The Various Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids are simply swollen blood vessels (similar to varicose veins) in and around the anal sphincter which stretch under pressure. The hemorrhoid treatment options depend on the size of the hemorrhoids. Almost half the individuals comprising the US population have had an experience of hemorrhoids by the time they are 50 years old. Men are more prone to hemorrhoids than women. They are afflicted more in the age bracket of 45 to 65 years.

Pregnant women also have a tendency towards hemorrhoids. This is because the process of childbirth puts severe stress on their ano-rectal blood vessels. People who have family history of this condition are more prone to it. The condition worsens in obese individuals. It can worsen by lifting too much weight or standing for long periods of time too.

Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

There are two type of Hemorrhoids. One of these is found in the skin surrounding the anal sphincter. Such externally located hemorrhoids are known as external hemorrhoids. On the other hand, hemorrhoids can also develop in the tissue on the inside of the anal sphincter. These are known as internal hemorrhoids. This variety is generally quite painless, but may periodically be prone to bleeding.

Internal hemorrhoids involve the veins inside the rectum. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is an internal hemorrhoid which stretches down and out of the anus. It may go back into the inside of the rectum on its own or can be gently pushed back. In case it does not go back and hangs outside the anus it is sure to cause pain.

External hemorrhoids involve the veins around the anus. They are frequently quite painful. This is because the skin in their vicinity is quite sensitive. Sometimes a blood clot forms and a tender lump may be felt on the edge of the anal sphincter. The blood clot is known as a thrombosed (blood-filled) hemorrhoid. An external hemorrhoid may bleed while straining, scratching, and rubbing. Small external hemorrhoids mostly are symptomless.

The treatment options for hemorrhoids include home remedies, nonsurgical fixative procedures, and surgery. One home remedy for hemorrhoids is to soak in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes. This should be done without adding anything to the water. Dietary changes also constitute another home remedy. A high fiber diet that includes whole grains, vegetables and plenty of fluids helps the stool to become bulkier and softer.

The objective of fixative nonsurgical procedures is to reduce the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid so as to shrink or wither it. This type of treatment helps cure the body of most small and some big internal hemorrhoids. Fixative treatment methods include rubber band ligation, scleropathy through injections, and coagulation therapy through devices that use a laser, heat, or electrical current. The reason these procedures are known as fixative is they result in a scar that keeps veins from swelling into the anal canal.

Hemorrhoid treatment options also include hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal). It is an effective method to treat large internal hemorrhoids.

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