Hemorrhoids are not a common disease, and many individuals are ashamed to discuss it, yet they are a common medical condition which can occur to everybody. They are particularly widespread among adults that feel constipated, take a long time sitting on the toilet, have a low-fiber diet, or are pregnant. Learning about the nature of hemorrhoids, their causes and treatment will help to manage symptoms and avoid exacerbations in the future.


What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins found in the anal and rectal areas. They resemble the varicose veins, except that they are found in the lower digestive tract, rather than in the legs. Hemorrhoids develop when an excessive amount of pressure accumulates in the rectal region, which leads to the stretching of the veins, their protrusion, and inflammation.


Hemorrhoids can be of two types:


1. Internal hemorrhoids

  • These grow within the rectum.
  • These are not typically seen on the surface.
  • They tend to bring painless bleeding when bowling.

2. External hemorrhoids

  • They grow underneath the skin around the anus.
  • They may result in pain, itching, swelling and irritation.
  • Some of them can also develop a blood clot, thus becoming more painful.

There are mild hemorrhoids that cannot be felt at all and those that can lead to sufficient discomfort that can interfere with daily living activities like sitting, walking or using the bathroom.


Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The hemorrhoid symptoms vary with the type and severity of hemorrhoids. The internal hemorrhoids usually have less evident symptoms unless they start bleeding or sticking out of the anus. Extrinsic hemorrhoids have higher chances of causing pain and discomfort.


Common symptoms include:

  • After a bowel move, bright red blood.
  • Itching around the anus
  • Anal swelling.
  • Sitting pain or discomfort.
  • Swelling or lump in the anus.
  • Itchiness or pain.
  • In certain instances mucus discharge.
  • A sense of not having completely emptied the bowel.

When an external hemorrhoid gets thrombosed, that is, forms a blood clot within it, the pain may be abrupt and intense. This may require medical attention.


Why Do Hemorrhoids Happen?

Hemorrhoids normally occur due to pressure build up in the lower rectum. This pressure causes weakening and swelling of veins, which increases their susceptibility to inflammation. This can be caused by a variety of daily habits and health disorders.


Risk factors and common causes of hemorrhoids


  • Constipation
  • The causes of hemorrhoids are mainly hard stools and difficulty in bowel movements.
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Pressure in the rectal region can also be augmented by frequent bowel movements and irritation.
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Lack of sufficient fiber can result in hard stools that are hard to pass.
  • Excessive time sitting on the toilet.
  • The additional time sitting on the toilet causes the veins in the anus to develop extra pressure.
  • Pregnancy
  • Pelvic veins are strained by the expanding uterus and this may cause hemorrhoids.
  • Obesity
  • Additional weight of the body may cause pressure on the rectal veins.
  • Heavy lifting
  • The repetitive lifting of heavy objects can be a contributor to strain.
  • Aging

Aging may also cause the tissues that hold the veins in the rectum and anus to become weak.


How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed?

Hemorrhoids can be diagnosed by a physical examination and symptoms review. External hemorrhoids may often be detected on a routine examination. Internal hemorrhoids can be subject to further examination since they are found within the rectum.


A doctor may use:


  • An inspection of the anal region.
  • A rectal examination (digital).
  • A little tool to explore the rectum in case of necessity.

Diagnosis is important since not all rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Similar symptoms may be caused by other conditions, some more serious. These may include:


  • Anal fissures
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Polyps
  • Rectal or colorectal diseases.

This is why no continuation of bleeding should be overlooked.


Read More: Best Foods for Piles: What to Eat and Avoid for Hemorrhoid Relief


Home Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Home piles treatment is effective with many mild to moderate hemorrhoids. The primary aim is to minimize irritation, decrease the stool and prevent additional pressure of the affected veins. These basic steps are in most instances sufficient to alleviate.


Home remedies such as:


  • Eat more fiber

Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils and beans.

  • Drink enough water

When hydrated, stools are soft and easy to pass.

  • Take warm sitz baths

Warm water for 10-15 minutes can be used to alleviate swelling and pain.

  • Apply nonprescription creams or pads.

They can help temporarily relieve itching and pain.

  • Avoid straining

Try not to force bowel movements.

  • Reaction to impulse to depart.

The deferment of bowel movements may cause stool to become harder.

  • Limit toilet time

Do not spend more time than the required time sitting on the toilet.

  • Stay active

Moderate exercise may enhance digestion and constipation.


These habits do not only aid in healing the existing hemorrhoids, but also reduce the possibility of recurrence.


Medical Treatment Options

Home care might not be effective in improving hemorrhoids and medical treatment might be needed. Professional treatment is normally prescribed by doctors when hemorrhoids are painful, often bleeding or prolonged.


Typical medical treatments entail:


  • Rubber band ligation

A hemorrhoid is cut off by placing a small rubber band around it to cut off the blood.

  • Sclerotherapy

To shrink the hemorrhoid, a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid.

  • Coagulation techniques

Internal hemorrhoids may be hardened and shrink with the use of heat, laser, or infrared techniques.

  • Surgical removal

In extreme situations, to treat large or persistent hemorrhoids, surgery for hemorrhoids can be required.


Medical procedures can be quite effective particularly when the symptoms continue to recur despite changes in lifestyle.


When to See a Doctor?

Although hemorrhoids can be treated, certain symptoms cannot be overlooked. When the symptoms are severe, unusual or chronic, it is necessary to consult a doctor.


See a physician in case you have:


  • Repeated rectal bleeding that occurs.
  • Extreme pain or swelling.
  • A painful nod which makes no difference.
  • Lasting longer than a week of symptoms.
  • Tarry or black feces.
  • Feebleness, swooning, or weakness with bleeding.

These symptoms can indicate complications or a different illness that should be diagnosed.


How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?

The main method of painful hemorrhoids relief is to decrease the strain during bowel movements and maintain the healthy condition of the digestive system. Little practices can bring significant change in the long run.


Some of the things that can be done to prevent hemorrhoids include:


  • Consume a fibrous diet on a daily basis.
  • Drink enough water
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid sitting for long periods
  • Do not withhold bowel movements.
  • Do not strain when going to the bathroom.
  • Limit time at the toilet.
  • Be of normal weight.

These measures aid in easier digestion and reduced pressure in the rectum.


Final Thoughts

Hemorrhoids are not uncommon, it is painful and uncomfortable, and it usually can be treated. In the case of most individuals, the condition can be corrected by the consumption of healthier food, more water, frequent exercise and minimal domestic attention. The most important thing is to take action early and not have habits that worsen the symptoms.


Even though hemorrhoids are usually not a severe condition, bleeding, persistent pain, or complicated symptoms should be examined by a medical professional on a regular basis. Most individuals can successfully cope with hemorrhoids with the proper care and preventive measures and minimize the chances of further complications.


Please book an appointment with the best General Surgeons in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through Instacare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.