Causes and Cures for Hemorrhoids

When the veins around the anus are subjected to pressure, they may swell or bulge. These swollen veins--called hemorrhoids--are usually caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum area. There are several factors that can cause this increased pressure. Treatments for hemorrhoids range from over-the-counter products for mild cases to surgical procedures for more severe cases.

Causes

• When increased pressure is exerted on rectal veins, they stretch and dilate. The walls of the veins become thin and bleed, resulting in hemorrhoids. Factors which can contribute to increased pressure on rectal veins, according to the Mayo Clinic, include chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements and spending long periods of time sitting on the toilet (reading, for example). Other factors include aging, heredity, obesity, pregnancy and anal intercourse.

Cures for Mild Hemorrhoids

• According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, most mild cases of hemorrhoids can be cured with at-home treatments. These include using an over-the-counter ointment or suppository that contains hydrocortisone, applying pads that contain witch hazel or a numbing agent to the anus and keeping the anal area clean. Other recommendations include soaking in a bath of plain warm water several times daily, using wet toilet paper or moistened towelettes instead of dry toilet paper after bowel movements and applying a cold or ice agent to the anus to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be taken to relieve pain and discomfort.

Procedures for More Severe Hemorrhoids

• When hemorrhoids do not respond to at-home treatments, a more aggressive approach may be necessary. There are several minimally invasive procedures that can be used to shrink or remove the hemorrhoidal tissue. With rubber band ligation, a tiny band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid inside the anus to cut off its circulation, causing it to wither and fall off. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which the hemorrhoid is injected with a chemical solution to induce shrinkage. Coagulation uses infrared or laser heat to burn and destroy hemorrhoidal tissue.

Surgical Procedures

• A surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids may be recommended for hemorrhoids that haven't responded to other treatments or for very large hemorrhoids. One such procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure may be done with a general anesthetic, sedation combined with a local anesthetic, or a spinal anesthetic. Another surgical procedure, called stapled hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidopexy, uses staples to block the blood flow to hemorrhoids.

Considerations

• An important component in the overall treatment of hemorrhoids is making lifestyle changes that help prevent their recurrence. Recommendations include eating a high fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids to help keep stools soft and bulky, exercising regularly and emptying the bowels as soon as you feel the urge. Your doctor may also recommend a fiber supplement or stool softener.