How to treat hemorrhoids? Types, causes, symptoms 

Nearly half of adults have experienced the painful, embarrassing, and even irritating symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease, also known as hemorrhoids, at some point in their lives. These are inflammation or swelling of the blood vessels in the anal canal. Today, medicine offers a variety of treatment methods, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Hemorrhoids can appear inside the rectum and are then called internal hemorrhoids, or under the skin around the anus – external hemorrhoids – explains surgeon Dr. Przemysław Mądro, MD – Both types can occur simultaneously.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

– Hemorrhoids are usually caused by frequent constipation or chronic diarrhea. In these situations, we tend to strain during bowel movements and spend too much time on the toilet, which contributes to the development of hemorrhoids. Other causes cited by doctors include: heavy lifting, obesity, low fiber intake, which leads to constipation, as well as the last few months of pregnancy or childbirth (multiple vaginal deliveries can also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids).

The causes of hemorrhoidal disease stem from a combination of factors. These include diet, lifestyle, type of work, physical activity, pregnancy, and childbirth. Furthermore, age-related anatomical changes, such as weakening of the ligaments of Parks, which lead to the displacement of hemorrhoids outside the anal canal, also play a role in the development of this painful condition.  

Are the symptoms of this disease characteristic?

"The symptoms of hemorrhoids, also known as hemorrhoids, are very specific. The patient experiences itching, pain, irritation, swelling around the anus, and painful bowel movements. Another common symptom may be bleeding, leaving bright red blood during bowel movements. If blood collects in an external hemorrhoid, a clot can form under the skin. This clot appears as a blue-purple lump that causes severe pain.".

How is hemorrhoids diagnosed?

– A physical examination, including palpation of the anus, may be sufficient to confirm their presence. To diagnose internal hemorrhoids, we use a rectoscope – a short speculum for examining the anus and rectal canal. More specialized tests, such as a colonoscopy, are recommended when hemorrhoids have been ruled out as the cause of rectal bleeding.

You must always be vigilant because rectal bleeding can be a cause of other conditions, including colon cancer.

Hemorrhoid treatment - effective methods 

– Hemorrhoid treatment can begin after ruling out other conditions. A diagnosis must be made by a doctor. Less advanced disease can be treated conservatively through dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and even hygiene habits. In milder stages of the disease, pharmacological treatment is recommended.

More advanced forms of the disease may require surgical intervention. The most common instrumental procedures include placing rubber bands around the base of the nodule (Baron's method), electrical coagulation (electrocoagulation), or freezing (cryotherapy). Occasionally, surgery, i.e., excision of the nodules, may be necessary.

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