Hemorrhoids – Types and Treatment

Hemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins typically formed in the anus and lower rectum of the body, where the rectum is the final area of the large intestine. The anus is the final region of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body. Hemorrhoids and piles are similar problems. Heavy swelling occurs when the walls are enlarged, stretched, and irritated when passing stool.  

Who can get Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can affect anyone irrespective of age. Even teenagers can be affected by Hemorrhoids. Consult your doctor if you face any of the following conditions:

• Obesity
• Pain during pregnancy
• Diarrhea
• Long time in the toilet
• Irregular bowel movements

What are the types of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids occur either in or out of the rectum. Hemorrhoid’s type depends on the development caused in the swollen veins. Types of Hemorrhoids include:

• External: The anal canal is the way where poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be irritating and painful. Sometimes they form a blood clot. This is not a threatening condition but may result in pain and swelling.
• Internal: In Internal hemorrhoids, swollen veins occur inside the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may cause bleeding, but they usually are not as painful as external hemorrhoids.
• Prolapsed: Prolapsed hemorrhoid is a state in which both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, stretch and bulge outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids also lead to uncontrolled pain and bleeding.

What causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are caused due to strain during stooling which puts high pressure on veins present in the anus and rectum.

Anal and rectal veins become swollen and inflamed during strain, increasing pressure on your belly or lower intestines. Essentially, Hemorrhoids may develop due to:  

• Pelvic pressure, especially during pregnancy.
• Pushing hard results in bowel movements because of constipation.
• Weightlifting.

What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Signs of internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause less pain compared to external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids do not show any symptoms.

If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in the stool, or in the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.

Signs of external hemorrhoids include:

• Itchy anus.
• Hard lumps near the anus that feel sore or tender.
• Pain or ache in the anus, especially when you sit.
• Rectal bleeding.

What are the risk factors involved in Hemorrhoids?

Chances of getting prone to hemorrhoids increase concerning the age of a person. This is because the tissue which supports veins alleviates over some time. This may also happen during pregnancy because of the additional pressure and weight of the baby.

What are the complications of Hemorrhoids?

Some serious complications of Hemorrhoids include:

• Severe Anemia
• Strangulated pain
• Blood clots in the rectum and anus.

How to prevent Hemorrhoids?

The following suggestions are given to prevent hemorrhoids and reduce future symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• Eat high-fibre foods. Add a lot of vegetables and fruit to your diet.
• Take recommended fibre supplements. Add fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Drink plenty of high-fibre fruit juices for high body stability.
• Avoid too much strain. Do not overstress your body, especially during stooling. This may produce unwanted pressure on your body.

• Do not delay stool. People sometimes delay stool. Most of them do not realise the threat behind doing this. Delaying to pass stool produces a foul smell in the body and may lead to stomach and intestine problems.  

• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is essential to the body. Most of us desire to keep our bodies healthy and fit but do not show interest in doing exercise. To avoid problems like Hemorrhoids, an individual should be regular in performing exercises.

• Avoid long periods of sitting.  People who are diagnosed with Hemorrhoids should abstain from sitting for a long duration.

How to diagnose Hemorrhoids?

Your doctor may easily examine external hemorrhoids. But diagnosing internal hemorrhoids includes a complete examination of your rectum and anal canal.

Digital examination: This examination is done by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to see unusual growth in the anal canal.

Visual inspection: This examination is done exclusively for internal hemorrhoids by performing anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope tests.

What are the treatments involved in Hemorrhoids?

Home remedies for Hemorrhoids

You can easily relieve hemorrhoids without any pain or swelling by strictly adhering to the following home treatments:

• Eat high-fibre foods.  Add fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily diet.
• Use Topical treatments. Apply doctor-prescribed hemorrhoid cream to the affected region and gently wash the area with mild hot water after 10 to 15 minutes.

The above home remedies are sufficient to cure hemorrhoid symptoms within a week.

Medications

• Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads for mild discomfort caused due to hemorrhoids.
• Avoid using over-the-counter steroid cream as it may have serious side effects for some people.

Surgical procedures

Hemorrhoids require surgery only for people who have severe complications. However, if you are diagnosed with large hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend any one of the following Hemorrhoids surgeries.

Hemorrhoidectomy

This surgery involves the removal of tissues that cause bleeding. This surgery is performed using local anesthesia combined with spinal anesthesia and sedation.

Hemorrhoid stapling

This procedure, also known as stapled hemorrhoid stapling, blocks blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue. This surgery is exclusively done for internal hemorrhoids. Stapling surgery involves much less pain than hemorrhoidectomy compared to hemorrhoidectomy surgery.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids or piles are completely curable diseases. If you are very cautious about your diet and health routine, you may not have to worry about hemorrhoids in the future. Even if you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids, home treatment is sufficient to cure this disorder. If you feel unsatisfied with the home treatment, consult your doctor promptly and they will aid you according to your condition.