Methods Commonly Used to Treat Hemorrhoids

Sometimes the veins in the rectum can become enlarged, which can cause hemorrhoids and pain to occur. There are many different causes of hemorrhoids, some of which are constipation and straining with bowel movements, pregnancy, and liver disease. Because of the increased pressure on the veins that these conditions can cause, hemorrhoids sometimes are the end result. Hemorrhoids are most common in people who are over fifty years of age, but they can actually occur at any age. A person with hemorrhoids might notice bleeding, which can appear on toilet paper or as streaks of blood on the stool, although it is usually easy to stop this type of bleeding. There also might be additional pain and swelling caused by the formation of a clot in the hemorrhoid.

For simple hemorrhoid cases, there are a number of different home hemorrhoid treatments that can effectively bring relief. These include taking a sitz bath several times a day, especially after a bowel movement. Sitz baths not only help to reduce the swelling, but they can also provide relief from the itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids.

Dietary changes are also often suggested for those with hemorrhoids. These changes include drinking more water and fluids, and adding foods that are high in fluids and fiber to the diet. These dietary changes work by making the stool softer, which means that bowel movements are not as irritating to the hemorrhoids. Many people also use a mild stool softener to get relief, but harsh laxatives should never be used. Some of the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids can be relieved by using over-the-counter ointments, creams and suppositories.

There are certain circumstances where one should seek medical attention for hemorrhoid treatment. One of the situations is when a clot forms in a hemorrhoid, which cannot be treated with home methods, and can be quite painful. A doctor is able to remove such a clot surgically. This can almost always be done in the doctor's office, with nothing other than a local anesthesia. The clot is removed by the doctor by making a small incision into the hemorrhoid, and then a small bandage is applied to prevent further bleeding. After a clot has been surgically removed, the patient will experience a reduction in their level of pain.

If a person has a prolapsed hemorrhoid, this is another reason to seek medical attention. When the hemorrhoid has been pushed out of the anus, it is often necessary for a doctor to push it back in, or perform a surgical procedure to reduce the swelling.

It sometimes becomes a medical necessity to remove a person's hemorrhoids, especially if they are very painful or causing the patient other problems. The doctor might choose to use a rubber band method to cut off the blood supply to the hemroid, or possibly use a medication which is designed to shrink the hemorrhoid. These simple types of medical procedures can usually be performed without additional problems or complications in the doctor's office.