How do I know if I have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids affect one in twenty people. They also become more common with age. According to the National Institutes of Health, about half of men and women older than 50 suffer from hemorrhoids. This makes them a common complaint among seniors. Many people believe that rectal bleeding is a hallmark of hemorrhoids. However, some hemorrhoids do not bleed. Other conditions, such as colorectal carcinoma may also cause rectal bleeding. Recognizing the symptoms of hemorrhoids, which are a common complaint for both men and women, can ensure that you receive the best Piles treatment. How do I know if I have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids symptoms
Hemorrhoids, or swollen vessels in the lower rectum of your body, are usually caused by excessive strain. Constipation, difficult stool movements, pregnancy or occupations requiring long standing or sitting periods can cause this strain. The extra weight in your torso can increase your hemorrhoids risk. This is because increased pressure around your bowels and lower abdomen occurs when you are overweight. External hemorrhoids develop around your anus, while internal hemorrhoids are found inside your rectum. A clot can form around the hemorrhoid, called a “thrombosed” hemorrhoid.
Rectal bleeding is a sign of hemorrhoids, but not every hemorrhoid bleeds. Blood appears bright red when bleeding occurs. A darker blood indicates a problem in the colon or small intestine. As bleeding can be a sign of rectal or colon carcinoma, it is always best to have it checked by our team. This will enable us to find out what’s going on.
Also Read: Constipation And Piles In Women
Other symptoms of hemorrhoids
- Anus itch or burn
- Anus pain when seated in certain positions
- Anus swelling
- You may feel external hemorrhoids protruding if you wipe your bowel movements afterward.
Hemorrhoids can be painful
Different treatments are available for hemorrhoids, depending on their location, size, and symptoms. A few lifestyle changes may be enough to treat small hemorrhoids causing mild, occasional symptoms. You can reduce the likelihood of symptoms by eating fiber-rich food and drinking water. Soaking or using a shallow bath (called a “sitz bath”) of warm water to relieve inflammation and irritation can be helpful. Using moist toilet tissue instead of dry toilet paper can also be beneficial. Over-the-counter creams and prescription ointments reduce swelling and itching.
Sometimes, however, home remedies may not provide the lasting relief you need. Hemorrhoid bands may be helpful in this situation. A small elastic band is wrapped around the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid dies within a few days or a week. We can perform this minimally invasive procedure in our office. We usually use a topical or local anaesthetic first to numb it. After your banding is completed, you can return to your normal routine. There may be some discomfort at first, but this will subside once the hemorrhoid falls off.
Also Read: How Do You Cure Piles At The First Stage?
Hemorrhoids are no longer a problem
Piles Doctor Specialists understand how painful hemorrhoids are. Our team can help women and men with painful symptoms by providing treatments tailored to their needs. This includes the type of hemorrhoids and the severity of symptoms. We can help you determine whether hemorrhoids or other conditions cause your symptoms. We can also help if your hemorrhoids are causing unbearable symptoms. The key to finding relief in both cases is scheduling an evaluation, so we can customize a treatment for you. Book an appointment today to find out the cause of your symptoms and learn about hemorrhoid treatments that will help you feel better.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital