Various gastrointestinal conditions may cause rectal bleeding and other indicators similar to hemorrhoids. Some of these diseases are life-threatening, which is why it is important to visit Junuk Kim MD, FACS when you suspect something to be not okay. Bowel diseases that can cause bleeding are colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
An overview of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are bulging veins in the lower rectum or around your anus. By the age of 50, almost half of all individuals have hemorrhoids. Internal or external hemorrhoids can occur. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside your anus or rectum.
External hemorrhoids form outside the anus and are the most common and bothersome. Also, hemorrhoids can cause extreme itching, discomfort, and trouble sitting. Luckily, they are treatable.
The common symptoms of hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids seldom cause discomfort (and usually can’t be felt) unless they prolapse. Many individuals with internal hemorrhoids don’t know they have them since they don’t have signs.
If you have indicators of internal hemorrhoids, you may notice blood on toilet paper, in the stool, or in your toilet bowl. These are the symptoms of rectal bleeding. The following symptoms can identify external hemorrhoids:
- Itchy anus.
- Hard lumps near the anus that is sore or tender.
- Pain or ache in the anus, mostly when you sit.
- Rectal bleeding.
The causes of hemorrhoids
Straining causes hemorrhoids by putting pressure on veins in your anus or rectum. Any straining that puts pressure on your tummy or lower extremities can cause anal and rectal veins to swell and become irritated. Hemorrhoids can occur as a result of the following:
- Pelvic pressure from weight gain, particularly during pregnancy.
- Pushing hard to have a bowel movement (poop) due to constipation.
- Straining to lift heavy items or weightlifting.
The types of surgeries for hemorrhoid
Various surgeries are utilized to eliminate or reduce internal and external hemorrhoids. These include the following:
- Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is put surrounding the base of the hemorrhoid inside your rectum to cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid. Also, hemorrhoids diminish and go away in a few days.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is administered (injected) around your blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Electrical coagulation, also known as infrared photocoagulation: A special instrument employs a beam of infrared light to burn hemorrhoid tissue.
- Hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy: These operations permanently eliminate your hemorrhoids.
How to prevent hemorrhoid
Avoid straining during bowel movements to prevent or aggravate hemorrhoids. Also, try to drink more water because it will help prevent your stool from hardening. To avoid hemorrhoids, use the toilet as soon as you sense a bowel movement coming on.
Exercise regularly to avoid constipation, and avoid sitting for a long time, particularly on hard surfaces such as concrete or tile. Consuming meals high in dietary fiber can reduce the likelihood of having hemorrhoids in the future.
An estimated 15 million Americans have sought hemorrhoid therapy at some time in their life. Many more, though, are adversely affected by them. Don’t be too ashamed to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
If hemorrhoids cause pain, your physician may be able to help. You can also take measures to prevent hemorrhoids from returning. Call Premier General & Colorectal Surgery or book your meeting online to learn more about various hemorrhoid procedures and which ones are appropriate for you.