Haemorrhoids: What they are, how is treatment and main symptoms

Hemorrhoids are dilated and protruding veins that may appear in the anal region as a result of low fibre diet, constipation or pregnancy. Haemorrhoids can either be internal or external and they are quite uncomfortable. They can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain, difficulty defecating and presence of blood in the stool.

Treatment can be done using ointments that contain vasoconstrictor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. There aim is to relieve pain and discomfort and in some cases the doctor may recommend surgery if the haemorrhoids do not disappear overtime.

How treatment is done

Haemorrhoids can be cured and remedies that are prescribed by the doctor or a pharmacist include Hemovirtus, Proctosan or Proctyl, with vasoconstrictor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, other drugs that can be used include paracetamol or ibuprofen. They should be used under a prescription as they purpose to relive swelling and pain caused by the haemorrhoid. Other remedies that can be used are Diosmin and Velunid that improve blood circulation and protect the veins. However, when the haemorrhoids does not disappear using any of these treatments or it reappears, then surgery may be necessary.

Home treatment

Aside form taking treatment prescribed by the doctor, there are special care that can used to treat the haemorrhoid so as to prevent it from recurring. It is therefore important to drink plenty of water, take foods rich in fibre and avoid activities that require a lot of effort when you experience the symptoms of haemorrhoids. Moreover, other habits that can help in prevention of reappearance are:

• Do not push too hard to evacuate
• Do not pick up weight, do not do bodybuilding
• Avoid using toilet paper, washing the region with soap and water or using wet tissues when not at home
• Make seat baths

What are the symptoms

Hemorrhoid symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, the main ones being:

• Bright red blood around the stool or on toilet paper after cleaning up
• Itching of the anus
• Difficulty defecating
• Output of a whitish liquid by the anus, especially in the case of internal haemorrhoids
• Anal pain that may arise when evacuating, walking or sitting, especially in the case of external haemorrhoids

When the haemorrhoid is external, one may feel a protrusion in the anus of there may be presence of an anal fissure.

Possible causes

Haemorrhoids do not have a specific cause. However, poor diet, poor body posture or constipation can contribute to their appearance. In addition, other causes can also be obesity, genetic predisposition or pregnancy.

Is hemorrhoid common in pregnancy?

Haemorrhoids can appear easily during pregnancy due to increased weight of the woman and pressure that is exerted on the pelvic region, as well as increased blood circulation in the body. It is therefore important that it is evaluated and treated according to the guidance of the doctor.