What is Hemorrhoid, How to Prevent it, Its Causes and The best Treatments

What is Hemorrhoid | Definition of  Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. Sometimes the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when you poop. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. They’re rarely dangerous and usually clear up in a couple of weeks.

But you should see your doctor make sure it’s not a more serious condition. He can also remove hemorrhoids that won’t go away or are very painful.

Hemorrhoid Causes

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. They are rarely dangerous and usually clear up in a couple of weeks. But you should see your doctor make sure it’s not a more serious condition. He can also remove hemorrhoids that won’t go away or are very painful. The following are some of the causes of hemorrhoids:

• Straining during bowel movements.
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Anal intercourse.
• Low-fiber diet.

Hemorrhoid Types

There are two types of hemorrhoids, depending on their location. External hemorrhoids form under the skin of the anus, whereas internal hemorrhoids form within the lining of the anus and lower rectum.

External Hemorrhoid

These are hemorrhoids that affect veins outside the anus. These hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, cracking, and itching. Home remedies can treat most external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining while having a bowel movement. People may push too hard, sit on the toilet for too long, or have a stool that is hard and difficult to pass.

If external hemorrhoid does not go away in 1 to 2 weeks, a doctor may prescribe stool softeners to make passing the stool easier. However, if a person is in severe pain, a doctor may recommend surgical removal of hemorrhoid.

External Hemorrhoid Removal

This is the procedure that is followed by:

• The patient is placed in the left lateral decubitus position. The perianal skin is visualized by having an assistant separate the buttocks or by taping the buttocks apart. The anal canal can be visualized using an Ive’s anoscope coated with 2 percent lidocaine jelly. The extent of the hemorrhoidal disease should be assessed and coexisting anal pathology excluded before initiating the procedure. Alternately, anoscopy can be performed after anesthetic administration (injection) when the thrombosed hemorrhoids are exquisitely tender.
• The perianal skin and anal canal are cleansed with povidone-iodine solution. The base of the hemorrhoid is infiltrated with at least 5 mL of 1 percent lidocaine, using a 25-gauge, 1¼-inch needle. Avoid making multiple needle sticks in the anal tissues because the puncture sites can bleed after needle removal. Warn the patient about impending needle insertion into the tender tissues.
• A fusiform (elliptic) excision is made into the anal skin overlying the thrombosis. It is preferable to make a radial incision extending out from the anal canal if the entire hemorrhoid plexus is removed; some physicians prefer a circumferential incision that exposes more clots by crossing over more of the hemorrhoidal sinusoids beneath (Figure 1). Vigorous bleeding may accompany this incision and can be controlled with direct pressure or electrocautery if needed.
• A clamp can be placed on the fusiform skin island and traction applied to the skin to reveal hemorrhoid below (Figure 2). The entire hemorrhoid is sharply excised with a no. 15 blade or scissors. The entire hemorrhoidal plexus usually can be removed as one piece attached to the fusiform skin island. Avoid cutting into the muscle sphincter below the hemorrhoidal vessels.
• Once the hemorrhoidal plexus and clot have been removed, the base of the wound is examined for residual small clots. Additional hemorrhoidal tissue or clots can be sharply excised. Some physicians chose to close the deep wound with subcutaneous, absorbable, buried 4-0 Vicryl sutures to avoid significant postprocedure bleeding. The sutures should be completely subcutaneous and not penetrate external to the anal skin. Wound closure can reduce bleeding and discomfort at the surgical site. Alternatively, some physicians prefer to leave the wound open.
• The wound should be inspected for adequate hemostasis. If epinephrine is used to anesthetize the wound and the wound is unsutured, late bleeding (up to several hours postprocedure) can develop once the effect of the epinephrine wears off. Topical antibiotic ointment is applied to the surgical site, and 1inch of 4 × 4 gauzes is applied over the site between the buttocks. The patient can be given additional gauze for use at home.

Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid

This is a painful swelling in the anal tissues caused by a clot known as a Thrombus in one or more of the small veins in the anal skin. This may occur in conjunction with prolonged sitting or constipation, but can also occur spontaneously for no apparent reason.

Internal Hemorrhoid

Internal hemorrhoids are deep inside the rectum and not visible from outside. They are normally painless. Often, the first sign that internal hemorrhoids are present is rectal bleeding. Straining can sometimes push internal hemorrhoid so that it protrudes through the anus.

Thrombosed Internal Hemorrhoid

These are hemorrhoids occur when either an internal or external hemorrhoid fills with blood clots. The name comes from the word “thrombosis,” which means clotting. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can become tender and painful.

Best Hemorrhoid Treatment

The best treatment is the home remedy which is sometimes considered but when it becomes worse seek medical attention. some of the home treatment and remedies include:

• Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
• Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.
• Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
• Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Avoid alcohol-based or perfumed wipes. Gently pat the area dry or use a hairdryer.
• Don’t use dry toilet paper. To help keep the anal area clean after a bowel movement, use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper that doesn’t contain perfume or alcohol.
• Apply cold. Apply ice packs or cold compresses on your anus to relieve swelling.
• Take oral pain relievers. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) temporarily to help relieve your discomfort.

Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment | Pain Relief

The following are some of the natural treatment best to treat Hemorrhoid

• Sitz baths. Generally, experts recommend people with painful hemorrhoids sit in warm water for 15 minutes, several times a day — especially after a bowel movement. …
• Witch hazel. …
• Apple cider vinegar. …
• Psyllium husk. …
• Aloe vera. …
• Tea tree oil. …
• Epsom salts and glycerin.

Hemorrhoids Prevention

In order, to prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips: Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids.