Hemorrhoids Treatment Online

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need to treat haemorrhoids effectively from the comfort and privacy of your home. At Mobi Doctor, we prioritise your well-being, and we're here to empower you with the knowledge and resources to take control of your haemorrhoid symptoms and get back to living your life to the fullest.

What Are Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of your rectum or around your anus. Usually, these veins help control bowel movements, but when they become swollen or irritated, they can cause discomfort or pain.

Haemorrhoids occur when excessive pressure is applied to these veins. This can occur if you strain when using the bathroom, sit for a prolonged period, or are pregnant. When the veins swell up, they may cause itching, soreness, or pain.

It's important to remember that you're not alone in this. Haemorrhoids are very common and can affect many people. They aren't usually dangerous and can often be treated with simple remedies, such as eating more fibre or using over-the-counter creams. Understanding what haemorrhoids are helps us know how to deal with them.

Types of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are classified into different types based on their location. The main types are internal, external, prolapsed, and thrombosed haemorrhoids. Each type can cause different symptoms, ranging from mild to more painful.

• Internal Haemorrhoids: Internal haemorrhoids form inside the rectum, which is the part of your body that connects the large intestine to your anus. You usually can’t see or feel internal haemorrhoids, which don’t hurt because there aren’t many pain nerves. The main sign of internal haemorrhoids is bleeding, which can show up as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet after you go to the bathroom.
• External Haemorrhoids: External haemorrhoids form under the skin around your anus. These are easier to notice because they can cause itching, swelling, and pain. Sitting down or having a bowel movement may make them more uncomfortable. Sometimes, external haemorrhoids can also bleed.
• Prolapsed Haemorrhoids: A prolapsed haemorrhoid happens when an internal haemorrhoid gets so swollen that it sticks out of the anus. These can be uncomfortable or painful. Sometimes, they go back inside on their own or may need to be gently pushed back in.
• Thrombosed Haemorrhoids: Thrombosed haemorrhoids are external haemorrhoids with a blood clot inside them. This makes them swollen, painful, and sometimes purple or blue. While they can be very painful, they aren’t usually dangerous.

Understanding the types of haemorrhoids can help you recognise the symptoms and decide when to seek treatment. Most haemorrhoids can be managed with simple care, but more serious cases, like prolapsed or thrombosed haemorrhoids, may need medical attention.

Symptoms of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids can cause different symptoms depending on their location. They are swollen veins in and around your anus or rectum, and they can lead to some uncomfortable issues.

• Internal Haemorrhoid Symptoms: Internal haemorrhoids are inside the rectum and usually don’t cause pain. Many people are unaware that they have them. However, if symptoms are present, you may notice bright red blood on toilet paper, in your stool, or in the toilet. Sometimes, internal haemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they bulge out of the anus during a bowel movement. This can feel uncomfortable, but the bump can be gently pushed back inside.
• External Haemorrhoid Symptoms: External haemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. These are more likely to cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and pain. You might also feel a hard lump near the anus, which can be sore or tender. Sitting for a long time might make the discomfort worse. Sometimes, a blood clot can form in external haemorrhoids, causing thrombosed haemorrhoids, which can be very painful.
• Common Symptoms of Haemorrhoids: Whether internal or external, haemorrhoids can cause itching, swelling, and bleeding. Most haemorrhoids aren’t dangerous and can improve on their own after a few days. However, if the bleeding is heavy or if the symptoms don’t improve after a week, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

Haemorrhoids are common, but understanding their symptoms can help you manage them more effectively.

Causes of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids happen when the veins around your anus or lower rectum become swollen from too much pressure. There are many reasons this pressure can build up. Here are some common causes:

1. Straining During Bowel Movements:

Pushing too hard when trying to poop is a major cause of haemorrhoids. This puts extra pressure on the veins in your rectum, making them swell.

2. Constipation or Diarrhoea:

Both constipation (when it's hard to poop) and diarrhoea (loose stools) can cause haemorrhoids. Constipation often leads to straining, while diarrhoea can irritate the area and cause swelling.

3. Sitting Too Long:

Sitting for a long time, especially on the toilet, can add pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, leading to haemorrhoids.

4. Pregnancy:

When you're pregnant, the growing baby and uterus put extra pressure on the veins in the pelvis. This can cause haemorrhoids, which are common during pregnancy.

5. Ageing:

As people get older, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken, making it easier for haemorrhoids to develop. People over 45 are more likely to get haemorrhoids.

6. Lifting Heavy Objects:

Lifting heavy items, either in the gym or while working, can cause strain and increase pressure in the abdomen, leading to haemorrhoids.

7. Low-Fiber Diet:

Not eating enough fibre can lead to hard stools, making it harder to poop. This increases the chances of straining and developing haemorrhoids.

8. Being Overweight:

Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your lower body, including the veins around your anus, which can cause haemorrhoids.

9. Anal Intercourse:

This can irritate the tissues around the anus, which can lead to haemorrhoids or make existing haemorrhoids worse.

Preventing haemorrhoids involves eating more fibre, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding straining when pooping. If you experience haemorrhoid symptoms, a doctor can help you find the best treatment.

Hemorrhoids Diagnosis

Diagnosing haemorrhoids is usually straightforward and involves a few simple tests. If you have symptoms like pain, swelling, or bleeding, your doctor can use different methods to determine whether you have haemorrhoids and what type they are.

• Physical Exam: For external haemorrhoids, the doctor may just look at the area around your anus. They will check for any lumps, swelling, or irritated skin. This is a quick and easy check to see if there are visible haemorrhoids.
• Digital Rectal Exam: The doctor may do a digital rectal exam to check for internal haemorrhoids. This means they will put on a glove, add some lubrication, and gently insert their finger into your rectum to feel for anything unusual, like swollen veins or lumps. This test helps the doctor find internal haemorrhoids or other problems.
• Anoscopy: If more information is needed, the doctor might use an anoscope, which is a small, lighted tube that lets them look inside your anus and lower rectum. This helps them see any internal haemorrhoids. It’s a simple test that can be done in the doctor’s office.
• Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor may suggest a sigmoidoscopy to examine your colon more thoroughly. This test uses a small, flexible tube with a light to check your rectum and the lower part of your colon for haemorrhoids or other issues, like polyps. It helps the doctor determine what’s causing your symptoms.
• Colonoscopy: If your doctor thinks more testing is needed, especially if you have risk factors for other diseases, they might perform a colonoscopy. This test examines your entire colon using a long, flexible tube with a camera. It can help check for haemorrhoids, signs of colon cancer, or other conditions.

These tests help doctors ensure that haemorrhoids are not the cause of your symptoms and that something more serious is not. Most of these exams are brief and don’t cause pain, although they may feel uncomfortable. Your doctor will recommend the best test based on your symptoms to help you get the right treatment.

Treatment of Haemorrhoids

Treating haemorrhoids depends on how serious they are. Mild cases often get better with simple home treatments, but more severe haemorrhoids may need medical help. Here's how you can treat haemorrhoids:

Home Treatments

If your haemorrhoids are mild, you can try these home remedies to feel better:

• Eat More Fiber: Adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet helps soften your poop, making it easier to pass without straining.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated makes it easier to have smooth bowel movements, which can reduce the pain from haemorrhoids.
• Use Creams and Ointments: Over-the-counter (OTC) creams with hydrocortisone or witch hazel can help relieve itching and swelling.
• Sitz Baths: Soak the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. This helps soothe irritation and reduce pain.
• Use Ice Packs: Applying an ice pack to the swollen area can help ease pain and swelling.

Nonsurgical Treatments

If your haemorrhoids are more painful or won’t go away with home treatments, doctors can perform quick procedures that don’t require surgery:

• Rubber Band Ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
• Sclerotherapy: A doctor injects a chemical into the haemorrhoid to make it shrink.
• Infrared Coagulation: Heat or light is used to shrink the haemorrhoid by cutting off its blood supply.

Surgical Treatments

For larger or more severe haemorrhoids, surgery may be necessary:

Hemorrhoidectomy: In this surgery, the haemorrhoid is completely removed. It’s the best option for serious cases but may cause pain afterwards.

Stapling: This method is used for internal haemorrhoids. The doctor uses a special tool to staple the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply and shrinking it.

When to See a Doctor

If your haemorrhoids don’t get better after a week of home treatment or if you have severe pain or bleeding, it’s important to see a doctor. They can help decide the best treatment for you.

Most haemorrhoids improve with home remedies, but medical options are available to help you feel better if they don't.

Hemorrhoids Prevention

You can prevent haemorrhoids by making some simple changes to your daily habits. Haemorrhoids happen when the veins in your rectum or around your anus swell, often due to too much pressure. Here are some easy ways to lower your chances of getting them:

1. Eat More Fibre:

Eating foods high in fibre helps keep your stools soft, which makes it easier to poop without straining. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Try to eat 25 to 35 grams of fibre each day. If you can’t get enough fibre from food, you can take supplements like Metamucil or Citrucel to help.

2. Drink Plenty of Water:

Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation, which makes pooping easier. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your stools soft. Fruits and vegetables also contain water, which can help you stay hydrated.

3. Don’t Strain on the Toilet:

Straining to poop puts a lot of pressure on your veins and can lead to haemorrhoids. Take your time and avoid pushing too hard. It can also help to put your feet on a small stool while sitting on the toilet to make pooping easier.

4. Go When You Feel the Urge:

Don’t wait to use the bathroom when you feel like going. Holding it in can make your stool harder and more difficult to pass, leading to straining.

5. Stay Active:

Exercise helps keep your digestion regular and prevents constipation. Try to get some physical activity each day, like walking or playing a sport. Being active also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can lower the risk of haemorrhoids.

6. Don’t Sit for Too Long:

Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on your veins and lead to haemorrhoids. If you sit a lot, try to stand up and move around regularly.

7. Keep a Healthy Weight:

Being overweight can put extra pressure on the veins in your lower body, which can cause haemorrhoids. Eating healthy and staying active can help you keep a healthy weight and prevent this.

Making these small changes can help prevent haemorrhoids and keep your body healthy. If you notice symptoms, talk to a doctor for advice on what to do next.