Easy New Procedure Gets Rid of Your Hemorrhoids
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins in the lower rectum and anal canal. They can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids often can’t be seen and are usually painless. External hemorrhoids are bulges on the outside of the anus which can often be painful.
Who Gets Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very common, occurring in both men and women. They affect half of all people by the time they turn 50. The reasons people develop hemorrhoids include: advanced age, constipation and straining, diarrhea, pregnancy and childbirth, prolonged sitting, obesity and heavy lifting. Hemorrhoids do not cause severe health problems, but they can be annoying and uncomfortable. Telling your doctor about them can be embarrassing and stressful, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. The sooner you talk to your doctor about your symptoms, the better your quality of life will be.
What Are Common Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include: rectal bleeding, anal itching, bulging tissue from the rectum, soiling of underwear, anal pain, feeling of rectal fullness and difficulty cleaning after bowl movement. You should definitely see a doctor if you have rectal bleeding, even if it is just a small amount on the toilet tissue. Even though hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of bleeding, other more serious bowel conditions can bleed as well.
What Can I Do To Prevent Hemorrhoids?
One of the main ways to prevent hemorrhoids is to avoid becoming constipated. You should have a bowel movement at least every one to two days. The best way to do this is to drink plenty of water (about eight glasses per day) and eat plenty of fiber such as fruits and vegetables. You should get about 30 grams of fiber each day. A daily fiber supplement such as Metamucil, Citrucel, or Benefiber can be helpful. You should also avoid straining when going to the bathroom. A general rule is not to sit on the toilet longer than 3 minutes. If you can’t go within 3 minutes, get up and try again later.
What CAn I Do AT Home To TReat Hemorrhoids?
If you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids by your doctor there are some things that you can do at home to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. As stated above, you want to avoid constipation. You may also get relief by sitting in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes two or three times per day. There are multiple over-the-counter-creams and suppositories that are used to treat the inflammation and discomfort of hemorrhoids, but none of these can cure hemorrhoids. They simply help with the symptoms.
Why Should I Have Hemorrhoids REmoved?
Even though hemorrhoids are not serious, if they are left untreated they often get worse over time and become harder to remove. This means that a hemorrhoid that could be treated easily today may eventually require surgery if left untreated.
What is Hemorrhoid Band Ligation?
Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids is a fast, easy, painless, non-surgical way to treat hemorrhoids. The procedure involves placing a tiny rubber band around the hemorrhoid which cuts off the blood supply. A few days later the hemorrhoid falls off. Generally there are three main columns of hemorrhoids which require banding. One column is banded at a time on three separate visits. Each session takes less than one minute. No sedation or bowel preparation is required. Hemorrhoid banding is successful in 90% of patients. Fewer than 5% of patients have a recurrence within two years. And hemorrhoid banding is covered by nearly all insurance plans, including Medicare.
What Should I Expect After The Banding Procedure?
Some patients report a sense of tightness in the rectum during the first few hours after the procedure. This usually improves with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. 99% of patients report no pain. There may be a small amount of blood when the rubber band falls off, usually two-four days after the procedure. You may move your bowels normally both before and after the hemorrhoid banding, but refrain from rigorous activities the rest of the day. Most patients with office jobs can return to work immediately.