How to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids?
Prolapsed hemorrhoids, or piles, can be a painful and uncomfortable experience.
The protruding tissue can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements. While the discomfort can be significant, the good news is that there are effective treatments for prolapsed hemorrhoids and relief.
In this blog, we’ll explore various methods to manage and treat prolapsed hemorrhoids.
What are prolapsed hemorrhoids?
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are a more severe form of hemorrhoids where the internal hemorrhoids protrude outside the anus.
Normally, hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue within the anal canal that help with stool and gas control. When these cushions become swollen, inflamed, or stretched, they can protrude outside the anal opening, leading to prolapsed hemorrhoids.
What are the signs and symptoms of prolapsed hemorrhoids?
The signs and symptoms of prolapsed hemorrhoids may vary in severity.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- A soft lump protruding outside the anus.
- Pain during bowel movements or prolonged sitting.
- Bleeding during bowel movements, either on toilet paper or stool itself.
- Itchiness and irritation.
- Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the anal region.
- Mucus discharge from the anus.
- Fecal leakage or incontinence.
What causes prolapsed hemorrhoids?
It is unclear why some people get hemorrhoids, and others don’t. However, many things can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, including:
- Older age
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Weakened tissue in the anal or rectal area
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- A high-fat, low-fiber diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Pregnancy (especially after giving birth)
- Cigarette smoking
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What are the complications of prolapsed hemorrhoids?
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can lead to several complications, including:
- Venous Thrombosis: Venous thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms in the hemorrhoidal vein, obstructing blood flow and causing tissue swelling, often resulting in pain.
- Anemia: Hemorrhoids that cause prolonged or heavy bleeding may result in anemia due to excessive blood loss over time.
- Incarceration: When a prolapsed hemorrhoid is stuck in between the tissues of the anus, and cannot be pushed back due to the inflammation.
How is a prolapsed hemorrhoid diagnosed?
A prolapsed hemorrhoid is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests:
- Medical History: The diagnosis starts with asking about your symptoms, including any pain, bleeding, itching, or discomfort in the anal area.
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the anal area to check for signs of hemorrhoids.
- Anoscopy: It involves using a small tube to get a closer look and examine the anus and lower part of the rectum.
- Colonoscopy: In some cases, a colonoscopy may be recommended to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.
- Digital Rectal Examination: A gloved, lubricated finger is used to check for any abnormalities inside the rectum.
What are the grades of hemorrhoids?
The grades of hemorrhoids are as follows:
Grade of internal hemorrhoids | Characteristics |
Grade 1 | These are noticeable but do not protrude from the anal canal. Bleeding may occur. |
Grade 2 | These protrude from the anal canal during bowel movements but go back inside on their own. |
Grade 3 | These protrude outside the anal canal during a bowel movement and must be pushed back manually. |
Grade 4 | These protrude from the anal canal and cannot be pushed back in. |
How to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids?
Lifestyle Changes:
- Increasing fiber intake: Consuming a high-fiber diet can effectively soften stools and make them easier to pass, reducing strain during bowel movements.
- Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
- Toilet habits: Straining during bowel movements can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms, so it’s essential to avoid prolonged straining. After bowel movements, gently rinsing the anus with water and dabbing with toilet paper or a baby wipe can help reduce irritation.
- Sitz baths: Immersing the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Gentle exercise: Gentle exercises like regular walking can help prevent constipation.
Medications:
- Pain medications: Over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help alleviate pain associated with prolapsed hemorrhoids.
- Stool softeners: If constipation contributes to hemorrhoid symptoms, you may be recommended over-the-counter stool softeners to make bowel movements easier.
Medical Procedures:
- Rubber band ligation: This method involves placing a small rubber band at the hemorrhoid base, effectively cutting off its blood supply. As a result, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off within a few days.
- Infrared coagulation or laser therapy: Heat is used to coagulate the blood vessels, supplying hemorrhoids and causing them to shrink.
- Sclerotherapy: This method involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: In severe cases or when other treatments have failed, surgical removal of the hemorrhoids may be necessary.
- Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD): THD is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the arteries supplying blood to hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Colon Cancer – Symptoms And Treatment
Consult Dr. Daniel Serralta for prolapsed hemorrhoids treatment in Dubai
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and distressing, but with the right specialist, you can find relief and return to enjoying life.
Dr. Daniel Serralta is here to provide expert hemorrhoid treatment in Dubai. With over two decades of expertise in treating abdominal disorders, including those related to the rectum, anus, and gastrointestinal tract, Dr. Daniel offers cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care.
