For the millions of people that suffer from hemorrhoids every year, they cannot get rid of hemorrhoids quickly enough. For those unfamiliar with hemorrhoids, the term refers to a cluster of enlarged blood vessels. These vessels are located in the lower rectum and anus. Frequently, straining when moving one's bowels and a lack of activity are blamed for hemorrhoids, but there are other causes of hemorrhoids, including pregnancy which causes an increased abdominal pressure and so may also cause hemorrhoids to develop. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bright blood in the stool or on toilet paper after wiping the rectum, rectal or internal itching and pain.
There are several options for hemorrhoid treatment and most are quick and painless. It should be noted however that hemorrhoids may be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Those suffering from frequent outbreaks of hemorrhoids should seek medical attention and schedule a colon cancer screening.
First, we will cover the non-surgical means of hemorrhoid treatment. The most common remedy prescribed is a warm sitz bath several times a day. A sitz bath is very similar to a bidet, and a warm tub of water can be very soothing for this condition. Each session should last at least ten minutes for optimum effectiveness.
A special hemorrhoid cream can also be used to treat the itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Prolonged use of these preparations should not be used without the evaluation of a physician, in order to see if a more serious problem exists. Ice packs may also be applied to supply relief to the area.
For those suffering from hemorrhoids, dry toilet paper is not recommended, since this can exacerbate the symptoms. Moist towelettes or moist toilet paper work very well for patients with this condition. Over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be taken to reduce pain and inflammation.
Some hemorrhoids will clear up on their own, but in many cases, additional treatment may be necessary. This is particularly true for internal hemorrhoids that cannot be treated using over-the-counter measures. A rubber band ligation is the most common non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids and involves a small rubber band that is wrapped around the engorged vessels, causing the tissue to fall off after several days. The treatments are painless and are very effective.
Other non-surgical hemorrhoid treatments include infrared photocoagulation. This involves targeting the abnormal vessels and reducing the blood supply so that the hemorrhoid will disappear. These treatments are effective in cases where very small hemorrhoids are present.
With all the options available, it’s time to end your suffering and get rid of hemorrhoids. Find a physician in your area or request a consultation online.