Embarrassing, itchy, and often painful, hemorrhoids are
unfortunately a common affliction. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are swollen
veins in the anal canal. They can be either internal, located inside the
rectum, or external, developing under the skin around the anus. Although
they're usually not serious, hemorrhoids can cause considerable discomfort. In
some cases, they may even bleed.
If you think you might have hemorrhoids, it's important to
see a Piles Doctors in
Dombivli for an accurate
diagnosis and treatment plan. This is especially true if you're experiencing
rectal bleeding, which could be a sign of a more serious condition like colon
cancer. Stomach pain, bloody stool, or persistent abdominal cramps are other
red flag symptoms that warrant a trip to the doctor.
At-Home Treatments for
Hemorrhoids
There are a number of simple lifestyle changes you can make
to help ease your hemorrhoid symptoms. To start, drink plenty of fluids and eat
high-fiber foods to soften your stool and reduce constipation (one of the main
causes of hemorrhoids). You should also add more exercise to your daily routine
to help keep your bowel movements regular. And when you do have a bowel
movement, be sure to go slowly and avoid straining.
In addition, over-the-counter topical creams and ointments
can help soothe itchiness and pain. Some people find relief by sitting in a
warm tub of water for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Others use ice
packs or frozen gel packs wrapped in towels for 20 minutes at a stretch several
times a day. Just don't put the ice directly on your skin—wrap it in something
first to prevent ice burn.
When to See Your Doctor
If home remedies don't work after about two weeks or if your
hemorrhoids are bleeding or causing severe pain, it's time to see your doctor.
He or she will likely recommend one of several office-based treatments:
Rubber band ligation: This involves placing rubber bands around the base of an
internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid then withers
away within a week or two.
Hemorrhoidectomy: This is surgery to remove large internal hemorrhoids. It's
generally used only for extreme cases because it's very painful and there's a
risk of incontinence afterward.
Conclusion:
Hemorrhoids are unfortunately quite common, but that doesn't make them any less embarrassing or painful. If you think you might have hemorrhoids, it's important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan—especially if you're experiencing rectal bleeding which could be a sign of colon cancer. In most cases, home remedies like increased hydration, dietary changes, exercise, and over-the-counter topical creams can effectively manage symptoms; however, if these don't work after 2 weeks or longer, it's time to see your Piles Doctors in Dombivli for formal treatment options like rubber band ligation or surgery in extreme cases.