Causes of hemorrhoids and symptoms of the disease
The main cause of the diseaseis the strain during bowel movements. Frequent constipation can cause hemorrhoids, because very often you have to strain to empty your bowels. Excessive weight, pregnancy and childbirth itself can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Sedentary work or, conversely, standing work can provoke hemorrhoids. The cause of the disease can also be the loss of muscle tone. As a rule, this is observed in older people. The cause of the disease can also be various operations performed on the rectum. The symptoms of the disease are usually approximately the same. The most common symptom is the appearance of blood during defecation. One of the first signs of the disease should be considered an unpleasant sensation in the anus. There may be a sensation of a foreign body, as if something is in the way. When walking, heaviness in the abdomen (mainly in the lower part) may be observed. Functional bowel disorders, which are accompanied by constipation and diarrhea, poor nutrition - all this only intensifies the unpleasant sensations. As hemorrhoids develop, even greater discomfort occurs, itching and bleeding appear. So, bleeding is perhaps the most important symptom of hemorrhoids. Bleeding is possible during and after defecation. Due to blood stagnation in hemorrhoidal cones, there is a lack of oxygen. As a result, the venous walls weaken, become depleted and stretch. Now they are very easily subject to ruptures and erosions, which is why bleeding occurs. This may be a small discharge of blood, or perhaps intense, in the form of a trickle of blood. The blood covers the feces from above, without mixing with it. It is worth saying that bleeding from the anus can also be a sign of other diseases, for example, it can be a symptom of a malignant tumor inside the rectum. If this symptom appears, you should immediately consult a doctor who will help you understand the exact causes of bleeding.
Pain during bowel movement
As already mentioned, pain sensations canoccur during and after the process of defecation, while walking, while sitting. Painful sensations cannot be considered a symptom characteristic of hemorrhoids. The presence of painful sensations usually indicates concomitant diseases, which may include inflammation, strangulation of hemorrhoids and thrombosis. Pain may also indicate the onset of an attack of acute hemorrhoids. Pain may also occur if a crack forms on the walls of the anus. Painful sensations can be so strong that the patient will not be able to move or sit. And any physical activity (even coughing) can only increase the sensation of pain. Hemorrhoids may be accompanied by itching inside the anus. This itching appears as a result of irritation of the skin around the anus during mucous discharge from the rectum. Erosion of the walls of hemorrhoidal cones (nodes) can also lead to the occurrence of a sensation of itching. Such skin irritation can provoke the development of eczema. A symptom of hemorrhoids is also the discharge of mucus from the anus. Well, the most important symptom confirming the presence of this disease should be considered the prolapse of hemorrhoidal cones. The prolapse of these cones from the rectum is the result of their gradual displacement towards the anus. Straining during defecation or a long stay in the toilet only contribute to this process. There are several stages of the disease. So, at the first stage, hemorrhoidal cones fall out only during defecation, and after its completion, they are put back on their own. The second stage of the disease is characterized by the prolapse of hemorrhoids not only during defecation, but also with various physical exertion. At this stage, the nodes are no longer put back on their own, but require independent reduction (mechanical action). The third stage is characterized by the prolapse of hemorrhoids even with the slightest physical exertion, and they are no longer put back on their own.
Diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids
Diagnosis of this disease includesexamination of the patient's rectum and anus. As a result of this examination, the doctor may also detect internal hemorrhoids. Sometimes diagnostics require an X-ray. Treatment of hemorrhoids has been practiced since ancient times. Nowadays, medicine has made great strides. Modern methods of treating hemorrhoids are divided into surgical and conservative. The conservative method of treating the disease is most often practiced. If the conservative method of treatment has not yielded results, and hemorrhoids have developed to the third stage, surgery is required. The disease can be cured at any stage. But it is worth understanding that the treatment will take a very long time. It must be comprehensive. The sooner you consult a doctor about the problem, the easier it will be to cure the disease. The conservative method of treatment is also divided into general and local. General treatment involves the use of special agents that can increase the tone of the veins (phlebotropic drugs) and stimulate blood microcirculation. Local treatment is aimed more at preventing inflammation of hemorrhoidal cones, thrombosis, reducing pain and stopping bleeding. Drugs for local treatment have an analgesic effect, healing, are able to relieve itching, inflammation. As a rule, these drugs are presented in the form of baths, ointments, microclysters and suppositories. The most effective should be considered a combination treatment, which will combine both local and drugs for general treatment. To relieve pain in the anus, local anesthetics (combined) are often used, which are presented in the form of ointments, suppositories and gels. Sometimes non-narcotic analgesics are also used, which can eliminate the feeling of pain.
What medications are still used for treatment?
To relieve pain caused bycracks in the anus, use antispasmodics, various pain-relieving sprays, drugs containing nitroglycerin, special patches. To stop bleeding, use medications in the form of suppositories containing adrenaline. Collagen hemostatic sponges are used as a local treatment. If the bleeding is very severe, intravenous injections of special hemostatic drugs are possible. In the presence of inflammatory processes, it is recommended to use enemas containing special substances that can reduce irritation of the mucous tissues of the rectum. General treatment involves the use of non-steroidal analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of phlebotropic drugs. Sometimes it is advisable to use anticoagulants. As a rule, they are prescribed in the case of thrombosis of hemorrhoids. There are often cases when thrombosis is accompanied by an inflammatory process that spreads to the subcutaneous tissue. It is for this reason that treatment should be both general and local. In such circumstances, combination drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and thrombolytic effects are most often prescribed. In parallel, it is recommended to use ointments that have an anti-inflammatory effect. To normalize blood flow in microcirculatory disorders, acetylsalicylic acid is prescribed along with low-molecular dextrans. More and more often, hemorrhoid treatment has begun to include special herbal baths, herbal compresses on the anus. Such baths can easily be done at home.
Other methods of treating hemorrhoids
Modern medicine welcomesminimally invasive methods of treating this disease. These methods include monopolar coagulation, cryotherapy, infrared coagulation, biopolar coagulation, sclerotherapy, ligation with latex rings, laser coagulation. These treatment methods are contraindicated only in cases of thrombosis of hemorrhoidal cones (nodes), chronic and acute paraproctitis and other inflammatory processes and diseases of the perineum and anus. Infrared coagulation is appropriate at the first and second stages of the disease. ICC involves thermal action on hemorrhoidal cones, which results in their necrosis and they are removed completely painlessly. After this procedure, the pain disappears and the patient feels great. The essence of cryotherapy is the use of special cryoprobes that are cooled with liquid nitrogen. As a result of the procedure, hemorrhoidal cones freeze and die. The downside of this procedure is the inability to control the depth of exposure, and the wounds formed on frostbitten areas can lead to damage to the rectum. Bipolar coagulation involves the effect of current on hemorrhoids. All these procedures are performed by specialists.
Recommendations for the treatment of hemorrhoids at home
To avoid the occurrence of hemorrhoids,It is recommended to wash the anus thoroughly and carefully after each bowel movement. The water should be warm, and the anus should be wiped with a soft cloth, applying it gently. Home treatment of hemorrhoids also involves regular warm baths. They can relieve pain and itching. The use of anesthetic ointments will help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Among such ointments is Hydrocortisone. Sclerotherapy can also be performed at home. It involves the use of special solutions that promote tissue scarring. In the most serious cases of the disease, surgical removal of the resulting hemorrhoids is possible. Treatment of the disease at home can also include special health exercises. But before you start doing gymnastics, be sure to consult with your doctor. Perhaps you have some contraindications. Health exercises can be different. They include exercises that will help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and anus. These may include crossing your legs, all kinds of bending and unbending, walking with high hip lifts, and many other exercises. During treatment, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, spicy, and salty foods. It is necessary to eat foods containing fiber.
Prevention of disease
Treatment of hemorrhoids at home involves a complexvarious procedures, local treatment with various medications. But you can also avoid this disease. Proper nutrition will help you avoid this disease. The daily diet must include fresh fruits and vegetables containing coarse fibers, cereals and whole grain bread. It is recommended to drink more fluids (at least 2 liters per day). Do not strain too much during bowel movements. If even the slightest symptoms of the disease appear, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. And then, perhaps, you will be able to avoid unpleasant consequences. If the diagnosis has not yet been made, you should not self-medicate, this can only aggravate the situation. We wish you good health. We recommend visiting a specialized resource on hemorrhoids -
