Hemorrhoids: Symptoms And Treatment

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions experienced. It is considered non-life-threatening by professionals. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur in the rectum or anus. They are also called piles.
Read More:
- World Leprosy Day: Unite for a Good Cause
- Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
- What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer
Hemorrhoids are genetic and can occur due to excessive pressure or strain in the lower rectum. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and cannot be seen with naked eyes. However, internal hemorrhoids can be pushed down during bowel movements and protrude through the anus. This condition is called prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids are piles that grow around the anus and are visible through naked eyes.
Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids are generally less painful as there are fewer pain nerves in the area. Here are the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids:
- Bleeding on the stool
- Generally painless
Prolapsed hemorrhoids have these symptoms:
- The lump that can be felt when wiping the area
- Pain during bowel movement
- Bleeding during bowel movement
- Severe itching
- Irritation, discomfort, or pain when sitting down
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are more painful and have these symptoms:
- The lump that can be felt and seen around the anus
- Pain when straining
- Bleeding during bowel movement
- Severe itchiness
Diagnosing Internal Hemorrhoids
Diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids is done by medical professionals. A specialist will examine the rectum and anus to see if there are prolapsed and external hemorrhoids.
There are 4 grades of hemorrhoids depending on the severity:
Grade I: piles are prominent and bleeding may occur, but hemorrhoids do not protrude outside the anus
Grade II: Piles protrudes outside the canal due to straining, bleeding may occur. Piles normally retract back inside by itself
Grade III: Piles are prominent and protrude outside the anal canal and have to be pushed back in manually by yourself or by a doctor
Grade IV: Happens when prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be pushed back in and require further medical procedures for treatment
During the examination, the doctor may insert a small tube with a camera to check for internal hemorrhoids. Because hemorrhoid symptoms are often mistaken as other serious medical conditions, the doctors might also check for colorectal cancer risk factors.
Treatments
Generally, anal piles disappear on their own with an improved lifestyle. Mild hemorrhoids typically occur and disappear within one week. However, if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter medications, consult a specialist.
There are several home remedies for anal piles such as:
- Fibre-foods: used to soften the stool, which eventually reduce straining during bowel movements
- Topical treatments such as hemorrhoid cream that contains hydrocortisone
- Regularly soaking in warm water to soothe the pain and itch
Aside from these remedies, if symptoms persist typically there are procedures to treat piles. The most common procedures are:
- Rubber band ligation: During this procedure, the doctor will apply two or more rubber bands to the piles to cut off its circulation. With this procedure, the piles will then drop on their own during bowel movements. Rubber band ligation is only for internal piles
- Sclerotherapy: the doctor will inject a chemical solution into the hemorrhoids to shrink it
When To See A Doctor?
If you have persistent symptoms or severe piles, visit a specialist to consider the best option to remove the hemorrhoids.
Go to Okadoc.com or download our mobile app, and choose your preferred method of meeting your Gastroenterologist.
- Click here to book an In-person consultation appointment
- Or here to schedule a secure Video consultation
More Articles
Back to School: Prepare Your Kids for School After COVID-19
With more kids going back to in-person classes this year, with the COVID-19 Delta variant on the rise, this year’s back-to-school won’t be as usual.
Fresh Recipes To Cool Down The Summer Heat
From the easiest summer salad recipe to simple desserts, these easy summer recipe ideas will keep your summery breezy.
Why Watching TV Is Good?
Do you ever think that spending hours in front of the TV is not a healthy option for spending time? What if we told you that this has several benefits?
How To Heal & Prevent Sunburn?
Sunburn is a skin burn that occurs if exposed to the sun for too long without precautions. Here are some tips on how to heal sunburn and how to prevent it.
What To Eat For Suhoor? Easy And Healthy Ideas
For people who fast in Ramadan, Suhoor is considered as body fuel, this is why it’s important to have a balanced meal. Here is our healthy recipes selection
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Could You Be At Risk?
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? What causes it? How to detect it? And how to treat it? Learn more about how a billion people are impacted…
5 Reasons To Start Working Out Now
You’ve probably heard countless times how working out have many benefits for the whole body and mind. Here is 5 reasons why you should start working out now
Virtual Consultation With Doctors Through Okadoc
Okadoc now offers virtual consultation with trusted doctors and hospitals. Learn more here!
Reasons Why You Always Feel Hungry
Hunger is a natural signal to your body that it needs more food. There are many explanations why you constantly feel hungry, read more to discover them.
The 7 Most Common Menstrual Disorders
Some women have little or no problems during their periods, while others have different menstrual disorders due to many causes. Learn more about this topic.