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Hemorroidal Treatment

Hemorrhoids are a common affliction, affecting half the population of the United States by age 50, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Hemorrhoids form when veins in the anus and rectum become inflamed and swollen, due to such factors as straining during bowel movements, aging, constipation and pregnancy. There are several treatment options available to remove or shrink hemorrhoids.

  1. Symptoms

    • The primary symptom of hemorrhoids is bleeding with bowel movements. If you have hemorrhoids, you may notice some bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, irritation or itching in the area of the anus. In some cases, hemorrhoids protrude from the anus and can be felt.

    Medication

    • Over-the-counter creams, ointments and pads can be helpful in treating mild hemorrhoids. These products work by relieving pain and itching, but they should only be used for a week, as long-term use can result in inflammation of the skin or a rash.

    Minor Medical Procedures

    • Rubber band ligation is used to permanently remove hemorrhoids. Small rubber bands are placed around an internal hemorrhoid, cutting off the circulation. Eventually, the hemorrhoid starts to shrink and falls off a few days after the band is applied. The procedure can cause mild bleeding. If your external hemorrhoids have turned into hard bumps, your doctor may be able to remove the bumps with a small incision. Hemorrhoids can also be shrunk during sclerotherapy, a procedure performed by injecting a chemical solution into the veins feeding the hemorrhoids, causing them to close and dry out.

    Coagulation Treatment

    • During infrared coagulation treatment, a small probe is placed on the area above the hemorrhoid. The area is exposed to infrared light for one second, which causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and eventually die. You may feel heat from the probe, but the procedure is usually not painful. Coagulation also may be performed using a laser or electrical current. According to the NDDIC, there is a higher chance of a recurrence with this procedure than with the rubber band treatment.

    Stapling and Surgery

    • If you have internal hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend stapling. Staples are used to cut off blood to hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids may be the best option if you have repeated clots in external hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation doesn't work, serious bleeding occurs with hemorrhoids or you have a protruding hemorrhoid. During a hemorrhoidectomy, tissues containing the hemorrhoids are removed and the incision is closed with staples or stitches. The surgery may be performed as an in-patient or out-patient procedure.

    Home Care

    • Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and drinking more water and other fluids can help soften your stool and make it easier to pass. When your stool is softer and you don't have to strain to pass it, pressure on the anus and rectum will be reduced. Sitting in warm water for 10 minutes each day also can help shrink hemorrhoids and provide some relief. If you use these methods, hemorrhoids generally begin to shrink in two to seven days, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

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