Having hemorrhoids is not life-threatening, but it can be a very annoying and uncomfortable condition. However, if the condition has become more severe, a doctor may suggest surgery.
Having hemorrhoids is not a pleasant situation to be in. However, there are a number of different treatments that can be used. In fact, there are even some that can be used if you have external hemorrhoids.
Understanding External Hemorrhoids
Generally, external hemorrhoids are benign, but they can be painful. They form when the tissues surrounding the anus become swollen due to pressure. They can be irritated by straining during a bowel movement. They may also develop blood clots.
They can be treated with surgical options, but they have a high complication rate. Surgical options include hemorrhoidectomy and cryosurgery.
Surgical hemorrhoid treatment is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the skin around the anus. The skin is cleaned with povidone-iodine solution. A small cut is made in the sphincter to remove the hemorrhoid tissue.
Surgical hemorrhoid treatment should be performed by a doctor. Some individuals have hemorrhoids that have been a problem throughout their lives. They may require surgical excision.
The NIDDK website offers a comprehensive review of hemorrhoids and provides links to clinical trials. It also provides recommendations on diet and lifestyle. Taking a high-fiber diet and getting regular exercise can help prevent hemorrhoids.
Some people experience hemorrhoids in both their rectum and anus. If the hemorrhoids are thrombosed, the clots will be treated within 72 hours. They are painful and can result in skin tags.
The hemorrhoids will likely be relieved within a week. However, they can recur if they are left untreated.
To prevent hemorrhoids, it is important to maintain a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid straining during bowel movements. Regular exercise is also recommended, as it reduces the straining.
Treatments for Hemorrhoids
Getting treatment for hemorrhoids early can prevent complications. Treatments for hemorrhoids may include ointments, topical creams, and other methods. These methods can relieve the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.
If your hemorrhoids are severe, they may require surgery. Surgical procedures include hemorrhoidectomy, which removes large hemorrhoids.
Other procedures include laser therapy, infrared coagulation, and sclerotherapy. These procedures are not for everyone. The risks include bruising, bleeding, and infection.
Nonsurgical treatment options include a sitz bath. This involves sitting in 3 inches of warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. It is helpful to use a toilet seat cushion beneath you to reduce swelling and pain.
Lifestyle changes may also be effective. Drinking more water, eating more fiber, and exercising regularly may help prevent hemorrhoids. You may also want to use stool softeners to make your bowel movements easier.
Medications can also help to alleviate hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and naproxen may help to ease the pain. You may also want to consider taking ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation.
Surgical treatments include sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoidal tissue. The solution shrinks the hemorrhoids, causing minimal pain.
Other treatments include injection sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, and rubber band ligation. These procedures can be performed in an office or outpatient setting.
They are generally safe and effective in most patients. However, some patients may experience complications, and the results are not permanent.
Complications
Having hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, anemia, and blood clots. They can also lead to other complications, including thrombosis, urinary tract infections, and strangulation.
If left untreated, they can become life-threatening. If you are experiencing complications from hemorrhoids, it is important to get them treated immediately.
If you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may recommend a stool softener, laxative, or an acetaminophen. Hemorrhoids can also be treated by sclerotherapy or laser surgery.
In addition, there are minimally invasive procedures, such as coagulation, which are aimed at shrinking the veins causing the hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are caused by straining during bowel movements, which puts pressure on the veins. They can also be caused by obesity or pregnancy.
You should drink plenty of fluids during bowel movements to soften the stool and reduce pressure on the rectal area. Also, avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
If your hemorrhoids are large, you may need to see a colon and rectal surgeon to evaluate them. You may also have to undergo surgery to remove them.
Surgery usually results in the best prognosis, but complications can include bleeding, recurrence of hemorrhoids, and urinary retention.
Hemorrhoids that are left untreated can lead to infections, abscesses, and tissue death. They can also cause a low blood count, making you feel weak.
Is Having Hemorrhoids Serious?
Having hemorrhoids is usually not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable to live with. If you have hemorrhoids, you should visit a doctor for help.
The doctor can recommend treatment options, as well as behavioral changes, to help you ease the pain and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids can be caused by several things, including constipation, obesity, bowel dysfunction, and straining during bowel movements. They also can be caused by other medical conditions, including colorectal cancer. Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoid, a doctor may recommend surgery.
When you have hemorrhoids, you may experience bleeding during bowel movements. If you are experiencing bleeding, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
These tests can help rule out other causes of bleeding, such as colorectal cancer. The CDC defines colorectal cancer as an uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum.
If you have hemorrhoids, you may be at increased risk for infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.
If you have hemorrhoids, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. A doctor can also recommend more invasive treatments, such as a procedure to obliterate the hemorrhoid.
If your hemorrhoids are severe, you may need to see a colorectal surgeon. He may recommend surgery, which is a last resort. You may also need to have an excision of the hemorrhoid. This procedure can be performed in the doctor’s office or in the hospital.
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?
Depending on the type of hemorrhoids that you have, the length of time they are causing you discomfort can vary. In some cases, they may go away on their own. Others may be painful and require medical treatment.
Hemorrhoids can also signal a more serious underlying condition. Whether you have a minor problem or a more serious condition, it’s important to know what to expect and how to treat it.
Hemorrhoids can last for weeks or months depending on how severe they are and your personal circumstances. Luckily, there are several medical treatments available to get rid of your hemorrhoids. You can get rid of your hemorrhoids with medical procedures, over-the-counter medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes.
A physical exam, anoscopy, and digital rectal exam can be used to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also recommend stronger hemorrhoid creams or procedures. If you have burst hemorrhoids, you should make an appointment with your doctor right away.
In cases of more severe hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend surgery or a less invasive procedure. Some minimally invasive procedures include laser/infrared coagulation treatments, rubber band ligation, and sclerotherapy injections.
Conclusion
If you have hemorrhoids, it is important to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor can prescribe medications to help ease the pain, as well as more invasive treatments, such as a procedure to obliterate the hemorrhoid.
They can also recommend behavior changes and other conservative treatments to help you manage your hemorrhoids. Getting help from your doctor is the best way to get relief from hemorrhoids.
The NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) has a comprehensive review of hemorrhoids. It also has links to clinical trials and other resources to help you learn more.
The website also offers recommendations on diet and nutrition. You can also read about hemorrhoids on its website. This information can help you make a more informed decision about your health.
