Hemorrhoids (The vein condition no one wants to talk about)

Health information has become more and more prevalent in the media over the past few years especially with medical doctors being given their own talk shows as platforms and the advent of online blogging with resultant interactive commenting, we as a society have become far more accustom to the idea of sharing in regard to our own health issues. Even so, there are certain topics that still remain relatively taboo.

Hemorrhoids is one such topic.

What is a hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoid (sometimes also referred to as Piles) is a swollen vein in the anal canal. They can be internal (small swollen veins held inside) or swell to the point of becoming external (may actually bulge and stay outside of the body). They can be incredibly painful though usually not considered a serious medical condition. These swollen veins are caused by repeated excess pressure in the pelvic and rectal area. Both constipation and diarrhea can lead to excess pressure and in turn to developing hemorrhoids. Other contributing factors can be excess weight carried or pregnancy.

How do you know if what you are experiencing is a hemorrhoid?

Discomfort from hemorrhoids can come on suddenly. Often times internally irritated veins show no symptoms. One day you feel fine, the next it may feel scratchy, itchy, or painful when you evacuate your bowels. The veins may swell to a point of feeling them constantly as well, becoming very uncomfortable to unbearable. Blood may be visible either in the stool or on the paper.

For the majority of hemorrhoid cases at home care is all you need.

1. Add more fiber to your diet (fruits, vegetables and whole grains)
2. Drink more water (not tea, soda or coffee as they actually dehydrate you)
3. Lower or stop alcohol intake
4. Use over the counter creams such as Preparation-H or Tucks medicated pads with witch hazel in them to sooth and help heal topically
5. Switch from wiping to patting dry
6. Hydrocortisone cream may also be applied as needed to reduce swelling
7. A holistic home remedy that can be used is to mix coconut oil with a few drops of pure certified pure grade Cypress Essential Oil. (applied topically as needed)
8. Taking pine back extract as a supplement is also excellent support for vein health and has been shown to help with hemorrhoids
9. A cold pack may also be applied
10. You can proactively prevent hemorrhoids or at least prevent them from getting worse if you already have them.
11. Exercise regularly for overall vein health

What if the at home treatments don’t work?

Your doctor may recommend topical Nifedipine which is used to reduce blood pressure as a last resort before intervention. If hemorrhoids are severe and don’t improve with the treatments listed above, you may need medical treatment. The doctor may tie off the hemorrhoids using rubber bands. This treatment reduces the blood supply. In turn the inflamed vein shrinks and no longer present a problem. Surgery to remove hemorrhoids may be done if all else fails.

One thing to watch out for: External hemorrhoids can become irritated. If too much irritation occurs a clot may form underneath the skin causing a hardened painful bump. This is called a thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoid (a hemorrhoid that has developed a clot within itself).

It is distinguished by a distinct bluish-purplish-black discoloration of the lump often accompanied by severe inflammation and incapacitating pain. Please seek medical help immediately if you believe you may be experiencing a clot.  if left untreated, the thrombosis will reabsorb in 2 -4 weeks or bleed through the skin. *There is a risk of complications and side effects if the blood clot does not get reabsorbed. For this condition it is best to see your doctor.

For this condition it is best to see your doctor or if you feel this is an underlying issue related to additional varicose vein issues, please see Dr. Magnant, the premier Vein Specialist in South West Florida. If you have questions, there is no need to be embarrassed. Help is just a click or a phone call away www.weknowveins.com 239-694-VEIN (8346).