Hemorrhoids

What types of hemorrhoids are there?

Depending on their location, a distinction is made between external and internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids develop in the lowest area of ​​the anal canal and cause severe pain. They are usually referred to in technical terms as anal thrombosis. Internal hemorrhoids form at the top of the anal canal and are less painful.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Those affected often complain of bright red bleeding during or after defecation, which is usually painless. In addition, skin irritation and itching in the anal area are typical signs of hemorrhoids.

In some cases, hemorrhoids can lead to fecal incontinence, which can be accompanied by mucous stools, stool soiling, and stool-stained laundry. This in turn increases the itching and skin irritation.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

So far, there is no direct cause for hemorrhoids. However, the literature discusses several factors that can promote hemorrhoids, including:

• Chronic constipation
• Sitting or standing for a long time
• pregnancy
• High age

One theory of the development of hemorrhoids is based on aging processes in body tissue. This is explained by a loss of the elastic component in the anal canal, which in turn leads to displacement and swelling of the vascular network in the anal area, causing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are often found in pregnant women, especially in the 3rd trimester (last trimester of pregnancy). Factors such as hormonal changes, prolonged straining, constipation and higher birth weight are suspected to be risk factors.

Hemorrhoids usually heal on their own after childbirth. Simple measures such as a high-fiber diet, lying on the left side of the body, or Kegel exercises can relieve the symptoms.

Diagnosis: How Can a Doctor Diagnose Hemorrhoids?

Patients with hemorrhoids often present with typical symptoms such as painless blood in the stool and itching in the anal area. Further questions about the type and duration of the symptoms, diet and stool habits (frequency, consistency and color) should be asked as part of a detailed medical history. Digital-rectal palpation and proctoscopy are also part of the diagnostic measures.

Hemorrhoids: when do I need to see a doctor?

If you have pain or itching and notice changes in the stool, e.g. B. black stool or blood in the stool, you should see a doctor.

What helps against hemorrhoids?

The most important step in treating hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation (hard and irregular bowel movements). Because hard bowel movements could aggravate the symptoms and cause skin injuries in the anal region. A high-fiber diet with fruit, vegetables and nuts protects against constipation and promotes intestinal movement.

(The following foods contain a lot of fiber: apples, oranges, plums, green beans, peas, kidney beans, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, almonds and peanuts and many more).

Warm sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day can also help with hemorrhoids. You can buy a sitz bath from the pharmacy or fill the bathtub with about 10 cm of warm water. Lie down so that the problem area is covered with water.

Medical and surgical therapy for hemorrhoids

Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and suppositories for hemorrhoids can provide symptom relief and short-term relief. In certain cases, surgical treatment such as B. perform the so-called rubber band ligation. Here, the hemorrhoids are removed with the help of a rubber ring.

If it is an advanced stage and conservative procedures have not brought about any improvement, surgical therapy should be carried out in the individual case if necessary.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help with hemorrhoids

Talking about hemorrhoids is usually uncomfortable. Our Med-Healths doctors offer you an adequate framework in which you can describe your symptoms in detail. In addition, our Med-Healths doctors can advise you on the selection of a suitable therapy option and recommend a possible therapy plan.