How to Get Rid of Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are clusters of enlarged or dilated blood vessels which occur in the lower rectal region or anus area. They are also called piles. There may be times when haemorrhoids swell due to the enlargement of the veins thereby thickening its walls resulting in blood discharge. Studies show that approximately three out of four persons experience pain and discomfort due to piles at some point during their lives.

Haemorrhoids are of two types:

• Internal Haemorrhoids - These haemorrhoids develop inside the rectum. They usually do not cause pain and discomfort. Their presence is not obvious unless they enlarge substantially. Their occurrence becomes apparent only when there is straining or irritation when stools are passed which causes symptoms like
  • Painless bleeding which happens during bowel movements
  • Haemorrhoid prolapse occurring through the anal region giving pain and irritation
• External Haemorrhoids - These haemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anal region and are lower than internal haemorrhoids. Symptoms of their presence include:
  • Sensation of itching or irritation in the anal region
  • Feeling of pain or discomfort in the anus
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling around the anus

Haemorrhoids Causes and Treatment

The common causes for formation of the piles or haemorrhoids may be attributed to increased pressure in the lower rectal region because of

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for prolonged periods in the toilet
• Health conditions like obesity and pregnancy
• Ailments like chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Undergoing anal intercourse
• Consuming diet that has a low fibre content
• Doing heavy weight lifting on a regular basis
• Continuous coughing, sneezing or vomiting
• Restraining the breath while performing physical activities

There are various approaches to treatment for haemorrhoids including:

• Home Remedies- It is possible to relieve some symptoms of haemorrhoids like mild pain, swelling and inflammation using simple home remedies. Some ways for doing this are:
  • Eating a high-fibre diet
  • Applying topical creams containing hydrocortisone or using sanitary pads with numbing agents
  • Soaking the anal area by taking a warm or sitz bath
  • Taking oral pain killers for reducing discomfort
• Medications - Doctors may suggest some medications for patients having mild symptoms. That includes some ointments, creams, suppositories or pads which give temporary relief from itching and ache.
• Surgical Intervention -Surgery is suggested only when other treatments route fail. Types of haemorrhoid surgery include:
  • Haemorrhoidectomy– This is an effective procedure for curing recurring or severe haemorrhoids under spinal or general anaesthesia. Here, the excess tissue that causes the bleeding is surgically removed.
  • Haemorrhoid Stapling - This is for treating internal haemorrhoids by blocking the flow to its tissues.
  • Thrombectomy - This surgery is done under local anaesthesia to remove external haemorrhoids when painful blood clots are formed within it.
• Minimal Invasive Techniques- When haemorrhoids are painful or bleeding recurs frequently, these techniques are deployed for treatment in outpatient settings. Various options are:
• Rubber Band Ligation - In this, the doctor places one or two rubber bands at the base of internal haemorrhoid to cut out the blood supply. The haemorrhoids wither and fall within a week’s period.
• Sclerotherapy - Here the doctor gives a chemical injection to the haemorrhoid tissue for shrinking it.
• Coagulation Techniques - This method uses infrared light, laser or heat to harden and shrivel the small bleeding internal haemorrhoids.

Taking the appropriate piles treatment and medication as mentioned above is important to avoid emergencies wherein heavy bleeding or dizziness may be experienced. Haemorrhoids can be easily prevented by consuming high-fibre foods and remaining well hydrated to ensure soft stools and avoid constipation. Further complications due to negligence can result in the formation of blot clots, anaemia or haemorrhoid strangulation.

Please consult the Gastro Specialist Doctor for correct diagnosis if you have experience persistent haemorrhoids or frequent episodes of rectal bleeding.