The swelling, inflammation, itching, and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids is caused by affected veins located in the anus and rectum.
Luckily, this condition (also referred to as piles) is treatable using a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
While it is quite embarrassing for some to discuss this common medical complaint - by the time half of the adults in the United States have reached the age of 50 - they will have already gone through or face a selection in hemorrhoids treatment.
In minor cases, self care measures or changes in lifestyle will ease symptoms of hemorrhoids, while more persistent instances call for surgery.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments are also popular treatments to consider.
Below you will find some of the many different ways people can gain relief from the symptoms: Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes When an individual suffers mild pain, swelling, and inflammation flare-ups, an assortment of self-care measures serves as the best hemorrhoids remedy.
Keeping the anal region clean and moisture-free lessens the aggravation that leads to a flare-up.
After a bowel movement, make sure to use baby wipes or wet toilet paper (free from alcohol and perfume).
Soaking in a warm bath on a regular basis is a good way to soothe irritation.
Cleansing with warm water and gentle drying is recommended when taking a shower or bath.
To relieve swelling, ice packs and cold compresses provide relief.
Some patients rely on a sitz bath with warm water, which fits over the toilet and is available at medical supply stores and some pharmacies.
When self-care measures are unable to relieve symptoms, it is suggested to schedule a visit to the doctor, especially when intense pain and bleeding is present.
When discomfort persists, patients can take oral medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin).
Topical hemorrhoids treatments are quite popular, including creams, topical numbing substances, suppositories with hydrocortisone, and specialized pads with witch hazel.
Surgical and Other Procedures Surgery is often required to remove a blood clot that may form within an external hemorrhoid, where the doctor makes a simple incision that provides quick release.
A more invasive treatment is called a hemorrhoidectomy, where larger inflamed tissue is removed.
Local anesthetic with sedation, general anesthetic, or a spinal anesthetic are used to complete the procedure.
The surgery is often performed as an outpatient operation and sometimes requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
After this surgical procedure, soaking in a warm bath or taking medication can alleviate discomfort and pain.
Rubber band ligation involves one or two small rubber bands that fit around the base of an internal hemorrhoid, which cuts off circulation - causing the hemorrhoid to fall off.
Quick and effective, the procedure is conducted in a doctor's office.
Circulation is also cut off when one- to two-second bursts of infrared light are used to treat undersized, internal hemorrhoids that bleed.
Sometimes a doctor will inject a chemical solution around the blood vessels associated with an inflamed hemorrhoid, which leads to shrinkage.
This procedure is called sclerotherapy.
Another effective treatment is relatively new and is known to help block the blood flow to affected tissue.
Today, patients can choose stapling as a method of treatment, which is believed to cause less pain than surgery.
Alternative Hemorrhoids Treatment Over the years, herbal ingredients have also provided further freedom in hemorrhoids treatment for patients who wish to avoid painful surgeries and the possible side effects of medications.
On the market, there are plenty of all-natural options to consider, such as Neo Healar hemorrhoid treatment cream which contains natural ingredients such as peppermint.
Overall, when this particular condition becomes worse, it is important to consult a physician in order to locate the best hemorrhoid treatment on an individual basis.