Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment

Hemorrhoids are actually the tissues filled with blood vessels, that line the rectum and the anus. But, the term hemorrhoids is generally used to refer to the inflammation of the veins of the rectum and anus. Any condition that puts excessive pressure or strain on the rectal wall, can cause hemorrhoids. This is because, increased pressure on the rectal wall causes the veins or hemorrhoidal vessels to swell and bulge out. This condition is also commonly known as piles.

When inflammation and enlargement of the hemorrhoidal vessels takes place within the rectal canal, they are called internal hemorrhoids, while those occurring under the skin around the anus are known as external hemorrhoids. Sometimes, the internal hemorrhoids can bulge out through the anal opening, leading to the condition, and this is commonly known as prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. On the other hand, when thrombus or blood clots are formed within the internal hemorrhoids, they are referred as thrombosed internal hemorrhoids.

Causes of Hemorrhoids
As has been mentioned already, conditions that can put excess pressure or strain on the rectal wall can cause hemorrhoids or piles. Such conditions include constipation, diarrhea, anal or rectal infection, anal intercourse, cirrhosis of the liver, coughing, portal hypertension, etc. It has been observed that a sedentary lifestyle, especially sitting continuously for a long time can initiate the development of hemorrhoids. Obesity is another risk factor, as it is associated with increased pressure on the rectal vein. Similarly, hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be a common occurrence, due to hypertension and increased strain during bowel movement.

Internal Hemorrhoid Signs
It is not a life-threatening condition, though it can cause a lot of inconvenience and pain. The common symptoms are the presence of small amount of blood or blood spots in the stool, rectal itching and painful and incomplete bowel movement. Sometimes, they can protrude out of the rectal canal and become very painful, which is known as prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids Cure
They are diagnosed with the help of a rectal examination, which is done by inserting a lighted, thin tube-like structure, known as anoscope inside the rectum. Several other tests like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are carried out to rule out some other conditions associated with rectal bleeding.

In the initial stage, some dietary and lifestyle modifications along with changes in bowel habit can cure them. In addition to these, many people have benefited from some common natural remedies, like hazel compress, butcher's broom, horse chestnuts, etc. Many exercises have also shown their efficacy in providing relief in hemorrhoids.

Generally, warm tub bath, several times a day, along with application of petroleum jelly, hemorrhoidal and cortisone creams are recommended to relieve the symptoms, like pain and swelling. Increasing the amount of fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can help to soften the stool and hence its passage, less painful. Softer stools will lessen the extent of pressure on the hemorrhoids and help to heal them quickly.

If these measures fail to cure this condition, then some other treatment procedures would be required. Rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, laser coagulation and hemorrhoidectomy are the five procedures that are used for treating bleeding internal hemorrhoids.

In the rubber band ligation method, a small rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoids. This band interrupts the supply of blood to these hemorrhoids, as a result of which they shrink and fall off within four to seven days. This treatment option is usually practiced for small to medium-sized hemorrhoids. In injection sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected to the inflamed tissues, in order to prevent blood supply to this area, which causes them to shrink.

Laser coagulation, on the other hand, involves the use of a laser device to apply electric current to the hemorrhoids. This cut down the blood supply, causing them to eventually shrink. Infrared photocoagulation method, infrared light is used to heal the inflamed hemorrhoids. As the name suggests, it causes the dilated blood vessels to clot or coagulate, so that normal blood flow to the area reduces. Surgery or hemorrhoidectomy is another treatment option available, where hemorrhoids are surgically removed, using a scalpel and a cautery device.

Along with proper treatment, it is also important to take some precautionary and preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of hemorrhoids. Such preventive measures include eating a high fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, usually 7 to 8 glasses and physical activity. Equally important, is to avoid the habit of holding back the urge to defecate, which can cause constipation and eventually hemorrhoids.