Treatments For Hemorrhoids Exist

Treatment for hemorrhoids ranges from over-the-counter corticosteroid cream to surgery.  Hemorrhoids are painful internal swollen veins in the lower part of the anus or rectum.  Hemorrhoid symptoms may include anal itching, pain while sitting, pain during bowel movements, bright red blood on toilet tissue, blood on the stool and hard tender lumps near the anus.  They can also lead to prolapsed hemorrhoids occurring when the swelling of an internal hemorrhoid extends down through the anus.  Hemorrhoids occur in everyone, they are not a problem until they enlarge or become swollen.  They effect women and men equally and are prevalent in pregnant women probably due to the added pressure to the area caused from carrying or delivering a child.

External hemorrhoids can often be felt as a bulge near the end of the anus, when blood clots inside them it causes “thrombosis” a very painful lump supplied by somatic nerves and may require medical attention.  It may heal itself leaving a scar or tag of skin protruding from the anus and occasionally it needs removal.

The reason hemorrhoids enlarge is not known, but theories include inadequate fiber intake, prolonged sitting and straining to have a bowel movement and constipation.  Regardless of what causes hemorrhoids, sufferers agree hemorrhoids can be very painful due enlarge part to the somatic nerves affected.

In addition to the hemorrhoid creams available, witch hazel applied with cotton can reduce itching, as well as wearing cotton undergarments, avoiding perfumed and colored toilet paper and taking sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Cases that do not respond to treatment at home may require a doctor.  Infrared coagulation (the use of an applied heat treatment) to shrink hemorrhoids may help avoid surgery.  Only patients with severe pain or bleeding that do not respond to other treatments are candidates for surgery.  Although hemorrhoids may be embarrassing, if they become painful they should be examined and treated by a doctor.