You may not be familiar with the term hemorrhoids, but all you know piles. Hemorrhoids is just another name for piles. This is a condition that causes swelling of veins in anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may occur both inside the rectum or around the anus. The hemorrhoids inside the rectum are internal hemorrhoids and the ones developing under the skin around anus are external hemorrhoids.
Both the internal and external hemorrhoids come with their own symptoms. To identify external hemorrhoids, one must observe if there is itching or irritation in the anal region. Any pain, swelling or bleeding is also a sign for external hemorrhoids. The signs of internal hemorrhoids can be no pain but bleeding during bowel movement. One may not be able to feel internal hemorrhoids but they may experience pain and irritation when passing stool.
Nowadays hemorrhoids are a common health issue. Because the lifestyle and eating habits of individuals is such, anyone is prone to having piles. Usually, people growing to an older age face the problem of piles, as their healthiness levels deteriorate.
Treatment of hemorrhoids:
Once you are sure that you are facing the problem of hemorrhoids, you must understand that your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. There are many treatments for piles. These are as follows:
- Hemorrhoidectomy – This is the hemorrhoid removal surgery that is your resort when the condition becomes severe. The anal skin tag removal can be a slightly costly procedure. During the surgery, your doctor removes the cause for bleeding that is the excessive tissue. The most thorough and effective method of treating severe or recurrent hemorrhoids is hemorrhoidectomy. It comes with the side effect of urinary tract infections that can occur due to temporary problems emptying your bladder. This side effect generally follows spinal anesthesia. After the procedure, the majority of patients experience some pain, which drugs can lessen. Taking a warm bath can help greatly with the situation.
- Hemorrhoid stapling – Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a technique that stops blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue. Usually, it is the best treatment for internal hemorrhoids. Stapling is comparatively comfortable from Hemorrhoidectomy and enables a quicker recovery thereby faster return to normal activities. However, stapling has a link to a higher incidence of recurrence and rectal prolapse, in which a portion of the rectum protrudes from the anus, compared to hemorrhoidectomy. In addition to pain and urine retention, complications can also include bleeding and, in rare cases, a life-threatening blood infection (sepsis). One must have a discussion in detail with the doctor about what is the best choice of the treatment.
- Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation and Recto Anal Repair (HAL-RAR) – A new surgery called Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation and Recto Anal Repair (HAL-RAR) involves inserting a tiny Doppler sensor into the anus to identify the arteries that provide blood to haemorrhoids. The surgeon can identify the arteries feeding the hemorrhoids and cut off circulation to them by doing so. Within a few days, the hemorrhoids are virtually completely gone, and they are no longer evident. It works well and is essentially painless.
- Home Treatments – For mild conditions of hemorrhoids, lifestyle changes and diet can conveniently improve the situation. Consuming a high-fiber diet and focusing on hydration can heal hemorrhoids. Furthermore, application of over-the-counter ointments can provide some relief by drying the anal tag. Having pain relief medication also improves the condition.
Risks and recovery from hemorrhoids:
Recovering from hemorrhoids is not a very long process. However, the recovery period may still vary from one person to another. The initial two to three days from the surgery are painful and uncomfortable. Post one week’s time, the patients experience relief from the feeling of pain and discomfort. Complete recovery from hemorrhoids takes place in two weeks at least.
During the recovery phase, one may see bruising, soreness, bleeding, and irritation. The best way to fasten the recovery and return back to the routine is by improving your diet. Eating a nutritious diet, taking timely medications, applying ice packs and avoiding constipation should be your focus after the surgery.
When we talk about opting for surgery to get rid of hemorrhoids, complications are a rare situation. Only few patients experience some level of complications in the form of slow healing, urinary retention, and narrowing of anus.
Keeping in touch with your doctor and properly following their guidelines is the best way to avoid any serious after effects. Make sure you are making follow-up appointments and are in constant touch with your healthcare provider as per the need.
Final Note:
In the end, the intensity of hemorrhoids varies greatly amongst individuals. Not ignoring the condition and paying a visit to the doctor on time should be your priority. Bleeding in hemorrhoids can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If a person is feeling some pain and discomfort during bowel movements then that can be a sign of piles. This is just the initial stage whose treatment is possible with the help of over the counter medications. Once you start experiencing symptoms like extreme pain and bleeding, it will then definitely require a surgical procedure. So, make sure you are paying attention towards your symptoms and are taking the necessary actions to treat the condition.
