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By Hemorrhoid.com | August 9, 2024
Did you know more than 3.5 million people visited a doctor for hemorrhoids in 2010 alone? These visits made hemorrhoids the third major reason for gastrointestinal-related hospital stays1. This fact shows how common and serious this condition is, pointing out the need for good hemorrhoid treatments.
Hemorrhoids happen when veins in your lower rectum or anus swell up and get inflamed. Things like pushing too hard when you go to the bathroom and having too much pressure in those veins can cause them. Knowing what causes hemorrhoids, how to spot their signs, and what treatments work is very important for anyone needing relief.
We will look at the best ways to deal with hemorrhoids, from changing what you eat and using treatments sold in stores to getting medical procedures or even surgery. No matter if you need quick relief or a way to handle hemorrhoids in the long run, this guide has everything you need to know.
Internal hemorrhoids are quite common, affecting about 1 in 20 people. People over 50 are more at risk. At this age, almost half might get hemorrhoids2. These usually form inside the rectum, above a certain line, and don’t hurt. This is unlike the external ones that you can often see outside the rectum3.
Things like a diet low in fiber, constant constipation, and being overweight can lead to hemorrhoids2. Straining too much during bowel movements, being pregnant, and sitting or standing for too long also increase the risk2. If you have internal hemorrhoids, you might see painless bright red blood, feel itching, or discomfort, unlike external ones that cause lumps near the anus2.
Internal hemorrhoids have grades from I to IV, based on how much they protrude. Grade I don’t stick out at all, while Grade IV are always out and can’t be pushed back. Knowing about these grades helps pick the right treatment, from natural solutions to medical procedures.
Despite being common, many people don’t seek help for hemorrhoids because they’re embarrassed3. Yet, effective treatments exist, like rubber band ligation with an 80% success rate, and infrared photocoagulation for severe cases4. Knowing about these options can help people overcome their embarrassment and get the help they need to improve their lives.
Living with internal hemorrhoids can be tough. But understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, like natural remedies or procedures from Hemorrhoid.com, can help people manage their condition better.
Internal hemorrhoids might show up without causing pain, making it hard to notice them. It’s important to know these signs so you can choose the right treatment and find relief from hemorrhoid pain.
Most of the time, internal hemorrhoids don’t hurt but they bleed. You might see painless, bright red blood during a bowel movement5. Blood might show on the toilet paper or mix with the stool5, but there’s usually no pain even though it looks scary.
Internal hemorrhoids might push out through the anus, which is called prolapse5. This happens because of straining or irritation during bowel movements. When this occurs, cleaning the area can become hard, leading people to find a treatment that works.
Itching and discomfort near the anus may suggest internal hemorrhoids5. Sometimes, grape-like tissues can stick out, causing irritation. Finding the right treatment can ease this discomfort.
To treat internal hemorrhoids, combine diet changes, over-the-counter options, and doctor-prescribed medicines. These steps can make management and relief easier.
Eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help with hemorrhoid symptoms. This diet makes your stools softer and easier to pass. Less strain means less pain. It’s important to drink lots of water too. Staying hydrated helps keep your bowel movements regular. This prevents constipation, which can make hemorrhoids worse6.
For quick relief, there are creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone. These can help stop the itching, swelling, and pain. TUCKS pads offer a cooling effect and can be used six times a day7. ANUSOL ointment is also recommended, especially for treating symptoms on the outside8. If you don’t see improvement in a week, you should talk to a doctor7.
If your hemorrhoids don’t get better with other treatments, prescription options might be needed. Doctors might suggest topical nifedipine. It’s proven effective when simpler measures don’t work. Revivol-XR is another prescription choice that targets hemorrhoid tissue. Always talk to your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, often get better on their own in a few weeks9. First-line relief comes from home remedies. Some methods are really effective. Eating more dietary fiber helps. Doctors suggest 20-35 grams a day for softer stools and easier bathroom visits10. Drinking plenty of water keeps stool soft for easy passing10.
Warm baths and using ice packs for 5-10 minutes many times a day help a lot10. Over-the-counter products with lidocaine or witch hazel offer extra comfort when used up to four times a day10.
One in 20 Americans will face hemorrhoids sometime11. A small cold pack can ease pain and reduce swelling10. With natural hemorrhoid remedies, many cases improve at home in 1 to 2 weeks11.
Studies show a blend of flavonoid fraction and witch hazel ointment lessens pain, itching, and swelling9. Coconut oil also fights inflammation11.
Prune juice, a natural laxative, improves bowel movement. It’s among the top hemorrhoid treatments10. Walking briskly for 20-30 minutes daily keeps constipation away10.
If symptoms don’t improve in a week, seeing a doctor is a must. Adding stool softeners and fiber supplements helps too11. For more info, check out Hemorrhoid.com.
Office-based hemorrhoid treatments are conducted in a healthcare place. They aim to reduce or get rid of hemorrhoids. This is done by cutting their blood flow, making them smaller and disappear.
Rubber band ligation is often suggested for internal hemorrhoids that are not too severe. During this, a doctor puts a rubber band around the hemorrhoid. This stops the blood flow, causing the hemorrhoid to die and fall off in about a week1213. Then, scar tissue helps the area heal, usually making the hemorrhoid shrink12. This method works well with fewer pains after the procedure and not many problems, especially for the less severe cases13.
Infrared photocoagulation is another good option in the office. It uses infrared light to create scar tissue and shrink the hemorrhoids12. It’s not too invasive, so it hurts less and heals faster. It works for mild to moderate hemorrhoids and is an option if rubber band ligation won’t work.
Sclerotherapy involves an injection into the hemorrhoids to make scar tissue12. It’s best for smaller ones. This method is chosen when others might not work well. The injection makes the hemorrhoid shrink and disappear, bringing relief. It’s quick and done in an office, reducing symptoms effectively.
There are many ways to treat hemorrhoids in an office setting. It’s important to talk to a doctor to find the best treatment for you based on your situation and how severe your hemorrhoids are.
When other options don’t work, surgery is needed for tough or lasting hemorrhoids. There are two main surgeries: hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy.
Hemorrhoidectomy removes severe hemorrhoids, best for big ones or Grades 3–4. It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to fully heal14. Though risks exist, such as bleeding or infection14, pain relief meds are often given15. Despite the initial discomfort, it’s a lasting fix with a small chance of coming back16.
Hemorrhoidopexy, or stapled hemorrhoidectomy, is less harsh and allows for quick recovery. It’s faster, less painful, and leads to less blood loss and itching than traditional methods14. Yet, it might not last as long, with a chance of hemorrhoids returning within a year16. Still, it’s a good choice for those who want to recover quickly.
Choosing between hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy depends on your situation. Both offer benefits and risks. Hemorrhoidectomy is for a longer fix, while hemorrhoidopexy allows for quicker healing.
| Procedure | Recovery Time | Pain Level | Recurrence Rate | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoidectomy | 2 to 6 weeks14 | Higher16 | 3 out of 10016 | Bleeding, infection, anesthesia reactions14 |
| Hemorrhoidopexy | Quicker14 | Lower14 | 9 out of 10016 | Higher recurrence rate16 |
It’s key to know all about internal hemorrhoid treatment options for good relief. Changes in diet and surgeries are among these options. High-fiber foods and staying hydrated help manage and stop hemorrhoids17. Also, treatments like Revivol-XR work well for mild to moderate symptoms17.
Severe cases might need procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy. These treatments require little recovery time18. Rubber band ligation is very effective, with a low chance of hemorrhoids coming back19. For really bad cases, surgeries are the best choice but other less invasive options are also good19.
Finding the right treatment often means combining lifestyle shifts with medical treatments. Talking to a doctor can get you a treatment plan made just for you. This way, you can get better and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The best treatment for internal hemorrhoids varies with their severity. You can start with changes in your diet, like eating more fiber and drinking lots of water. If those don’t help, there are creams you can try or even procedures at the doctor’s office. Severe cases might need surgery.
Natural ways to ease hemorrhoid pain include eating more fiber and staying hydrated. Taking sitz baths can also comfort the sore area. Witch hazel and aloe vera can reduce the swelling and pain too.
To lessen hemorrhoid pain at home, try warm sitz baths or over-the-counter creams with hydrocortisone. Applying cold packs helps with swelling. Make sure to eat a diet rich in fiber to avoid straining when you go to the bathroom.
Internal hemorrhoids can cause painless bleeding that’s bright red. You might feel like something is bulging out or experience an itching sensation. These symptoms are often because of tissue protruding from the anus.
For treating internal hemorrhoids, good options include rubber band ligation, infrared light, or sclerotherapy. These are simple, quick methods that cut off the hemorrhoids’ blood supply, making them shrink or vanish.
A hemorrhoidectomy involves surgically removing severe hemorrhoids. It’s known for offering lasting relief and having a low chance of coming back. However, recovery from this surgery can take a while.
Eating a lot of fiber makes your stool soft and bulky, so it’s easier to pass without straining. This reduces pressure on hemorrhoid veins, helping to prevent or improve symptoms.
Over-the-counter options for hemorrhoid relief include products like creams or ointments. They have ingredients such as witch hazel, hydrocortisone, or lidocaine. These can soothe itching, swelling, and pain. However, don’t use them too long without talking to a doctor.
Consider surgery if other treatments haven’t worked, especially for severe or painful cases. Surgical methods like hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy offer long-lasting relief.
