Treatment of hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum, and about 50 percent of adults have symptoms of hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Hemorrhoids may be internal or external. The internal ones develop inside the anus or rectum, while the external ones develop outside the anus. External ones are the most common and the most annoying, as hemorrhoids cause pain, severe itching, and difficulty sitting.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Intense itching around the anus.
• Irritation and pain around the anus.
• A painful, itchy lump or swelling near the anus.
• fecal leakage.
• painful bowel movements
• The appearance of blood on the tissues after a bowel movement.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids occur when there is too much pressure on the veins around the anus. Possible factors include:

• Straining during a bowel movement.
• Complications of chronic constipation.
• Staying in the bathroom for a long time.
• Family history of the condition.

risk factors

It is likely to be transmitted genetically from parents to the child. In other words, if the parents have the condition, the son is likely to get it, so continuous weight lifting, obesity, or any constant pressure on the body can increase the risk of infection. The possibility of hemorrhoids increases in pregnant women due to the enlargement of the uterus and its pressure on the vein in the colon, leading to its swelling. Hemorrhoids may develop during pressure when defecating, whether due to diarrhea or constipation, and anal intercourse can also lead to irritation.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

A visual examination of the anus may suffice for the diagnosis, and the doctor may perform a digital rectal exam (the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum) to check for abnormalities inside the anus.

Depending on the patient’s risk factors, the doctor may order additional tests such as an anal endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Each of these tests involves using a small camera to diagnose any abnormalities in the anus, rectum or colon, where a small camera is inserted into the rectum to get a clear view of the inside of the rectum and closely examine the hemorrhoids.

What are the treatment options for hemorrhoids?

Pain relief:

This is done by sitting in a tub of warm water for at least 10 minutes every day. In the event that the pain is severe, suppositories, ointment or medicated cream is used to relieve burning and itching.

Fiber supplements:

In the event of constipation, a fiber supplement can be taken to help soften the stool. Two common supplements of this type are psyllium and methylcellulose.

home remedies

Over-the-counter topical treatments such as hydrocortisone or creams can relieve the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. It is advised to clean the anus with warm water while taking a shower without soap, as it may exacerbate hemorrhoids. It should also be avoided using dry or rough toilet paper when wiping after defecation.

Medical procedures:

It is resorted to in the event that home remedies do not work, as the doctor can cut off the blood circulation to the hemorrhoids by placing a rubber band around it, which causes the loss of blood circulation there and its contraction. In the event that this is not possible, he may resort to using injections that contain a chemical substance and inject it directly into the blood vessels, and the latter reduces the size of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid prevention:

To prevent or avoid aggravation of the condition, it is advised to avoid straining and straining during a bowel movement and to increase the amount of daily water consumed, as drinking enough water can prevent the stool from hardening. You can also use the bathroom as soon as you feel a bowel movement in order to prevent hemorrhoids from developing. You should exercise regularly and avoid sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles. Eating foods that are high in dietary fiber also reduces the risk of infection in the future.

Good dietary fiber sources include:

• All kinds of cereals.
• brown rice.
• oatmeal.
• pears.
• carrots.
• black wheat.

Dietary fiber helps form bulk in the intestines, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.

What are the complications associated with hemorrhoids?

Complications are rare but may include:

• Blood clots in the swollen vein.
• bleeding.
• Iron deficiency anemia.

Treatment in Türkiye

The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors and consultants in REHABTÜRK can offer the best treatment options and free consultations by striving to keep abreast of the latest medical technologies and methods.

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