Hemorrhoids are also called piles. These refer to swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. The increased pressure and straining can stretch the walls of these blood vessels. They stretch so thin causing the veins to bulge and get irritated. It is a usual cause of rectal bleeding. Although they go away on their own, there are treatments that can help.
Symptoms
The two kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external, have different symptoms.
Internal
This kind of hemorrhoid is so far inside the rectum. It is not visible to the eye and it is not possible to feel them. There are very few pain-sensing nerves in there so they do not usually cause any pain. Symptoms include:
- blood on poop, in the toilet bowl, or on toilet paper after wiping;
- tissue bulging out the anal opening or prolapse. This can hurt when pooping. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are moist bumps pinker than the surrounding area. They go back inside on their own but pushing can also help put it back.
External
This kind of hemorrhoid is under the skin around the anus. There are more pain-sensing nerves in there so it can be painful. Symptoms include:
- pain;
- bleeding;
- swelling; and
Remedies
There is no need to consult a doctor for ways to ease itching and pain or to relieve discomfort. There are home remedies such as hemorrhostop ch, warm baths, and pain killers. Although there is no hemorrhostop apotheke, the cream is available through online shops. Soaking in a warm bath twice or thrice a day helps bowel movement. Use unscented soap when washing the affected area and only rub it, do not scrub. Pain killers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can help with soreness.
Procedures
Sometimes, a healthy diet and home remedies are not enough to treat hemorrhoids. This is when hemorrhoid surgery comes in.
Hemorrhoidectomy
It is the surgery for removing hemorrhoids. The doctor slices the hemorrhoids away by making small cuts around the anus. It is usually an out-patient procedure where the patient can go home the same day.
Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids or PPH
A device that is like a stapler repositions the hemorrhoids and cuts off the blood supply. They shrivel and die without blood.
Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation and Recto Anal Repair or HAL-RAR
This procedure uses a miniature Doppler sensor inserted in the anus. It detects the arteries supplying blood to hemorrhoids. After pinpointing these arteries, it is easy to tie them off to cut the blood supply.
