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Symptoms
of Haemorrhoids
The general symptoms of Haemorrhoids
are
• The most common symptom of internal haemorrhoids are little
amount of blood covering in the stool or on the tissue paper
after wiping. These internal haemorrhoids are also known as
protruding haemorrhoids, since it protrudes through the anus
outside the body causing painful sensation.
• The most common symptoms of external Haemorrhoids are swelling
with severe pain or formation of heavy lump around the anus due
to blood clot. This type of external Haemorrhoids is called as
thrombosed external Haemorrhoid.
• Along with these symptoms, there will be itching, irritation
and bleeding around the anus causing improper bowel movements |
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There are
several grades of Haemorrhoids
• First-degree Haemorrhoids these are the type of Haemorrhoids
that does not prolapse but it will cause bleeding.
• Second-degree Haemorrhoids these type of Haemorrhoids will
prolapse and retract. This may be with or without bleeding.
• Third-degree Haemorrhoids these type of Haemorrhoids will
prolapse and can be pushed back with the help of finger.
• Fourth-degree Haemorrhoids these type of Haemorrhoids will
prolapse but they cannot be pushed back inside.
Diagnosis of Haemorrhoids
A person suffering with Haemorrhoids should be properly examined
by a doctor. Haemorrhoids can be cured by taking proper
medications and treatments. In general, the physician will
evaluate the appearance of swollen portions around Anus and
Rectum. The diagnostic device used for examining the rectum is
called as anoscope. Anoscope is a hollow tube used for
diagnosing internal Haemorrhoids. Another diagnostic equipment
called protoscope is also useful for evaluating internal
Haemorrhoids. Some other diagnostic procedures are with
sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
Haemorrhoids Treatments
The common treatments applied for Haemorrhoids are:
• Taking bath in warm water for more than 10 minutes for several
number of times a day, this will kill the microorganisms present
in our body and also will be little relaxing for pain sensation.
• Application of Haemorrhoidal creams over the swollen area for
some time is an effective treatment.
• Doctors recommend the patients to consume more fiber and fluid
food items in their diet along with the treatment. Taking more
amounts of water or other liquid items cleans the bowel and
provides a softer stool. The major sources of fiber food items
are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Doctors also recommend the use of softeners for stool or a
fiber supplements like psyllium, methylcellulose and calcium
polycarbophil.
• Other treatments for Haemorrhoids include: laser treatments,
painless non-surgical techniques.
There are several nonoperative treatments for the removal of
internal Haemorrhoids. These methods are also used for reducing
the size of internal Haemorrhoids.
Rubber band ligation This
method involves placing a rubber band around the Haemorrhoid
base inside the rectum. The rubber band will cut the blood
circulation and Haemorrhoid will dry off within few days. Severe
pain may occur in case of ligation.
Sclerotherapy This therapy
includes in injecting a chemical solution to the blood vessel in
order to shrink the Haemorrhoid. it is considered to be the
oldest form of treatments.
Infrared coagulation This is
a device used for burning tissues around Haemorrhoid thereby
removing it.
Cryotherapy it is a more time consuming treatment. Cryotherapy
uses cold temperature to reduce pain and inflammation. This
procedure is very rarely used.
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Some of the surgical procedures for
treating Haemorrhoids are
Dilation this is a method of
forcing the anal canal to stretch. This method is very
complicated and is not followed in practice.
Doppler ligation it is an
expensive treatment that uses an illuminated anoscope with a
Doppler probe to measure the blood flow.
Haemorrhoidectomy This is
the surgery done for the removal of internal and external
Haemorrhoids. Severe pain will be there after surgery.
Sphincterotomy In this
method, the inner portion of the anal canal is partially cut to
decrease the pressure of the sphincter. This method is also very
rarely used.
There are several over the counter medications available for
Haemorrhoids treatment. |
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Over-the-counter medicines for
Haemorrhoidal treatment
There are many over-the-counter medicines in the market for the
treatment of Haemorrhoids. These medications are useful for reducing
the symptoms of the disease. The over-the-counter products are
available in the form of ointments, creams, gels, foams and pads.
Local Anesthetics available in the market are Benzocaine with a
concentration of 5% to 20%, Benzyl Alcohol (0.25% to 1%), Dyclonine
(0.5% to 1%), Lidocaine (2% to 5%), Pramoxine (1.0%), Tetracaine
(0.5% to 5.0%). These drugs are used as pain relievers, also cures
burns and itching sensations. In addition, there are some chemicals
similar to epinephrine called Vasoconstrictors. Epinephrine is a
chemical that occurs naturally. Vasoconstrictors are used for
relieving pain and itching caused due to the effects of Anesthetics.
Some of the Vasoconstrictors available in market are Ephedrine
sulfate (0.1% to 1.25%), Epinephrine (0.005% to 0.01%) and
Phenylephrine (0.25%).
Some medications fall under the category of Protectants,
Astringents,Antiseptics, Keratolytics, Analgesics and
Corticosteriods.
Protectants: Protectants
are used for reducing irritation, itching, pain and burn. Some of
the protectants available in the market are Aluminum hydroxide gel,
Cocoa butter, Glycerin, Kaolin, Lanolin, Mineral oil (Balneol),
White petrolatum, Starch, Zinc oxide or calamine (25%) having zinc
oxide content, Cod liver oil or shark liver oil.
Astringents: Some
Astringents available in market are Calamine (5% to 25%), Zinc oxide
(5% to 25%) and Witch hazel. Astringents are used for the
coagulation of proteins in the cells.
Antiseptics: Antiseptics
are used to restrict the effect from infective micro organisms like
bacteria and other species. Some of the examples of antiseptics are
Boric acid, Hydrastis, Phenol, Benzalkonium chloride,
Cetylpyridinium chloride, Benzethonium chloride and Resorcinol.
Keratolytics: these are
the chemicals used for the disintegration of tissues or
disintegration of outer layer of skin. Keratolytics available in the
market are Aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate (alcloxa) with a
concentration of 0.2% to 2.0% and Resorcinol with a concentration of
1% to 3%.
Analgesics: Analgesics
are used as pain relievers, reduces itching sensation and heals
wounds due to burning. Some of the examples are Menthol (0.1% to
1.0%), Camphor (0.1% to 3%) and Juniper tar (1% to 5%).
Corticosteroids These drugs are used as anti inflammatories and
reduce itching. Drugs having strong corticosteriodal effect are not
supposed to be used as a medicine for Haemorrhoid treatment.
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