Haemorrhoids Treatment – Effective Solutions & Relief
Haemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are an uncomfortable condition that generally affects people in the western world. These varicosities can occur internally in the rectum or externally under the skin around the anus and cause varying amounts of discomfort and symptoms.
Although not life-threatening, haemorrhoids can make your life miserable. They are frequently caused by pushing with bowel movements, constipation, extended sitting, being overweight, or pregnancy. If you don’t treat them, they can get worse and even become very painful or lead to complications. Prompt and suitable haemorrhoids treatment is vital – not only to alleviate symptoms but also to avoid recurrence and ensure long-term health.
Symptoms & When to Seek Treatment
The signs of haemorrhoids may be mild or severe. Typical symptoms include itching or pain near the anus, as well as pain or discomfort—particularly when sitting down or during bowel movements—and swelling or bleeding that can appear in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper.
Mild haemorrhoids can often be prevented and treated with home remedies. When those fail or if you notice that the symptoms have only grown worse over time, then it is certainly time for professional haemorrhoid treatment. See a GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of haemorrhoids, or if your symptoms have not improved after one week of treatment with over-the-counter medication because there is a risk they are caused by something more serious.
Best Treatment for Haemorrhoid: Non-Surgical Options
Unless it’s a serious case, you should use non-surgical options as your first line of attack:
Diet & Lifestyle Changes:
- Diet is the best and most natural way to manage haemorrhoids. Eating high-fibre foods and drinking lots of water are good ways to soften stools and ensure you won’t need to strain when you go to the toilet. It’s important, too, to avoid prolonged sitting—particularly on the toilet.
Topical Treatments:
- An over-the-counter cream, ointment, or suppository can ease discomfort. Corticosteroid products ease swelling, while local anaesthetics numb the site to relieve pain.
Oral Medications:
- Pain medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may alleviate pain. It also may be helpful to take stool softeners or gentle laxatives to keep your bowels working regularly.
Home Remedies:
- It is also helpful to sit in a warm sitz bath for 10–15 minutes several times a day, particularly after bowel movements, which can help relieve irritation. Cold packs or cool, moist towels may help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
Haemorrhoid Treatment During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can sometimes cause haemorrhoids by increasing pressure on veins in the rectum and the anus and by hormonal changes. The safety of the mother and her baby should always be the first consideration in treatment.
Pregnant women are advised to eat high-fibre foods, drink plenty of fluids, and do regular pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to aid blood flow. Topical treatments that are considered safe in pregnancy may also help to reduce symptoms, although some drugs should be avoided unless cleared by a doctor. It’s best to get advice from a healthcare professional to make sure any haemorrhoid treatment in pregnancy is both safe and effective.
Medical Procedures for Persistent Haemorrhoids
In cases where conservative treatment does not succeed, surgical intervention may be necessary. Thankfully, many of the treatments available are less invasive:
- Rubber Band Ligation: A rubber band is slipped around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, making it shrink and fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a chemical solution that shrinks the haemorrhoidal tissue and can prevent bleeding.
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC): Heat created by infrared light clots the haemorrhoid’s blood supply.
In the case of severe or persistent bleeding (especially if haemorrhoids are large or if you have rectal bleeding and have not yet had a diagnosis confirmed), or if you have other symptoms such as persistent anal pain despite treatment, a haemorrhoidectomy may be the best treatment for you.
Preventing Recurrence & Long-Term Care
The long-term management of haemorrhoids is all about preventing them. Some remedies for avoiding constipation include having soft stools by means of a diet that’s high in fibre, staying hydrated, and taking probiotics. It’s also important to avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time and to get regular physical activity. These habits help stave off haemorrhoids while protecting healthy digestion.
When to See a Specialist
If the symptoms persist despite the use of home remedies or over-the-counter drugs, it’s time to reach out to a specialist. Prolonged pain, profuse bleeding, and recurring episodes must be investigated professionally to exclude other, more serious conditions and to decide the best course of treatment for haemorrhoids in your case.
Conclusion
While haemorrhoids can seem trivial, they are not something that should be ignored. There are many different haemorrhoid treatment options, ranging from lifestyle and diet changes to advanced medical options, and many of these haemorrhoid treatments are very effective in helping you find relief and resist a new outbreak. And if the pressure and discomfort don’t subside on their own, addressing it with expert care can lead to a life of permanent comfort and good health.
There is no need to suffer in silence—speak to a professional today.
Chase Lodge Hospital
