Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, is a condition which causes pain and swelling in the veins around the anus or lower rectum. Read on to know its symptoms and treatment.

What Are Hemorrhoids

The term ‘hemorrhoids’ refers to a condition in which swelling and inflammation is experienced in the veins around the anus or lower rectum. The condition may result from straining to move stools. Other factors that can result in the occurrence of hemorrhoids include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids can be internal, i.e. when they are inside the anus, and external, i.e. when they are around the anus. The internal hemorrhoids are out of sight and bleeding is their most common symptom. External hemorrhoids, being on the outside of the anus are visible and appear blue in color. In this article, we will help you explore the ailment in detail.
 
Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids 
  • Bleeding, that is usually painless. The patient may notice red, blood makes on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
  • Itching and/or irritation in the anal area
  • Discomfort and pain in the anal region
  • Lumps protruding from the anal region
  • Swelling in the anal region
  • A lump near your anus, which can sometimes be very sensitive (painful)
  • Leakage of the feces 
Treatment For Hemorrhoids
In most of the cases of hemorrhoids, the patients can take some simple measures to alleviate the symptoms and the condition will become better on its own. However, in the more severe cases of hemorrhoids, medicines and even surgery might be recommended by the doctor.  
 
Medicines
Most of the medicines recommended for hemorrhoids are over-the-counter drugs. They include ointments, pads or suppositories. The active ingredients in them, such as hydrocortisone and witch hazel, are believed to bring relief from itching and pain. However, never ever make use of the same without consulting your doctor. Even in that case, make sure that you do not use them for more than 7 days, unless so recommended by the professional himself.
 
Simple Incisions
In some cases, the doctor may carry out a simple incision to remove a clot formed around an external hemorrhoid. Usually, simple incisions prove to be effective. However, in case there is continuous bleeding, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy (injection) or coagulation may be required.
 
Surgery
If the patient has not benefited from the simple procedures, surgery is recommended as the final option. It is also recommended in those cases, where the hemorrhoids are very large. In some surgery cases, the patient can directly go home after the procedure, while in others he/she may be hospitalized for a few days. Surgery for hemorrhoids may include hemorrhoidectomy or stapling.
 
Some Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
There are some remedies that one can try at home, to get relief from the symptoms of piles. However, these remedies cannot eliminate the problem altogether. 
  • Bathe the affected area gently with warm water. After bathing, dry the area gently with a hair dryer.
  • Ice packs and cold compresses may be applied to the affected area as they may help with swelling.
  • Make sure to use moist toilet paper for cleaning the affected area, as dry paper may aggravate the problem.

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