Hemorrhoids

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) 1 of 3 people will experience hemorrhoids before the age of 50 - and 1 of 2 people will experience hemorrhoids after the age of 50.

What are hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen but normally present blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

The increased pressure and swelling may result from straining to move the bowel. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, heredity, aging, and chronic constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

Hemorrhoid symptoms

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids are:

• Bright red blood on the stool
• Bright red blood on the stool on toilet paper
• Bright red blood on the stool in the toilet bowl. 

However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

What Is the Treatment?

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids initially is aimed at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:

• Natural supplements that can heal the symptoms of hemorrhoids naturally.
  
  
• Warm tub or sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes.
  
  
• Ice packs to help reduce swelling.
  
  
• Application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue and are performed under anesthesia. The doctor will perform the surgery during an office or hospital visit.

A number of surgical methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include:

• Rubber band ligation--A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
  
  
• Sclerotherapy--A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
  

• Electrical or laser heat (laser coagulation) or infrared light (infrared photo coagulation)--Both techniques use special devices to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.
  
  
• Hemorrhoidectomy--Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is the best method for permanent removal of hemorrhoids.