Hemorrhoids, which occur when the veins within the anus and rectum become swollen, are a common reason for rectal bleeding. Also referred to as “piles,” hemorrhoids often are the result of straining while trying to have a bowel movement, although they are also quite common during pregnancy. If you think you may have hemorrhoids, don’t worry, there are a variety of treatment options available. Here is what you need to know about hemorrhoids – what they are and how to treat them.
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are classified as either internal or external. Most agree that those that are located inside the rectum are less painful than those located externally; this could be because those found higher up in the rectum have fewer nerves to sense pain. Blood in the stool may be the only indication that internal hemorrhoids are present.
External hemorrhoids lie beneath the skin surrounding the anus. Most agree that external hemorrhoids are more painful than those that develop internally due to the number of nerves. Pain and bleeding are the most common signs of external hemorrhoids, which can vary in size. Hemorrhoids can become enlarged and also slip down or prolapse further outside the anus, at which point they might become visible and appear a darker shade than the surrounding area. A prolapsed hemorrhoid can become more painful during bowel movement. If the hemorrhoid appears to be purple, then a blood clot may have formed. If this is the case, expect pain, itchiness and/or bleeding but this condition does tend to heal on its own.
Cause of Hemorrhoids
Believe it or not, genetics do play a part in whether you are at a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids. If your parents suffered with them, then you are more susceptible. Conditions are ripe for hemorrhoids when blood flow to the rectum is reduced; this could be a result of carrying extra weight or being pregnant.
Hemorrhoids can also result from straining during a bowel movement; heavy coughing and/or sneezing can have the same effect. Lifting something heavy or engaging in another activity that causes you to strain could also be a factor. Sitting or standing for long periods of time places you at risk, too, as does constipation or diarrhea that is ongoing.
Treatment
There are multiple treatment options are available to hemorrhoid sufferers. The most invasive option is surgery, however, there are treatments your doctor can perform that will address the uncomfortable symptoms.
If there’s any good news regarding hemorrhoids, it’s that those that prolapse usually retract without assistance, though sometimes a gentle nudge in the right direction will push them back into place. Maintaining a healthy diet filled with fiber and liquids can soften your stools, thereby reducing the need for straining. Fiber supplements are also known to be helpful.
In office procedures by your doctor are warranted when symptoms fail to improve within a week or two. The doctor may inject a solution into an internal hemorrhoid to create scar tissue. This causes the hemorrhoid to be closed off; without the needed blood supply it will shrink away.
A prolapsed hemorrhoid can be treated with rubber band ligation. This involves the doctor placing a small rubber band around the prolapsed hemorrhoid. By cutting off the blood supply, the hemorrhoid usually goes dry and falls off.
Coagulation or cauterization is a bit more invasive than injection or ligation. Using an electric probe, the doctor burns the hemorrhoid’s tissue, sealing it and causing it to also close off and shrink away. This procedure is appropriate for prolapsed hemorrhoids.
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, L.L.C, understands that hemorrhoids aren’t always the subject of casual conversation. Yet having them is nothing to be embarrassed about. However, rectal bleeding may also be a sign of a more serious condition. Cancer and other diseases can cause rectal bleeding, too, so it’s essential that symptoms associated with hemorrhoids get checked out.
Call SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, L.L.C at (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment online to know for sure what you are dealing with. Once a diagnosis is made, we’ll go about treating your condition.
