Popular treatment options for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids is a medical condition which is also known as piles. It is quite a common problem; however, due to its nature, the patients feel quite embarrassed to talk or discuss it. Any swelling in the veins of the rectum area can cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are believed to occur due to a number of medical or non-medical conditions; however, the exact cause is still unknown.

Hemorrhoids may occur with or without any symptoms. The common symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding and itching in the anal or the rectum area. Hemorrhoids treatment options may range from simple home treatments to medical intervention where the hemorrhoid clots may have to be drained. Hemorrhoids may affect a patient in different forms. They can be broadly classified, for the purpose of treatment, into three broad categories: external, internal, and thrombosed hemorrhoid. However, for getting rid of hemorrhoids, it is very important to diagnose the type of hemorrhoid the patient is suffering from. Internal hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids which are formed within the rectum while external hemorrhoids are the ones which develop on the skin around the anus. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are pain, bleeding, and itching around the anal region. Bleeding during bowel movements is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids and the bleeding is generally painless. Any swelling the anal region and pain could be a clear sign of hemorrhoids.

Generally, any hemorrhoids which are situated inside the rectum are invisible to the patient. However, they cause strain during the bowel movement which eventually may show its presence as bleeding. If too much strain occurs during the bowel movement it may cause the hemorrhoid to come out. This may cause acute discomfort to the patient. External hemorrhoids, however, are located around the anal region. They also cause discomfort and bleeding in the patient.

There are many other reasons apart from chronic constipation and pregnancy which may cause hemorrhoids. These may include obesity, diet which is low in fiber, excessive strain during bowel movements, etc. It is common for older people to have hemorrhoids because the anal muscles and veins get stretched with age and eventually weaken.

Now the important question is how to get rid of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can cause some complications in some cases. Therefore, it is important to take proper treatment for getting rid of the hemorrhoids. Two of the top hemorrhoid remedies that are suggested by doctors are consuming plenty of fluids and consuming a high fiber diet. Both these remedies are very effective in alleviating the symptom of hemorrhoids. Sometimes, to supplement the diet of the patient, a doctor may recommend, fiber supplements like Citrucel which are easily available over the counter in the US. Fiber supplements like Citrucel have to be consumed with plenty of water otherwise they can worsen the problem of hemorrhoids.

A medical examination should be done for getting the condition of the hemorrhoids checked. The doctor will perform a medical exam to determine the type of hemorrhoids the patient is suffering from. There are two distinct advantages of getting a professional medical exam done; the doctor can assess the type of hemorrhoids you are suffering from and recommend the top hemorrhoid remedy accordingly. Also, any hidden medical condition can also be ruled out completely. The treatment for hemorrhoids may also involve a proctoscopy and a digital rectal exam which allows the doctor to analyze the size and the exact location of the hemorrhoids.

Top hemorrhoids treatments also include various over-the-counter methods like lotions, topical gels, wipes, and creams. Generally, all these creams and lotions are applied directly to the hemorrhoids; however, if the hemorrhoids are present internally, a short tube may be used. Most commonly, as mentioned above, one’s diet should be supplemented with high fiber content because the dietary habits of an average American involves very less consumption of fiber. In some cases, the doctor may also additionally recommend stool softeners. As a hemorrhoids treatment option, warm sitz baths may also be taken. The patients is advised such a bath for a duration of 10–15 minutes multiple times a day. Not only does this gives relief from itching and irritation, but it also accelerates the healing procedure. The patient must dry up the anal region completely after the sitz bath.

In extreme cases, the hemorrhoids may have to be treated with surgery. However, generally this occurs in cases where the patients are suffering from acute case of hemorrhoids. The procedure by which the hemorrhoids are surgically removed is known as hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure involves cutting out the internal or external hemorrhoids. Since it is a surgical procedure, most patients experience pain after the surgery, and therefore, the patients is generally given strong painkillers to help manage the pain once the surgery is complete.