Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoid Symptoms: Main Characteristics

Hemorrhoids, also known as hemorids, are the medical condition where the normal blood vessels in the rectum become spongy and blood-filled. This occurs inside the walls of the rectum. At this point, the blood vessels become sensitive, inflamed, and even bleed. There is no one description of hemorrhoids, nor is there “one size fits all” for the diagnosis. Each patient has his or her own experience with the problem. Symptoms of hemorrhoids vary from case to case and can also differ depending on the type of hemorrhoids and their severity.

There are two main types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Not all cases that look like hemorrhoids are actually hemorrhoids. Some conditions, like anal fissures, appear with similar symptoms. Anal fissures, like hemorrhoids, also appear with abscesses, itching, sensitivity, and burning in the rectal area.

Below are the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Make sure that the symptoms you have are in fact hemorrhoids and not another condition that could be more serious.

Pain

Hemorrhoid SymptomsPatients who suffer from hemorrhoids typically report the most obvious side effect is pain. Hemorrhoid sufferers experience pain around the rectal walls when they change positions. Different positions known to cause varying degrees of pain are sitting, standing, and walking.

Patients also note that the dryer their bowel movements are, the more pain they experience. Check for different hemorrhoid relief options to help remedy the pain and treat the other symptoms surrounding the condition.

Discomfort

A common hemorrhoid symptom is discomfort. Generally, you will experience some level of discomfort in the anal region. The discomfort may be persistent or intermittent. The discomfort usually worsens during excretion.

Swelling

Another common symptom is swelling in the rectal veins. This comes from increased friction, pressure, and straining during excretion. Other reasons for swelling are lifting heavy weights or loads and being overweight, pregnant, or aging. Using hemorrhoid creams can help reduce swelling.

Itchiness, Burning, Inflammation

Almost all cases of hemorrhoids, particularly internal hemorrhoids, report burning and itching around the anus. Many times, the inflammation has symptoms similar to diaper rash.

Smelly Stools

All bowel movements have a foul smell. However, bowel movements for those with hemorrhoids with bleeding can be extremely foul smelling.

Loosened Hemorrhoidal TissuesHemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoid symptoms can advance dramatically and are present in varying degrees.

You may experience internal hemorrhoids that, over time, find their way out of the body after you pass a stool. This type of hemorrhoid is considered a prolapsed hemorrhoid and is caused by increased stress and pressure in the area.

Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Bleeding can occur if the hemorrhoidal tissue is swollen, especially if you are trying to pass a stool. If you have hemorrhoids, look for bright red blood, indicating that the blood is fresh. If dark red, brown, or black blood is present, it is most likely a different medical condition, and you should see your doctor right away. A bleeding hemorrhoid always has bright red blood.

Appearance And Texture Of Hemorrhoids

Pay attention to your hemorrhoid symptoms and the way that they feel. Internal hemorrhoids are much harder to monitor, but you will recognize when your symptoms change if you listen to your body.

External hemorrhoids may alarm or frighten you at first. External hemorrhoids are typically found during bathing or wiping the rectal area. These hemorrhoids feel like a small lump around the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids feel more like a bunch of grapes and protrude away from the anal opening.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and over time begin to sag and make their way through the anus. Typically, this happens during defecation. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually larger in size and can vary from red to blue to purple.

By knowing your body and looking for subtle changes you can know if your treatment is working.

Hemorrhoid Remedies

The (Only) 7 Treatments For Hemorrhoids

Nothing is more painful than suffering through hemorrhoids, unsure if there’s even a cure. You struggle going through your day with the constant pains and burns. All you need is a treatment that works.

Trust me, we know how you feel. After helping thousands of people heal their hemorrhoids, we discovered the only 7 ways to treat it – and even cure it. Which is why we compiled this helpful list for you below.

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Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Remedies

Hemorrhoid RemediesThere are a few popular methods to treat hemorrhoids with over-the-counter options. And how do these remedies reduce the severity of hemorrhoids? By shrinking tissues.

Most treatments available work for both internal and external hemorrhoids and can be very helpful in resolving hemorrhoids. Especially if the hemorrhoids are new or mild in nature.

The Available Treatments Include:

1. Hemorrhoid Cream

Hemorrhoid cream typically utilizes a vasoconstrictor to shrink blood vessels.

2. Astringents

Astringents are common remedies containing ingredients like witch hazel that reduce swelling. They typically work for about 2 to 3 hours before they need to be reapplied.

3. Medicated Wipes or Pads

These are very good for carrying around while you on the go. Wipes typically use protectants that condition the skin and add necessary nutrients. Some of these pads contain astringents.

4. Herbal Remedies

Some of the most effective treatments for hemorrhoids contain herbal remedies that shrink hemorrhoids naturally. Most hemorrhoid remedies use a blend of herbs. To locate an effective herbal remedy for hemorrhoids, look for ingredients like witch hazel, butcher’s broom, and horse chestnut.

Medical Procedures for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid RemediesFor severe cases of hemorrhoids, you may need to consider medical intervention. Before considering a medical procedure, take a look at the following alternatives and talk to the doctor about your options.

5. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is performed by a doctor. An injection is administered into the hemorrhoidal tissue. This procedure uses a chemical hardener to break down hemorrhoid tissue.

At times, repeated treatments may be needed to successfully shrink the hemorrhoids. After proper treatment, the hemorrhoid should fall off during a normal bowel movement. Because of this, continued therapy can permanently get rid of hemorrhoids.

Typically,sclerotherapy is used to treat internal hemorrhoids that are considered bleeding hemorrhoids. It is one of the least invasive procedures that are available for this type of hemorrhoid. The chemical solution that is injected hardens the tissue and causes it to wither away. Typically, the solution used is phenol-based together with almond oil or saline solution as a buffer.

If the hemorrhoids are unusually large, then Sclerotherapy is not the best option.

The main drawback of sclerotherapy is that it does not permanently get rid of hemorrhoids, and they can return in about a year. The second drawback is that if the surgeon is not very skilled in this procedure, mild to severe complications can arise.

6. Rubber Band Ligation

Hemorrhoid RemediesRubber band ligation is one of the most recommended hemorrhoidal remedies in the medical profession. This is because it reduces the recurrence of hemorrhoids.

This procedure uses rubber bands to shrink hemorrhoids by cutting off the blood flow.

After hemorrhoids have time to wither away, they fall off, typically in about a week. This procedure is one of the most popular treatments available because it is minimally invasive as compared to other remedies. The downside of the treatment is that it causes pain in the rectal area and the lower abdomen. This is because of the restrictions imposed on the live tissue in the hemorrhoid. However, if you are willing to put up with the initial pain, you will have relief in about a week’s time.

Rubber band ligation is a great treatment for hemorrhoids and can work for more than one hemorrhoid at a time. Your doctor may recommend treating more than two hemorrhoids at a time. In this case, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Rubber band ligation is one of the more heavily used hemorrhoid remedies. It provides long-lasting relief and there is less recurrence. It is also one of the least expensive options.

7. Infrared Photocoagulation

This treatment is typically referred to as coagulation therapy. It is typically used to treat small to medium-sized hemorrhoids that are internal. The procedure is sometimes used for external hemorrhoids as well.

This therapy employs an intense beam of infrared light to shrink hemorrhoids. Infrared light cuts off the blood supply and causes the hemorrhoid to wither away. The downside is the extreme pain experienced right after the procedure. Make sure that your doctor is comfortable with prescribing pain medication immediately following the procedure before you agree to it. Like sclerotherapy, this remedy has developed a lot of attention over the last five to seven years, which should eventually lead to better procedures with less associated pain.

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Hemorrhoid Basic Facts

Basic Facts on Hemorroids

No one likes to talk about hemorrhoids. Even if you don’t know it, many of your family and friends have most likely suffered from this condition at some point. Because of lack of communication on this particular disorder, there is not much word-of-mouth advice when it comes to its treatment.

For treatment of hemorrhoids, you have a lot of different options, even if you are not ready to talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated without your physician interfering.

Sitz BathCoping With Hemorrhoids

One method of treatment is to sit in a warm bath, keeping your knees elevated, allowing the warm water to soothe your hemorrhoid pain. This method relieves inflammation and irritation.

Sitz baths are successful in treating hemorrhoids because the warm water used in this soak is great at relieving pain and swelling.

Use this method frequently to provide relief whenever you need it.

Afterwards you can try to gently push the hemorrhoid back into the anal canal. It is extremely easy to gently nudge small hemorrhoids back inside. This can prevent them from rubbing against clothing and protect them from injuries that can cause bleeding. If it hurts to push the hemorrhoid back into the anal canal, the hemorrhoid may be too big.

Polyps

If you believe you may have hemorrhoids, you may want to consult a specialist to be sure. The symptoms of polyps can mimic those of hemorrhoids and can cause a lot of undue worry. Since polyps can be very dangerous, if you do not get any results from a typical hemorrhoid treatment, see your doctor right away. When you ingest oil from grape seeds you can ease hemorrhoidal pain and the swelling that causes it.

The result of this ingestion is the natural obliteration of infections in the veins, and it can completely remove the symptom of hemorrhoidal bleeding.

Coping With HemorrhoidsIt may surprise you, but water can be a very effective treatment for hemorrhoids. Soaking the area for at least 10 minutes per day can soothe the area. After soaking in warm water, wet a towel with cold water and hold it against the affected area. Sitz baths, a specialized tub that fits over the toilet, can provide a great relief and can be purchased at many department stores or at any pharmacy.

If you closely follow the instructions, the chosen treatment can provide the best results. Choosing the treatment based on your symptoms can also reduce the unpleasant side effects from the condition. Keep the relevant treatment information handy throughout the entire treatment to help reduce needs for guessing when you seek relief.

Alternative Relief

Alternative Relief in Treating Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are not serious, and there are many treatments to help find relief. These treatments consist of creams, supplements, lifestyle changes and surgery. Additionally, there are alternative treatments that can help with hemorrhoid relief.

Best Treatments with Alternative Hemorrhoid Relief Products

To help find the best alternative treatments for hemorrhoids look for products that help with symptoms and provide relief. You also must make changes in your lifestyle to help with the healing process.

Alternative ReliefFiber in the Diet

  • Aids in passing stools
  • Softens stools
  • Adds bulk
  • Reduces straining

Adding fiber to your diet is the most popular treatment that helps provide relief. Increase fiber intake by including in your diet fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, whole grain pasta, whole grain breads, and legumes or beans. You can also include in your diet psyllium husk which adds bulk to the stool.

Limit the consumption of sugars, dairy, spicy, or greasy foods, red meats, and fatty nuts.

They are fine in moderation but you need to add more foods that are whole and nutritious.

Other Alternative Hemorrhoid Relief Treatments

Exercising is a great way to start feeling better and helps with hemorrhoid relief. Even walking can do the trick. Exercise in your daily routine will help relieve painful, annoying hemorrhoids.  3-5 walks a day at 20 to 30 minutes can help improve bowel movements. Try a different combination of these to find what works best for you.

The same combination may not work for everyone. Increase oxygen flow to the anal area by wearing natural fibers. Wearing natural fibers also helps with air flow and aids in moisture control in the anal area. Also, to help control moisture, avoid nylon and synthetic materials. Women can wear thongs, but cotton panties are better for regularly relieving hemorrhoid symptoms. Making these changes can aid in hemorrhoid relief.