Hemorrhoids, When Should You Take Them Serious?
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen structures filled with blood vessels and exist inside the anus. They can be external or internal. Piles can vary from small to large comfortable size depending on the amount of pressure applied to the area surrounding it.
They can occur due to several reasons, including constipation, diarrhea, prolonged sitting, obesity, or pregnancy, and occur in people between 20 – 50 years of age.
What are hemorrhoid symptoms?
Hemorrhoids are not dangerous, but sometimes they cause bleeding during bowel movements and pain and discomfort. Symptoms include itching around the anal canal, anal pain, mainly when bowel movement occurs, bright red color, small spots on toilet paper after bowel movements, painless bleeding from the anus, especially while passing stool.
Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe pain, depending on how large they have grown. They usually are not any serious medical condition; however, if you find yourself dealing with piles, it is best to see your doctor to help ease the discomfort and prevent further complications.
When should you see a doctor about your hemorrhoids?
They should be taken seriously when a person experiences the following signs:
1) You experience frequent blood loss during bowel movements or urination. The amount of blood loss should be so much that one has trouble concealing it in toilet tissue or undergarments.
2) Piles cause intense pain such that it becomes difficult for one to sit or walk around normally.
3) Piles that cause itchiness around the anus that are exceptionally irritable and interfere with one’s daily activities. They can cause this condition even when there is no itching sensation; however, there are usually pain symptoms in such a scenario.
4) Piles cause swelling in the inguinal area; inguinal hernia is a condition where a soft tissue protrudes through an opening in muscles of the abdominal wall. This opening sometimes lacks enough muscle tone and results in weak points through which some organs may slip from their spots. This means even if you do not experience hemorrhoids, chances are you might develop piles due to weak muscles and ligaments in the region.
Other medical conditions can cause hemorrhoids; if you are experiencing them, it is essential to consult with your doctor to get a complete picture of what is happening to your body.
When do hemorrhoids become bad enough for surgery?
Surgery is usually done for piles that have become enlarged, requiring a reduction of size. Sometimes there may be other problems such as fissures or fistulae, which might also need surgical attention; hence make sure you explain your issue clearly before undergoing surgery. There are times when piles become bad enough that surgery is the only option left for treatment. However, this should not be an immediate response due to possible risks.
It should be noted that there are various symptoms which include painless bleeding while passing stool or urination, discomfort while passing stool or urination, inability to empty bowel completely, presence of hard stools in the rectum. If you experience three or more of these, it is best to see your doctor as hemorrhoids should not be taken lightly.
Piles that require surgery are caused by uncontrolled blood loss during a bowel movement or physical injury to the surrounding area. Treatment includes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining correct posture while using the toilet.
What types of surgeries are there for hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid surgeries are divided into two categories, namely;
1) External Hemorrhoidectomy
2) Internal Hemorrhoidectomy
External Hemorrhoidectomy surgery requires that piles are snipped away from the affected area. However, they will usually grow back if surgery is not combined with a treatment program to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Therefore make sure you find an expert surgeon capable of carrying out the surgery and providing preventive care afterward.
Internal Hemorrhoidectomy surgery involves removing the offending piles using an endoscope, a thin tube that enables doctors to see inside through small incisions made in the skin. The endoscope camera is covered in solutions that kill them during surgery and then withdraws the hemorrhoid into a solution reservoir.
There are various surgeries available, however, not all are permanent, as some surgeries are just temporary solutions that allow you to have free periods,
1) Hemorrhoid banding involves using an elastic ring to cut off blood supply to Hemroids
2) Sclerotherapy or injection of a chemical solution directly into affected veins
3) Rubber-band ligation where a rubber band is used around the base of Hemroids, thereby cutting off blood flow causing them to shrink.
4) Infrared coagulation or electrocoagulation where Hemroids are cauterized
With so many Hemroid surgeries available, finding the best Hemroid specialist is not easy; however, through research and experience, Hemroid surgery can be made permanent. But none of these surgeries are entirely effective. If you want a sure-fire way to remove your hemorrhoids, try Hemwell.
Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.