stapling device to reposition prolapsed hemorrhoids and cut off blood supply
3. Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation: Uses ultrasound to locate and tie off hemorrhoidal arteries

How effective are these surgical treatments? While they can provide long-term relief, it’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before proceeding.

Natural and Herbal Remedies for Hemorrhoid Management

Many individuals seek natural alternatives for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. While scientific evidence varies, some herbal remedies and natural approaches have shown promise in providing relief.

Herbal Supplements

Several herbs are believed to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that may benefit hemorrhoid sufferers:

• Witch hazel: Contains tannins that can help reduce swelling and inflammation
• Psyllium husk: A natural fiber supplement that can soften stools and reduce straining
• Butcher’s broom: May improve circulation and strengthen blood vessel walls
• Horse chestnut: Contains compounds that might improve vein health

Essential Oils and Natural Ointments

Certain essential oils and natural ingredients can be incorporated into homemade ointments or added to sitz baths:

1. Tea tree oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
2. Chamomile: Can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation
3. Aloe vera: Provides cooling relief and may promote healing
4. Coconut oil: Offers moisturizing benefits and may help reduce itching

Are these natural remedies safe for everyone? While generally considered safe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal supplements or essential oils, especially if you have allergies or are taking medications.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence: Long-Term Strategies

After successfully treating hemorrhoids, implementing preventive measures is crucial to avoid recurrence. Long-term strategies focus on maintaining healthy bowel habits and overall digestive health.

Dietary Considerations

A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in preventing hemorrhoids:

• Consistently high fiber intake (25-30 grams daily for adults)
• Adequate hydration (aim for 8 glasses of water per day)
• Limiting processed foods and excessive red meat consumption
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods for gut health

Lifestyle Habits

Certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of hemorrhoid development:

1. Regular exercise to promote healthy bowel movements
2. Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
3. Responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement
4. Using a squatting position or a toilet stool to ease bowel movements

How effective are these preventive measures? While they cannot guarantee complete prevention, these strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of hemorrhoid recurrence for many individuals.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While many hemorrhoid cases can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Recognizing these scenarios is crucial for proper treatment and to rule out more serious conditions.

Warning Signs

Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent bleeding or blood clots in stool
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to home treatments
• Hemorrhoids that don’t improve after a week of home care
• Recurring hemorrhoids despite preventive measures
• Changes in bowel habits or stool consistency

Diagnostic Procedures

Healthcare providers may use various methods to diagnose hemorrhoids and rule out other conditions:

1. Visual examination of the anus and surrounding area
2. Digital rectal examination
3. Anoscopy or proctoscopy for internal examination
4. Colonoscopy in cases of persistent bleeding or to exclude other causes

Why is professional evaluation important? A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the type and severity of hemorrhoids, recommend appropriate treatments, and ensure that symptoms are not indicative of more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer.

In conclusion, while hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable condition, numerous effective treatments and preventive strategies are available. From simple home remedies to advanced medical procedures, options exist for managing hemorrhoids at every stage. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing long-term preventive measures, individuals can effectively address hemorrhoid issues and maintain optimal anorectal health. Remember, when in doubt or if symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action for personalized care and peace of mind.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids |Healthy You

It might seem like a sensitive subject, but hemorrhoids are nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, more than 3 million Americans get hemorrhoids every year – or about 50 percent of people over the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Hemorrhoids are very common but it’s important to make sure hemorrhoids are treated properly so you don’t develop complications, or your pain gets severe,” says William Hackworth, M.D., gastroenterologist with Riverside Health System.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around your anus or in your lower rectum become inflamed and swollen. They are also called piles. There are two types of hemorrhoids: external and internal hemorrhoids. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary based on the type of hemorrhoids you have.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• Itching around the anus
• Tender, hard lumps near the anus
• Pain or ache around the anus, especially when sitting

Internal hemorrhoid symptoms include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid (bulges outside the anus)

What causes hemorrhoids?

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Other causes of hemorrhoids include:

• Sitting on the toilet for too long
• A diet that is low in fiber
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Lifting heavy objects

How are hemorrhoids treated?

There are many effective treatments for hemorrhoids, beginning with home remedies.

Treating hemorrhoids at home

A diet high in fiber is often the first step in helping treat hemorrhoids at home. Fiber helps make it easier for the body to pass softer stool, which causes less strain and pain. Your physician may also discuss these other home remedies:

• Take a stool softener or fiber supplement.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try not to strain during bowel movements.
• Take a warm bath to relieve pain.
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Try over-the-counter creams or ointments.

Surgical treatment for hemorrhoids

Today, many minimally invasive surgical options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Your physician will refer you to a surgeon if conservative treatments don’t address your symptoms or if you aren’t a candidate for in-office procedures.

Common surgical procedures to treat hemorrhoids include:

• Hemorrhoidectomy. Large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed hemorrhoids may need to be removed by a surgeon.
• Hemorrhoid stapling. A special stapling tool can remove internal hemorrhoids and pull prolapsed hemorrhoids back into the anus.

“If you struggle with recurrent hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about ways you can treat and prevent them,” says Dr. Hackworth.

Need a doctor? Find a Riverside gastroenterology provider near you.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Remedies, Causes, More

Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition that affects millions of people around the world. More than half of all people will develop symptomatic hemorrhoids at some point, so it’s common to wonder how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Most patients are able to get rid of hemorrhoids with a high-fiber diet, herbal supplements and non-surgical medical treatments, such as my DIY Hemorrhoid Cream with Turmeric and Tea Tree Oil.

Hemorrhoids are frequently seen in primary care clinics, emergency wards, gastroenterology units and surgical clinics, but how do you know when they have developed and when you should see a doctor? These are common concerns among people who develop hemorrhoids and don’t know how to deal with and treat the pain.

Thankfully, there are natural treatments for how to get rid of hemorrhoids fast, and starting there may help relieve these literal pains in the butt.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Now, you might be wondering why it’s so important to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids, especially if you’ve never experienced hemorrhoid symptoms before. Well, it’s because no one is immune to them.

I bet you didn’t know that we all have hemorrhoids, but it’s true. Hemorrhoids are normal cushions of tissue that are filled with blood vessels and found at the end of the rectum, just inside the anus. Together with a circular muscle called the anal sphincter, hemorrhoids help control bowel movement.

When people say that they “have hemorrhoids,” what they really mean is that their hemorrhoids have become enlarged. Enlarged hemorrhoids are often associated with symptoms such as itching, mucus discharge or bleeding. Bleeding happens when hard stool damages the thin walls of the blood vessels in hemorrhoids.

The two basic types include internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are more common, and external hemorrhoids tend to feel like a large lump around the outside of the anus that can make sitting painful. Bleeding is fairly common with a swollen external hemorrhoid.

Swollen internal hemorrhoids might come out of the anus and can then be seen as soft lumps of tissue. These are called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Larger hemorrhoids can make it feel like something is pushing against the anus, which can make sitting very uncomfortable.

Hemorrhoids are classified by grade, which is based on how severe they are:

• Grade 1: Slightly enlarged hemorrhoids that cannot be seen from outside the anus.
• Grade 2: Larger hemorrhoids that may come outside of the anus at times, like when passing stool, but then go back in on their own.
• Grade 3: Hemorrhoids that come out of the anus when passing stool or engaging in physical activity and do not go back in on their own. They can only be pushed back inside the anus.
• Grade 4: Hemorrhoids that are always outside the anus and can no longer be pushed back inside. A small bit of the anal lining may also come down from the lower rectum and out of the anus, which is known as rectal prolapse.

The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is anal bleeding, and chief complaints include a perianal mass protruding from the anus and anal discharge. Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• irritation and itching around the anus
• fecal leakage
• sensitive lumps in the anus
• painful bowel movements
• protrusion of skin during bowel movements
• blood on toilet paper after having a bowel movement

A particularly painful form of Grade 4 hemorrhoids comes in the form of a thrombosed hemorrhoid. This refers to (usually) external hemorrhoids that have no blood flow because the vein connected to them has a thrombosis (blood clot).

The thrombosis responsible for a thrombosed hemorrhoid will often reabsorb within two to three weeks without major treatment. Pain originating from the swelling and inflammation of the hemorrhoid is usually worst in the first 24–48 hours after it develops.

People with hemorrhoids are at an increased risk of portal hypertension. According to WebMD, “Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins coming from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver.”

Many people find themselves wondering, “Do hemorrhoids go away?” Most swollen hemorrhoids do go away, given that you follow a wise regimen of diet and bathroom habits, as well as any other additional treatment methods recommended by your physician.

How long do hemorrhoids last? Hemorrhoid symptoms clear up within a few days for most people, but they may reoccur and/or require medical attention in some cases.

If symptoms continue for more than a week or two and haven’t been improved by home treatment, it’s probably time to visit the doctor. For those who already have frequent hemorrhoids, dietary intervention may be one of the best ways to get rid of external and internal hemorrhoids once and for all.

Although people assume that any anal pain while using the toilet is from hemorrhoids, there are a number of other anorectal disorders that can cause symptoms, including dermatologic diseases, diverticulitis, abscess and fistula, fissure, sexually transmitted diseases, warts, HIV, infections, and inflammatory ulcers. These conditions will be ruled out by your doctor when you go for a rectal exam if they aren’t the cause.

Diverticulitis vs. Hemorrhoids

People are sometimes confused by the difference between diverticulitis and internal hemorrhoids. Diverticulitis is a condition in which sacs or pouches within the colon walls become inflamed and press into the colon. While some of the symptoms and root problems are similar to what causes hemorrhoids, diverticulitis tends to be a bit more serious and is related closely to age and poor dietary fiber intake.

Causes

Researchers propose that degradation (or disintegration) of the supporting tissues of the anal cushions causes hemorrhoids to develop. There are some contributing factors for hemorrhoids, including:

• being overweight
• regularly lifting heavy objects
• aging
• pregnancy and giving birth
• heredity
• constipation or chronic diarrhea
• faulty bowel function due to overuse of laxatives or enemas
• spending excessive periods of time on the toilet

An increase in intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy or when constipated and sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time while straining are major contributing factors for the development of hemorrhoids. Weakening of supporting tissue as a result of aging and genetics may also serve as another cause.

Conventional Treatment

When you go to see a doctor for enlarged hemorrhoids, he or she will look at your anus to see if it’s inflamed and whether the hemorrhoids come out of the anus when you push or if they’re already outside. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are a number of examinations your doctor may choose to perform in order to make a diagnosis.

Doctors typically do a digital rectal examination first, which involves gently inserting a finger into the anus with gloves and lubricant. The doctor will feel the inside of the anal canal using circular movements, which allows him to examine the sphincter muscles and the texture of the membranes lining the anus.

If your doctor believes that you do have enlarged hemorrhoids, she will most likely perform a proctoscopy next. This involves inserting a short tube with a light and lens on it (the proctoscope) that exams the membranes lining the rectum.

The doctor is looking to see if there are enlarged hemorrhoids and how big they are. People tend to fear the pain and discomfort that come with these procedures, but they usually don’t hurt and do help your doctor make suggestions about how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Most of the patients suffering from hemorrhoids have their symptoms alleviated through diet therapy, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid cream and medical treatments — such as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation.

1. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a chemical (the sclerosant) into a vein to destroy it. The sclerosant is used to damage the innermost lining of the vessel, which results in a clot that blocks the blood circulation in the vein. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue and fades away.

In 2010, a group of 338 Japanese medical institutions reported good results for sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA). Upon injecting ALTA into Grade 2, 3 and 4 hemorrhoids, of 3,519 patients, 98 percent reported positive effects within 28 days. The recurrence rate after two years was 18 percent, and complications included pyrexia, low blood pressure, perineal pain and rectal ulcers, but those were mild.

2. Rubber Band Ligation

This procedure is used to remove a hemorrhoid with a rubber band. Your doctor inserts a small tool called a ligator through a lighter tube into the anal canal. Then the doctor grasps the hemorrhoid with forceps, slides the ligator’s cylinder upward and releases the rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid.

The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply and causes it to wither away.

A 2000 study published in Digestive Surgery found that rubber band ligation is a useful, safe and successful method for treating symptomatic second- and third-grade hemorrhoids and can be applied successfully in fourth-grade cases but with an increased rate of recurrence and additional treatments required.

3. Infrared Coagulation

Infrared coagulation is a procedure that’s used for internal hemorrhoids. The doctor uses a device that creates an intense beam of infrared light to cause scar tissue and cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid.

When the hemorrhoid dies, a scar forms on the anal canal below the lower rectum, and the scar tissue holds nearby veins in place so they can’t bulge into the anal canal.

A 2003 study compared infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation in terms of effectiveness and discomfort. Researchers found that postoperative pain during the first week after treatment was more intense in the band ligation group. Pain and a feeling of constantly having to pass stool was also more intense with band ligation.

Patients in the infrared coagulation group returned to work earlier, but they also had a higher recurrence or failure rate. Researchers concluded that band ligation, although more effective in controlling symptoms and obliterating hemorrhoids, is associated with more pain and discomfort to the patient — something to keep in mind when you’re looking for ways on how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

4. Hemorrhoid Surgery

Surgical intervention is now less frequently performed than in the past, but it can be considered for patients with acute complications of hemorrhoidal disease or for those who were unable to treat hemorrhoids with other measures. Surgery for hemorrhoids, known as a hemorrhoidectomy, involves removing the hemorrhoid or the clot with a small incision. Having a hemorrhoidectomy is generally an outpatient procedure and involves a two- to three-week recovery period.

Having hemorrhoid surgery can seem frightening, but it is a relatively minor procedure that doctors recommend when all other treatment methods have failed.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Naturally

1. Improve Your Diet

Eat High-Fiber Foods

To get rid of hemorrhoids, it’s important that you avoid constipation and hard stool, which can be done by eating plenty of high-fiber foods to make stools soft. For how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the recommendation is 30–35 grams of fiber daily.

Eat foods such as:

• avocados
• berries
• figs
• Brussels sprouts
• acorn squash
• beans
• lentils
• nuts
• flaxseeds
• chia seeds
• quinoa

In clinical studies, high-fiber diets reduced the risk of persisting symptoms and bleeding by approximately 50 percent.

Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration can lead to constipation because water and fluids are required for fiber to travel smoothly through the digestive tract. Many studies, including one published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicate that fluid loss and fluid restriction can increase constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

To relieve constipation and as a way for how to get rid of hemorrhoids, drink at least one glass of water with each meal and snack of the day.

Eat Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and raw, pastured yogurt can help provide the digestive system with healthy bacteria that are essential for proper elimination. Several studies have shown that fermented foods and probiotics improve intestinal tract health, synthesize and enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, modify gut pH, and aid digestion.

Limit Alcohol and Spicy Foods

Alcohol can be dehydrating and hard on the digestive system, making hemorrhoid symptoms worse, while spicy foods can intensify the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some studies show that both alcohol and spicy foods consumption serve as risk factors for hemorrhoids, although the data isn’t consistent.

To be safe, limit these foods until the hemorrhoids have cleared up.

2. Practice Better “Toilet Habits”

Avoid Straining

Straining during a bowel movement can be painful and make hemorrhoid problems even worse.

Don’t wait too long before going to the toilet. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and when you feel an urge to use the bathroom, go right away.

Otherwise the stool will become harder, and this will automatically make you push harder. When you’re at the toilet, take your time, and relax your body.

Prevent Constipation

Constipation forces you to strain while using the bathroom, and that will increase the pain and inflammation of the hemorrhoid. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids, engage in regular physical activity and eat high-fiber foods that make stools soft. These steps also help answer how to get rid of hemorrhoids or prevent them in the first place.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting on the Toilet

Spending too much time on the toilet can worsen hemorrhoids.

Don’t read or distract yourself while using the bathroom. This only leads to more time spent straining. (Read: Put the phone down.)

Clean Yourself Thoroughly

If stool is left behind after you wipe, it can aggravate hemorrhoids even more, which is why it’s important to cleanse yourself thoroughly after going to the bathroom. Do not, however, cleanse yourself too roughly or use soaps that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol or perfumes.

Instead, use plain water to wipe yourself, and then dry your bottom afterward. A sitz bath is helpful to patients with anal itching, aching or burning and is known as one of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids fast.

3. Take Helpful Supplements

Butcher’s Broom

Butcher’s broom can help reduce swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids. A 2002 study conducted in Germany found that butcher’s broom was an effective means of treatment for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the flow of blood through the veins is inadequate, causing the blood to pool.

Pycnogenol® 

A 2010 study published in Phytotherapy Research investigated the efficacy of orally and topically applied Pycnogenol® hemorrhoid cream for the management of acute hemorrhoidal attacks in a controlled, randomized study with 84 subjects. Within less than 48 hours of an attack, patients were enrolled and their signs and symptoms were scored.

The decrease in scores was significantly more pronounced in the Pycnogenol® group than in the control group given placebo. The study indicates that oral and topical Pycnogenol® helps heal acute hemorrhoids.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut is commonly used as an herbal remedy for poor blood flow and swelling. According to research published in Alternative Medicine Review, horse chestnut has been shown to improve microcirculation, capillary flow and vascular tone, all of which are helpful for how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Witch Hazel 

Witch hazel is a plant that’s used for its skin-healing, astringent and antioxidant properties. Topical application of witch hazel can help soothe hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and pain.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a natural source of pure fiber that’s sold in powder form. Studies suggest that plant fibers like psyllium husk can reduce the frequency of bleeding when using the bathroom and help avoid constipation or straining. When using psyllium husk, make sure to drink plenty of water.

A 2011 animal study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that psyllium husk has a gut-stimulatory and laxative effect on mice, and at higher doses it has antisecretory (reducing the normal rate of secretion of a body fluid) and antidiarrheal activity.

MSM

MSM supplements seem to help treat hemorrhoids, according to studies. Applying a gel containing MSM along with tea tree oil can reduce pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels of the rectum that make it hard to go to the bathroom without pain or bleeding).

4. Try Beneficial Essential Oils

Cypress Oil

Cypress essential oil stops excess blood flow and promotes the clotting of blood. This is due to its hemostatic and astringent properties.

Cypress oil helps with the contraction of blood vessels, and it tightens tissues. It’s also known to reduce anxiety, which can help relieve constipation for some people.

Use cypress topically by adding three to four drops to a cotton ball and applying to the area of concern.

Helichrysum

Helichrysum essential oil helps stimulate the secretion of gastric juices that are needed to break down food and prevent digestive issues. It also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent when applied topically.

To use helichrysum, rub two to three drops into the abdomen or area of inflammation.

Hemorrhoids by the Numbers

Precautions

A common concern is that hemorrhoids increase the risk of colorectal cancer, but that’s not true. However, the two conditions do cause similar symptoms. This is why it’s important to mention your hemorrhoids to your health care provider.

Even when a hemorrhoid is healed completely, a colonoscopy may be done to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, every person age 50 and older should undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

• Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition that affects millions of people around the world.
• Enlarged hemorrhoids are often associated with symptoms such as itching, mucus discharge or bleeding. Bleeding happens when hard stool damages the thin walls of the blood vessels in hemorrhoids.
• Avoidance of constipation is key when trying to get rid of hemorrhoids. It’s important that you don’t strain while using the bathroom, don’t sit for an excessive period of time and clean yourself thoroughly when finished.
• Foods and herbal supplements that help relieve constipation can alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids are the most helpful dietary changes you can make when it comes to how to get rid of hemorrhoids.
• If non-medical treatments don’t work, there are relatively painless procedures that can be done to treat hemorrhoids. For extreme cases, an outpatient surgery called a hemorrhoidectomy may be required.

External hemorrhoids – methods for rapid and effective treatment

Doctors distinguish two types of the disease – hemorrhoids can be internal and external (external). The main difference lies in the place of development of the altered nodes: in the case of the internal form of the disease, the nodes occur in the rectum, directly in its submucosal layer, and in the external form, in the perianal region or on the anus under the skin layer. The external form is dangerous with serious complications: if treatment is not started on time, blood clots, difficult-to-treat fistulas, etc. can form.

For any problems with defecation, itching and pain in the anus, it is worth visiting a proctologist. In the FMBA of Russia, the reception is conducted by experienced specialists who will delicately conduct an examination, accurately determine the diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Here you will find the answer to the question of how to get rid of external hemorrhoids forever.

What are external hemorrhoids

When they say that external hemorrhoids have become inflamed, they mean the pathology of venous plexuses. At the same time, the vessels increase in size, expand, bumps appear on them, normal functioning is disrupted, as the valves are weakened.

Locating the nodes under the skin (near the anal sphincter) rather than under the mucosa minimizes the occurrence of bleeding. At the same time, exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by more pronounced pain. These are two important differences from the internal form.

Causes of disease

The genetic predisposition of the disease means that the presence of it in relatives increases the likelihood of problems with venous vessels – the expansion and weakening of their walls. That is, the main factor is heredity.

However, lifestyle and other factors also have a strong influence on the development of the disease:

age features.

When treating external hemorrhoids, it is important to reconsider your lifestyle and make the necessary changes, only then you can come to a long remission. Otherwise, the disease will worsen again and again.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids

The first manifestations of the disease are subtle, but do not ignore them. At the beginning of development, the problem may manifest itself in the following symptoms:

Gradually, the sensations become brighter: discomfort during defecation is replaced by pain. If the feces are hard, they may be accompanied by small bloody discharge.

If the disease passes into an acute stage, then swollen nodes are already detected. They can be seen on examination and felt. The patient may also experience pain while sitting or going to the toilet.

Attention! You should not self-diagnose and choose treatment based on a description of the symptoms. You can not only miss the initial moment of the disease, but also harm yourself. The first thing to do with external hemorrhoids is to consult a specialist. Doctors-proctologists of the SOMC FMBA of Russia have extensive experience in helping with delicate problems and will help you restore good health.

Why external hemorrhoids are dangerous – complications

Having learned that with the external form of the disease there is no rectal bleeding, many people think that treatment can be postponed until later.

However, without therapy, other, no less dangerous consequences may develop:

Thrombosis of the hemorrhoidal lump is another threatening complication. In this case, there is a strong pain of a bursting character in the anus in a calm position and acute attacks during emptying and physical exertion. The node itself turns blue, increases in size. Edema can spread to adjacent areas – the perineum and buttocks.

The sooner you start treating the bumps of external hemorrhoids in women and men, the less likely the occurrence of complications.

How to detect a disease

Diagnosis of external hemorrhoids includes examination and palpation: a proctologist in the clinic immediately determines the location and size of hemorrhoids. At the same time, pain is the main signal of their presence.

However, do not think that you can independently establish a diagnosis. The patient may incorrectly determine the form of the disease – external or external, and also confuse it with other similar problems.

Treatment of external nodes of hemorrhoids – effective methods

Important to remember! Hemorrhoids do not go away by themselves, like a runny nose or SARS.

Treatment of cones of external hemorrhoids should be started already at the first stage of the development of the disease. Therefore, a consultation with a doctor should not be postponed: the sooner you visit a specialist, the better.

Among the methods and regimens for the treatment of external hemorrhoids in adults, there are 3 varieties: conservative therapy with the use of drugs, surgery, minimally invasive surgery.

Additionally, it may be recommended to change your lifestyle and follow a therapeutic diet.

Medical or conservative treatment of external hemorrhoids

This method is aimed at improving the health of the patient, may be part of a combination therapy.

As a rule, various creams, suppositories, ointments and gels are prescribed – the doctor selects a convenient format for a specific situation and calculates the dosage of the active substance. The drugs relieve pain, provide an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, tone up the outflow of venous blood, etc.

Attention! Drug therapy is a sufficient way to treat external hemorrhoids in girls, women, men, adolescents only in the early stages of the disease. In advanced cases, more effective methods are needed.

Minimally invasive treatments for external hemorrhoids

This type of procedure allows you to cure external hemorrhoids and at the same time minimize the consequences of treatment. The recovery period will also be short.

This method is effective when drug therapy no longer helps, but it is possible to cope with inflammation of external hemorrhoids without surgery. This is an average treatment option that is used for a not very advanced course of the disease.

There are 2 main methods that differ in methods and tools:

Ligation with latex rings – at 2-3 stages. The doctor puts special rings on the internal hemorrhoids. Only one node is processed per procedure. This method is contraindicated in anal fissures and other diseases.

Sclerotherapy, widely used for varicose veins, has no effect on external hemorrhoids, so it is not used to treat it.

How to treat external hemorrhoids: surgical method

The most radical way is surgery. Surgery is resorted to when other methods are already powerless. This is typical for the last stages of the disease.

The following types of operations are carried out: thrombectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, desarterization. In each case, the doctor determines what works best for external hemorrhoids.

Anesthesia can be general or local. As a result, the nodes themselves (bumps) are removed, as well as blood clots in the veins.

The rehabilitation period takes several weeks. At this time, it is important to minimize physical activity, adhere to a special diet, take prescribed medications.

Alternative methods of treatment: is it worth using them

In an effort to find the answer, is it possible to cure external hemorrhoids on their own in order to get rid of it forever, many patients are considering folk methods: lotions from herbs, vinegar, onion juice, etc.

However, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of these methods has not been proven. Some herbs can indeed reduce inflammation and give the effect of local anesthesia, but this only masks the problem. Swollen nodes and dilated vessels will not disappear anywhere.

Therefore, independently practicing folk methods, in the hope of a quick and effective treatment of external hemorrhoids, is dangerous and fraught with the development of complications. In addition, a severe allergic reaction may occur, which will aggravate the condition.

Attention! Only a qualified doctor can, through examination and additional examinations, determine the patient’s condition and determine which complex treatment of external hemorrhoids is better to remove the external node.

How to quickly cure external hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

When carrying a child, women may complain that symptoms of the development of the disease have appeared, as a rule, this is typical for the 3rd trimester, shortly before childbirth. The fetus becomes heavy, it compresses the intestines. Blood circulation is disturbed, combined with low mobility, this leads to the development of the disease.

In the state of pregnancy, the effective treatment of external hemorrhoids in women differs from the usual scheme. The fact is that many drugs that are prescribed to other patients can harm the child.

Therefore, the goals of treatment are the removal of pain and stabilization of the condition, and the main therapy is started after the end of lactation. Doctors are looking for ways to safely reduce external hemorrhoids in size and how to quickly anesthetize them.

Prevention

In order not to have to treat such an unpleasant disease as external hemorrhoids, it is important to monitor your lifestyle.

You can start with light but consistent physical activity. Do a warm-up during sedentary work, walk at lunchtime. Walk more often: get out of transport or park a car a couple of stops before your destination.

Then take care of your diet: choose vegetables, seeds, dairy products more often, drink clean water. Reduce consumption of fast food, chips, salted fish, alcohol, cookies and sweets. Replace fried foods with baked or steamed ones.

External hemorrhoids are a delicate problem that interferes with living a full life. The development of the disease is mainly associated with heredity and lifestyle characteristics. In order to get rid of external hemorrhoids, minimally invasive methods, surgical operations and drug therapy are used.

If you experience discomfort in the anus, be sure to consult a proctologist. Specialists of the Siberian District Medical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia will listen carefully, carefully examine, determine the exact diagnosis and prescribe the best possible and most effective treatment for external (external) hemorrhoids so that you quickly return to good health.

Treatment of hemorrhoids without surgery at low prices in Moscow, Yuzhny clinic

The question of whether it is possible to get rid of hemorrhoids without surgery is decided by the attending physician during the patient’s consultation with him. The basis for making the final decision is the results of diagnostics, which includes:

• visual inspection;
• anoscopy (in some cases it has been replaced by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy).

The ability to eliminate hemorrhoids (HU) without surgery depends on several aspects:

• Stages of pathology progression.
• The general state of human health and its characteristics.
• The presence of complications and concomitant diseases.

The traditional removal of hemorrhoids by surgery is rarely used today. It is shown only in very advanced cases. Modern doctors, as a rule, resort to non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, including conservative combinations with less traumatic methods.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids formed from veins, small arteries and a large number of fistulas are a completely normal anatomical formation that exists in the body of every person. Their pathological transformation occurs under the influence of two key reasons:

1. Vascular pathology, which is expressed in the degeneration of cavernous formations of the hemorrhoidal plexuses of the rectum.
2. Weakening and damage to the ligaments and other muscular and connective tissue structures that support the internal hemorrhoidal plexuses and keep them in the anus.

In the normal state, the GU, together with the muscles of the anal ring, performs the function of hermetic closure of the anus. In the case of venous blood stagnation, the location of the GUs is disturbed, as a result of which they crawl down along with the mucous membrane. Subsequently, there is a restructuring and a violation of the blood supply.

Among the factors that are conducive to the appearance of hemorrhoids, it is worth highlighting:

• Excessive exercise.
• Pregnancy.
• Overweight.
• Struggling with constipation.
• Prolonged heat exposure.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Sitting most of the time.
• Excessive consumption of spicy and spicy foods.

Symptoms and signs

The periodic appearance of a feeling of discomfort in the anus is a sign of the initial stage of the development of the disease. This is a reason to see a doctor.

As the pathology progresses, other symptoms begin to appear:

• Sensation of a foreign body in the anus , inflammation and feeling of heaviness due to swelling and displacement of the internal folds in the anal canal. These symptoms are periodic and are the first sign of the development of the disease.
• Burning and itching in the anus provoked by HU prolapse. At the same time, there are also bloody and mucous discharges, which lead to irritation of the mucous membrane and skin in the anus. The appearance of itching during bowel movements is a manifestation of the chronic nature of the disease.
• Bleeding is the most pronounced sign of the development of the disease. Appears periodically and differs in the duration and color of the released blood. Most often, bleeding occurs during bowel movements. However, they are also possible in the interim. These can be blood drops that appear after the release of feces, or streaks of blood in the stool itself.
• Prolapse of HU , which is the most obvious sign of hemorrhoids. If the nodes that have fallen out without problems are set inward on their own, this indicates an initial stage. If GU can only be adjusted by hand, or it is not possible to correct it at all, then we are talking about a later stage in the development of the disease.
• Pain , which is the result of the development of pathology and infringement of the HU and appears during defecation, walking, and also when a person is in a sitting position. Often the pain of hemorrhoids is permanent. Their strengthening signals an exacerbation of the disease.

Stages of development

There are several stages in the development of the disease:

• First which is characterized by bleeding and discomfort. A distinctive feature is the strengthening of the vascular pattern of the mucous membrane and the non-prolapse of GU from the anal canal.
• The second , occurring against the background of prolapse of GU, bleeding, mucus and itching. The key symptom is the protrusion of the nodes outward during bowel movements, after which they are independently reduced inside.
• Third , accompanied by prolapse of hemorrhoids during defecation and physical exertion, itching in the anus, bleeding and mucus secretions. Dropped GU are adjusted manually.
• Fourth , characterized by regular prolapse of nodes without the ability to set them inward, anal itching, pain and sphincter incontinence.

Can hemorrhoids be cured without surgery?

Today, the treatment of hemorrhoids without surgery is a reality, because the times when this disease was eliminated only through surgical intervention are in the distant past. The emergence of radical non-surgical techniques made it possible to cope with the problem without incisions and blood. They are widely used due to the following features:

• Low risk of complications.
• No extended recovery period.
• High efficiency, not inferior to traditional surgery.
• Fast and painless problem resolution and prompt return to normal activities with excellent results in the short and long term.
• Outpatient manipulation, which practically does not affect the usual rhythm of a person’s life. After the procedure, working capacity is maintained, and the need for a sick leave is eliminated.

When is treatment for hemorrhoids prescribed without surgery?

In some cases, surgery to eliminate the disease is not possible. It is in such cases that various alternative therapeutic techniques are indicated. Such cases include:

• Pregnancy . The development of pathology during pregnancy is associated with changes in the body that are physiological in nature. The uterus increases and puts pressure on the rectum, which provokes circulatory disorders and creates favorable conditions for blood stagnation in the hemorrhoidal vessels. The hormonal background during pregnancy leads to chronic constipation, which further aggravates the situation.
• Exacerbation of the disease , which occurs when the diet is not followed, the stool is disturbed and constant heavy physical exertion. You can cope with acute hemorrhoids without surgery.
• The presence of contraindications for surgery , including acute infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases, weakened general condition of the body, malignant tumors.

Methods for non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids

How to cure hemorrhoids without surgery? Today, there are many non-surgical techniques that allow you to get rid of a rather delicate problem painlessly and in a short time.

An alternative technique for eliminating pathology is based on a seamless connection of tissues, performed on an outpatient basis. A person does not need to change their usual way of life, endure pain or worry about the risk of complications. Restrictions are minimal – avoiding alcohol, excluding spicy foods and pickled foods, avoiding physical exertion. Non-surgical therapy of the disease includes several methods described below.

Infrared photocoagulation

Infrared photocoagulation (IF) is a painless manipulation with a high degree of effectiveness in the treatment of the first and second stages of hemorrhoids. It is also shown as an element of complex treatment of later stages of pathology. In just one IF session, several GUs can be removed at once.

The essence of the manipulation, which can be used to remove hemorrhoids without surgery, is reduced to a thermal effect on the GU through focused infrared radiation. As a result, tissue rejection occurs in a natural way and the problem is eliminated.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is prescribed for patients with first-degree hemorrhoids, and is also indicated to stop bleeding in the case of the fourth stage of the disease as part of a comprehensive plan for preparing for hemorrhoidectomy or ligation of HU with latex rings.

The choice of dosage of sclerosing drugs is made on the basis of the stage of development of the disease, the number of HUs and their sizes. The patient is placed on the gynecological chair on his back. The legs should be pressed to the stomach. The knee-elbow or lying position on the side is also allowed. The skin around the anus is treated with chlorhexidine. With the help of an anoscope and a gauze ball on a clamp moistened with the same solution, the intestinal lumen is treated.

Latex ligation

The efficiency of the latex ligation method is very high. Manipulation is carried out on an outpatient basis without the need to place the patient in a hospital. Upon its completion, a person can return to his usual life.

Latex ligation is especially effective in the treatment of second and third stage disease. It can also be carried out in the case of the fourth stage, but only if the boundaries of the drop-down nodes are clear.

The essence of the method is to apply a latex ring to the internal GU using a device called a ligator. After a day or three, the part of the node on which the ring was applied is rejected and subsequently leaves the body with feces.

Radio wave treatment

Radio wave treatment of hemorrhoids without surgery, reviews of which are an indicator of its high efficiency, is carried out using a radio wave surgical knife. A distinctive feature of the method, which makes it unique, is that the temperature of the active electrode does not rise, and the therapy is carried out without contact. This ensures that there is no irritation of the nerves, muscle spasm, and, as a result, pain. The technique allows preventing mechanical damage to cells and necrosis of adjacent tissues.

The device used during the manipulation has an effect by converting the current into radio waves of a certain range and high-frequency energy, which leads to the heating of tissues to a certain temperature. As a result, the heated tissue literally evaporates.

Laser Vaporization

Laser vaporization is a modern way to deal with hemorrhoids by removing both external and internal HU. This is an innovative minimally invasive procedure that is not inferior to traditional operations in terms of efficiency. Thanks to laser vaporization, the recovery period was reduced, and the risks of complications were also minimized.

The method is based on the action of a laser beam on the GU, which, through the released thermal energy, contributes to the evaporation of the node tissue and the closure of the lumen of the blood vessels. As a result, the destruction of HU tissues occurs, in the place of which connective tissue is later formed. Due to the almost instant soldering of blood vessels during the procedure, there is practically no blood.

Cost of hemorrhoids treatment without surgery in Moscow

You can solve such a delicate problem as hemorrhoids by contacting the Yuzhny Moscow Medical Center. We offer highly qualified assistance in the fight against the disease using widely used techniques and completely unique methods at very affordable prices.

The pricing policy of the clinic makes our services accessible to the general population. It should be noted that the quality of service remains at a very high level.