Hemorrhoid treatment plan – 12 ways to cure hemorrhoids

If you are experiencing the symptoms of painful hemorrhoids, you probably want to know how to get rid of them fast. After all, problems associated with hemorrhoids (also known as anal fistulas) are near the top of the list of annoying health problems. And although many of us don’t want to talk about them, they are actually one of the most common health conditions. 3 out of 4 adults Associated symptoms sometimes occur.

What many people don’t know is that hemorrhoids are actually something they are born with, but they usually only notice it once they start to get worse. Dr. Alex Key, a proctologist and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. “Hemorrhoids are a mixture of arteries and veins that help cushion the anal canal during bowel movements,” she explains.

“Doctors refer to symptomatic hemorrhoids as external or internal hemorrhoids.” Dr. Mitchell A. Bernsteina colon and rectal surgeon and professor of surgery at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. internal hemorrhoids It is not painful because it is located inside the anus, but it can cause bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids occur when the hemorrhoid pushes just outside the anal opening. When this happens, you may experience swelling, bleeding, and severe pain, inflammation, and itching, Dr. Bernstein points out.

When such unpleasant pain occurs, the question that comes to mind is: “How to cure hemorrhoids?” Here are expert-approved treatments for hemorrhoids, from home remedies to hospital treatments, and how to know when it’s time to see a doctor.

Over-the-counter medicine for hemorrhoids

Try topical treatments

If you want immediate relief from painful and itchy external hemorrhoids, go to the pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing witch hazel (such as witch hazel). tuck pad) or hydrocortisone and lidocaine (etc.) Preparation H). Topical creams often contain painkillers, numbing agents, and steroids to relieve pain and swelling, he said. Dr. Harry J. Thomas, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Austin Gastroenterology in central Texas. Steroids can thin the skin over time, so follow label directions carefully and do not take topical medications for more than a week.

Take over-the-counter painkillers

Meanwhile, acetaminophen (tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as NSAIDs) aspirin and ibuprofen) Take according to label directions, says Dr. Thomas. Like topical medications, these medications temporarily reduce pain and swelling.

home remedies for hemorrhoids

Increase dietary fiber intake

Most of us don’t get enough fiber each day, but adding more foods high in fiber Including beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit in your diet can help you avoid constipation and keep you on track. This reduces the chance of overexerting yourself and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20-30 g of fiber per day and consider taking a fiber supplement containing psyllium (metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucell) helps you achieve your daily goals. However, if you normally lack fiber-rich foods, suddenly increasing your intake over time can lead to gas.

Stay hydrated

Another simple but important solution when your hemorrhoids worsen is to make sure you’re not dehydrated. According to Dr. Thomas, drinking plenty of fluids (about 1.5 to 2 liters, or about 6 to 8 cups per day) can help produce soft stools on a regular basis and reduce straining. To ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day, keep a full bottle of water nearby, add a cup of tea to your self-care routine, or refresh your hydration game. injection water.

Try icing the surrounding area.

Icing can be a very effective solution for short-term relief, especially for painful and swollen hemorrhoids. Dr. Thomas suggests applying an ice pack or cold compress to the anus for about 10 minutes up to three times a day. Of course, always remember to wrap the ice in a paper towel or cloth first. No matter how painful it is, you want to protect your skin.

Soak in a sitting bath

The term sitz bath comes from the German word “sitzen,” meaning “to sit,” and refers to soaking in lukewarm water from the buttocks to the waist for 10 to 15 minutes. “Sitz baths reduce inflammation, itching, and spasms in the anal sphincter,” says Dr. Thomas. Give him a portable sitz bath two or three times a day, either by taking a shallow soak in the bathtub or by purchasing a small plastic tub at the pharmacy.

Please move a little more

Some exercises, such as weight lifting, squats, and lunges, can cause or worsen painful hemorrhoids due to straining, while others can relieve symptoms and reduce the chance of future flare-ups. may be helpful. According to Dr. Thomas, exercise can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on hemorrhoids. Even though you may not feel like doing your usual workout, try incorporating some gentle movement into your day, such as a brisk walk, stretching, or yoga. Be sure to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time as this can also increase pressure on your veins and irritate hemorrhoids.

hemorrhoid treatment

Thrombus removal

External hemorrhoids can cause very painful blood clots, and although they are not dangerous, they can take several weeks to heal on their own. If your pain score is high on a personal pain scale, your doctor can remove your thrombosed hemorrhoid in a relatively simple in-office procedure under local anesthesia in about 10 minutes. Remember: The first 24 to 48 hours are usually the most painful and the best time to remove the blood clot, says Dr. Ky.

rubber band ligation

Another minimally invasive treatment for bleeding or recurring hemorrhoids, and one of Dr. Ky’s favorites, is known as rubber band ligation. This procedure usually does not require anesthesia. Your doctor simply wraps a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off blood circulation and causes the hemorrhoid to shrink, shrink, and often fall off within a week. Complications are rare, but you may feel some pain or pressure there. Needless to say, banding is best left to your doctor. Never try something like this at home.

Injection (sclerotherapy)

around mayo clinic, in this procedure, your doctor injects a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. Injections cause little or no pain but may be less effective than rubber band ligations.

Coagulation (infrared, laser, or bipolar)

Coagulation techniques use lasers, infrared light, or heat to treat the problem. These techniques harden and deflate small internal hemorrhoids that are bleeding. Clotting has few side effects and usually causes little discomfort. mayo clinic.

surgery

Only a small percentage of people with hemorrhoids require surgery. But if you’ve tried home remedies and hospital treatments and your hemorrhoids are still causing you suffering and discomfort, it may be time to talk to your doctor about surgery. Your doctor may recommend hemorrhoidectomy if you have large external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed (popped out of the anus), or excessive bleeding.

Dr. Bernstein points out that recovery from surgical removal of hemorrhoids (also known as hemorrhoidectomy) can be very painful, but it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of hemorrhoids permanently.

Another surgical option is to staple the hemorrhoid in place. Although this surgery is less painful than hemorrhoidectomy, the risk of recurrence is high, so it is not recommended if you have the following symptoms: anal sexDr. Ky points out, because staples can cause injury.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Although we now know that everyone has hemorrhoids due to basic physiology, symptomatic hemorrhoids (Dr. Bernstein’s term) often have an underlying cause. Hemorrhoids can become bulging or swollen for a variety of reasons, including:

• pressure from tension
• You spend a lot of time sitting on the toilet
• chronic diarrhea
• constipation
• lift something heavy

Additionally, if you’re pregnant, your risk of developing hemorrhoid symptoms increases because your baby is gaining weight, and as you age, the tissues that support the veins around your anus can weaken over time.

When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be very painful (literally), but thankfully the symptoms usually go away within a week. If you still have hemorrhoid symptoms after a week of self-care, or if you experience severe pain or bleeding, see your doctor right away, says Dr. Thomas.

It’s important to note that what looks like hemorrhoid symptoms may be indicative of something more serious. Less commonly, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of the following conditions: colorectal cancer or anal cancer. If you notice a change in your bowel habits, such as heavy bleeding or a change in stool color or consistency, be sure to get tested.

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