What are the main causes of hemorrhoids. How can you differentiate between internal and external hemorrhoids. What are the most effective treatments for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. How can you prevent hemorrhoids from developing or recurring.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types and Causes

Hemorrhoids are a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. To effectively manage hemorrhoids, it’s crucial to understand their types and underlying causes.

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are primarily classified into two types:

• Internal hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum
• External hemorrhoids: Develop under the skin around the anus

Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless but can cause bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be more painful and may lead to the formation of blood clots, known as thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Several factors can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids:

1. Straining during bowel movements
2. Chronic constipation or diarrhea
3. Prolonged sitting on the toilet
4. Lack of fiber in the diet
5. Pregnancy and childbirth
6. Obesity
7. Aging

Understanding these causes can help in preventing and managing hemorrhoids effectively.

Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of hemorrhoids is crucial for early detection and treatment. While symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of hemorrhoids, some common signs include:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Swelling around the anus
• A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful

Can hemorrhoid symptoms vary between internal and external types? Indeed, they can. Internal hemorrhoids often cause painless bleeding, while external hemorrhoids are more likely to cause pain, itching, and visible swelling.

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids: When to See a Doctor

While mild hemorrhoid symptoms can often be managed at home, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Rectal bleeding persists or is severe
• Hemorrhoid symptoms don’t improve with home treatments
• Pain becomes severe or unbearable
• You experience frequent hemorrhoid flare-ups

A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests, such as anoscopy or colonoscopy, to rule out other conditions and determine the best course of treatment.

Conservative Treatments for Hemorrhoids

For many people, conservative treatments can provide significant relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. These approaches focus on alleviating discomfort and promoting healing without invasive procedures.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in managing hemorrhoids:

• Increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
• Exercising regularly to promote healthy bowel movements

Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories can help relieve symptoms:

• Hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation
• Witch hazel wipes for soothing relief
• Lidocaine ointments for pain relief

Are topical treatments effective for all types of hemorrhoids? While they can provide relief for both internal and external hemorrhoids, their effectiveness may vary depending on the severity and location of the hemorrhoids.

Medical Procedures for Hemorrhoid Treatment

When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, medical procedures may be necessary. These interventions aim to reduce hemorrhoid size or remove them entirely.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Several outpatient procedures can effectively treat hemorrhoids:

• Rubber band ligation: A 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: Infrared light is used to create scar tissue, cutting off blood supply to the hemorrhoid

Surgical Options

For severe or recurring hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be recommended:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A procedure that removes and staples prolapsed hemorrhoid tissue back into place

Is surgery always necessary for severe hemorrhoids? Not always. The decision to pursue surgical treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the effectiveness of other treatments, and the patient’s overall health.

Managing Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids, which occur when a blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid, can be particularly painful and challenging to manage. While some may resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention.

Home Remedies for Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

To alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Take warm sitz baths to improve circulation and reduce pain
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

Medical Treatments

For severe cases, a doctor may recommend:

• Incision and drainage of the clot
• Prescription pain medications
• Surgical removal of the thrombosed hemorrhoid

Can you push a thrombosed hemorrhoid back in? It’s generally not recommended to attempt pushing a thrombosed hemorrhoid back in. This can cause significant pain and potentially lead to complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper management of thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence

After successfully treating hemorrhoids, taking steps to prevent their recurrence is crucial. Implementing lifestyle changes and maintaining good bowel habits can significantly reduce the risk of future hemorrhoid development.

Dietary Considerations

A fiber-rich diet plays a vital role in preventing hemorrhoids:

• Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Consider fiber supplements if dietary intake is insufficient
• Stay hydrated to soften stools and prevent constipation

Bathroom Habits

Proper toilet habits can help prevent strain on the anal area:

• Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Don’t strain during bowel movements
• Use soft, unscented toilet paper or wet wipes

How effective are preventive measures in reducing hemorrhoid recurrence? When consistently applied, these preventive strategies can significantly lower the risk of hemorrhoid development and recurrence, promoting overall anal health.

Special Considerations: Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a common time for hemorrhoids to develop or worsen due to increased pressure on the pelvic area and hormonal changes. Managing hemorrhoids during pregnancy requires special care and consideration.

Safe Treatment Options

Pregnant women should prioritize safe, conservative treatments:

• Warm sitz baths
• Kegel exercises to improve circulation
• Pregnancy-safe topical treatments (consult with a healthcare provider)

Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

• Maintain a high-fiber diet
• Stay physically active as advised by your healthcare provider
• Avoid constipation by staying hydrated and using safe stool softeners if necessary

Are all hemorrhoid treatments safe during pregnancy? Not all treatments are safe for pregnant women. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any medications or undergoing procedures during pregnancy.

Understanding hemorrhoids, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention. By implementing lifestyle changes, seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, and maintaining good anal health practices, individuals can significantly reduce the impact of hemorrhoids on their daily lives. Remember, while hemorrhoids are a common condition, they don’t have to be a persistent problem. With proper care and attention, most people can find relief and prevent recurrence, improving their overall quality of life.

External Hemorrhoids, Can You Push Them Back In?

External hemorrhoids are external growths of the veins just under the skin. They can get inflamed and become very painful, which is why they are more difficult to live with than internal ones. Having piles means that a person has swollen external veins, which form the hemorrhoidal tissue. This external tissue itself is also called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

External Hemorrhoids Can You Push Them Back In?  

According to the doctors at NYU Langone Medical Center, in rare cases when a patient’s pile gets very large, it can be possible to push them back in when defecating. Still, they will need medical help from a doctor or nurse. The NYULMC notes that patients should not attempt to push them back in on their own because it can be very painful, cause them to bleed, or make them much worse. They usually need to be removed surgically if they are too large or problematic.

What Are External Hemorrhoids?

When a person has external piles, these are called thrombosed hemorrhoids. Pushing them back into the body might help for a few days, but these can become uncomfortable and large enough that they begin to protrude outside of the body through the anus. When this happens, they need medical attention before pus starts leaking out, which will likely occur after pushing them back in. If someone is experiencing pain with bowel movements, they have probably already started to thrombose and need medical attention.

What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids are a bit different from external ones in that they lie within the anus itself and do not protrude outside of it at all. If they get large enough, external types can prolapse outside of the anus, which means they start to hang down from inside, but this is also when they become external hemorrhoids and require immediate medical attention. According to doctors at NYU Langone Medical Center, unless you want to go through surgery to remove an external pile or wait until it clears, which can take several weeks or longer.

What Causes External Hemorrhoids?

They can occur in all types of people, but they frequently appear in older adults and pregnant women due to the body’s changing systems over time. Some of them also develop due to too much sitting or pushing during a bowel movement. This is especially common among people who are constipated. Also, according to doctors at NYU Langone Medical Center, external pile symptoms include pain with bowel movements, thrombosed external hemorrhoid prolapse outside of the anus, blood clots, those that have been scratched or injured, and swelling.

What Is The Difference Between External And Internal Hemorrhoids?

External hemorrhoids are located outside the anus but still within a finger’s reach. You can push them back into the rectum and cover them with a sterile dressing. They form small blood clots inside them; this makes them very painful and prone to bleeding or bursting if irritated by scratching or during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anus, so external pile removal is required if they become too large.

How Do You Treat External Hemorrhoids?

Prevention is the best treatment. If they become a thrombosed hemorrhoid, sit in a warm bath several times daily until they become less painful and decrease in size. If you have external piles that seem irritated or are bleeding when wiping, try an over-the-counter external hemorrhoid cream containing hydrocortisone; ask your pharmacist to recommend one for external hemorrhoid relief. Sit in a tub of steaming hot water for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily; this increases blood flow and soothes the pain and itching. If you think you have problems, ask your pharmacist for external hemorrhoid relief or remedy products that contain benzocaine. This topical anesthetic reduces outward hemorrhoid symptoms such as pains and itching.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.

Treatment, pictures, symptoms, and causes

External hemorrhoids feel and look like small lumps just outside the anus. They can cause bleeding and itching. Home remedies include warm baths, cool compresses, and topical applications, such as witch hazel.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, often result from straining while having a bowel movement. A person may push too hard, sit on the toilet for too long, or have a stool that is hard and difficult to pass.

Most external hemorrhoids will not cause additional issues, but they can become more painful if they develop a clot, known as a thrombus. If a person is in severe pain, a doctor may recommend the surgical removal of hemorrhoids.

In this article, we detail what external hemorrhoids are, the common causes, and how a person can get rid of them.

External hemorrhoids usually do not require a specific treatment unless they develop a clot and become painful. Most will go away on their own within a few days. Those that persist may cause discomfort, itching, and some pain. Home remedies can be effective in easing these symptoms.

People can try various home remedies to treat hemorrhoids, such as:

• taking warm baths
• cleaning the anus gently after a bowel movement, often by using moistened wipes or cotton pads
• applying cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort
• applying ointments, such as creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone, that relieve itching

Doctors can sometimes treat external hemorrhoids that develop a clot through surgery.

Surgical removal

There are two types of surgery for external hemorrhoids.

The first involves making a small cut in a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and draining blood from the clot. A doctor can perform this surgery under local anesthesia. This procedure does not remove the hemorrhoid itself. However, if a doctor can perform this procedure within 48 hours of a hemorrhoid developing, it can provide more rapid pain relief than other treatments.

After this time, surgery is not typically helpful, and the symptoms will eventually improve on their own.

The second form of surgery is a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure fully removes the hemorrhoid and requires general anesthesia.

Learn more about hemorrhoid surgery.

Treatments during pregnancy

Many of the home remedies above are suitable to use during pregnancy to treat external hemorrhoids and ease pain. However, a pregnant person must always check with a doctor before using any topical application on external hemorrhoids to ensure that it will not interfere with the pregnancy.

External hemorrhoids protrude below the anus, and a person may be able to feel them. On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids are not visible from the outside. A digital rectal exam may be necessary to assess internal hemorrhoids.

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External hemorrhoids are often itchy and irritating, and they can also cause pain and discomfort. However, not everyone experiences symptoms. In fact, in an older study from 2021, more than half of those with hemorrhoids reported no symptoms.

People with external hemorrhoids can often feel a tender lump if they touch the area around the anus.

Blood in the stool

People with external hemorrhoids may also notice some blood when they pass stool, which is typically on the stool’s outer surface. The blood tends to be bright red because it usually comes directly out of the hemorrhoid rather than anywhere else in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood from hemorrhoids should be minimal. Anyone with external hemorrhoids who notices a significant amount of blood should contact a doctor.

Blood clots in the hemorrhoid

External hemorrhoids can be very painful if they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids usually appear purple-blue on light skin and grey, black, or dark brown on dark skin.

Learn more about thrombosed hemorrhoids.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when the veins that cause the bulge in the hemorrhoid develop a blood clot. As a result, blood cannot flow to the hemorrhoid, and the effect can be excruciating.

The body will often absorb the blood clot in time, reducing the symptoms and easing the pain.

When the blood clot passes or the body reabsorbs it, an external hemorrhoid may sometimes leave behind a perianal skin tag. A doctor may recommend surgical removal if this skin tag regularly catches stool and is difficult to keep clean.

In addition to straining, other possible causes of hemorrhoids include:

• lifting heavy objects or weights
• a low fiber diet
• obesity
• standing or sitting for extended periods
• pregnancy
• ascites, which is a buildup of fluid that places extra pressure on the stomach and intestines

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common medical conditions, and the likelihood of developing them increases with age. The reason for this is that the tissues lining the anus and sphincter become thinner and less able to withstand pressure from pushing and straining.

External hemorrhoids are different than other hemorrhoid types, mostly due to their location. Internal hemorrhoids, for example, are inside the rectum. They are usually painless but may bleed.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that sometimes bulge outside of the anus. It is possible to push these hemorrhoids back inside, but they may go back in without intervention.

External hemorrhoids protrude from the anus. They tend to cause more pain than internal hemorrhoids because the outside of the anus is more sensitive than the inside.

People may have multiple hemorrhoid types at the same time.

A doctor can diagnose external hemorrhoids by assessing the person’s symptoms and conducting a physical exam.

Anyone who suspects that they have external hemorrhoids should see a doctor. Some of the symptoms, such as bleeding, can be due to other more severe conditions, including:

• anal cancer
• anal fissure
• colorectal cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease
• perianal abscess
• skin tag

The primary way to prevent external hemorrhoids from developing is to avoid constipation and the development of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Tips to prevent external hemorrhoids include:

• increasing the amount of dietary fiber in the diet to 25–30 grams by eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, and cereals
• drinking enough water each day so that every time a person urinates, the urine is pale yellow
• engaging in regular physical activity, which promotes the natural movement of the bowels
• using the bathroom when necessary and not delaying for an unnecessary amount of time
• spending the shortest possible time sitting on the toilet

People who have recurring problems with constipation and hemorrhoids should talk with a doctor about the treatment options.

Below, we provide answers to some of the questions people often ask about external hemorrhoids.

Are external hemorrhoids painful?

External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.

They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within 2 days of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.

Are external hemorrhoids dangerous?

External hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. They can develop a blood clot that may burst, but although this will cause several minutes of bleeding, it will usually end independently. If it does not, a person should seek emergency medical treatment.

Anyone who experiences regular rectal bleeding should avoid assuming that it is from a hemorrhoid. Rectal bleeding can signify other issues, including colorectal cancer or anal cancer. A person should discuss regular rectal bleeding and any other symptoms with a doctor.

Do external hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Yes, most external hemorrhoids will go away on their own within weeks, even without treatment. However, external hemorrhoids can recur, which means that a person may deal with them regularly if they do not take steps to prevent them.

Can you push an external hemorrhoid back in?

No, external hemorrhoids develop outside the anus, so a person cannot push them back in.

External hemorrhoids will usually go away on their own.

Taking steps to reduce the incidence of constipation and avoiding straining with bowel movements can help a person reduce the likelihood of developing any types of hemorrhoids.

Anyone who experiences extremely painful external hemorrhoids should consult a doctor about the treatment options.

Is it possible to set hemorrhoidal nodes on your own?

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• Is it possible to set hemorrhoidal nodes on my own?

Zinkeeva S. V.
Proctology

One of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids is varicose veins in the rectal veins in the form of nodes. Such nodes often fall out of the anus during the act of defecation, coughing, sneezing, laughing, and also during physical exertion. In order to reduce discomfort, patients sometimes adjust the knots themselves. In what cases is the reduction of nodes justified and when such a procedure will only harm, said Svetlana Vladimirovna Zinkeeva, a practicing proctologist at the Class Clinic Kaliningrad medical center.

Is it possible to set the fallen out internal nodes with hemorrhoids on my own, is it safe?
The question is quite complicated. In fact, the indications for self-reduction depend on the individual case. Internal knots that may fall out during bowel movements need to be set. But often the patient is not able to understand on his own what the problem is – whether the internal node has fallen out or whether it is an external thrombosis. If a thrombosed external node falls out, it is dangerous. Any attempt to adjust it on your own will lead to increased thrombosis, and, accordingly, to pain.

At what stages does it make sense to set knots yourself?
It is better to set internal knots than to try to walk with them and wait until they swell and cause severe pain. Internal nodes not complicated by thrombosis and damage can be reduced up to the third or fourth stage. In severe cases, knots can fall out even when walking. I have had patients who, faced with such a problem on the street, independently set the fallen knots in the nearest public toilet.

How to determine whether knots can be set or not?
If the knot is soft, painless, and can be reduced without much effort, it is most likely an uncomplicated internal knot. It can be driven. If the knot is dense and it did not work out right away, then most likely it is thrombosed. It cannot be driven.

Similar symptoms will be with total thrombosis of the combined nodes, which also cannot be touched. In such cases, when you try to set the node, there is quite a lot of pain. When reducing uncomplicated internal nodes, this does not happen.

Is it easy for a person without special medical knowledge to understand whether it is possible to set the knot on their own?
Many patients have difficulty with this, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids and prolapse for the first time. To make sure whether the knot can be set or not, the patient needs to lie on his left side and, after lubricating his finger with Vaseline, try to gently set the knot. If this fails after one or two attempts, it is urgent to visit a proctologist. It should also be noted that all attempts to reposition the knot properly are extremely accurate, one might even say gentle.

In what cases do you need to urgently contact a proctologist without trying to set the knots yourself?
Pain is a signal that you need to stop trying to self-reposition and visit a proctologist. But it’s better not to bring it up. There are cases when the nodes fall out all at once, in a kind of “bunch”, as they reach the appropriate stage of development. In this case, you should also consult a doctor as soon as possible.

If there are factors predisposing to hemorrhoids, for example, congenital insufficiency of venous valves, concomitant diseases (varicose veins of the lower limb, varicocele, etc.), then it is better to contact a proctologist without waiting for the nodes to fall out. So you can avoid problems with their reduction – both with independent and with outside help.

Make an appointment with Svetlana Vladimirovna Zinkeeva on the website or by phone (4012) 33-44-55.

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Is it possible to set nodes on your own with hemorrhoids? — Latest news of Omsk and the region

September 24, 2018, 03:00

Prolapsed hemorrhoids is one of the most common manifestations of hemorrhoids. Nodules can fall out during excessive physical exertion, after an act of defecation, with a sharp cough, sneezing.

To get rid of the discomfort, people try to straighten knots themselves. How safe is this event and whether it is possible to do it yourself, says the practicing proctologist of the medical center “Class Clinic” Klyuev Vladimir Vladimirovich.

– Vladimir Vladimirovich, is it safe to set knots yourself?

– Indeed, in the third stage of internal hemorrhoids, patients adjust the knots, this is a familiar procedure for them. However, this is dangerous, as trauma and bleeding can be provoked. It is better to consult a proctologist and cure hemorrhoids. A prolapsed node, as a rule, is inflamed – this is discomfort, inflammation, bleeding. There are also many situations when it is already impossible to adjust the nodes on their own, all this is accompanied by inconvenience and a deterioration in the quality of life. In such situations, it is necessary to contact a proctologist who will prescribe the necessary treatment. Most likely, hemorrhoid thrombosis occurred, especially if it happened against the background of existing internal hemorrhoids or physical exertion, stool retention, and dietary disturbances.

My advice: if you have never set knots, don’t start: see a doctor right away.

– You mentioned the third stage of hemorrhoids. What about the first and second?

– In stages I and II, the internal nodules do not fall out, this is what characterizes the initial stage of hemorrhoids. That’s just at stage III of the disease, the nodules begin to fall out and do not reduce on their own, that is, at stage III, the reduction is no longer effective, the nodules still fall out. At such an advanced stage of hemorrhoids, and indeed at any stage, it is better to consult a doctor in order to prevent the formation of complications – thrombosis, cracks, polyps.

– Should a person try to straighten knots on his own?

– Of course not. You can damage the mucous membrane, cause bleeding, the formation of acute anal fissures, more serious damage. All wounds can become infected, cause purulent inflammation in the nearby pararectal tissue (up to purulent paraproctitis). In general, any gross intervention can provoke the formation of anal fissures.

Self-intervention can only be at the level of a cleansing enema. But again, subject to certain rules: lubricate the tip, insert it lightly, try to avoid glass tips (due to the risk of damage to the mucosa). It is better not to experiment and not risk your health.

– There are many traditional ways to treat hemorrhoids. How effective are they?

– Actually, there is a slightly different problem. Patients find information about the so-called “treatment” on the Internet – they try to try it for themselves. Often people see an advertisement for some modern miracle remedy, apply it, and then come and say that they have tried everything and nothing helps. Often thrombosed nodes begin to necrotic, cause purulent inflammation of nearby tissues, bleeding. As soon as a problem appears, you should immediately consult a doctor and not lead to complications.

About folk methods: someone inserts a potato into the anus, someone a cucumber.