Hemorrhoids are clusters of bulging blood vessels located in the rectum, just above the sphincter muscle. Hemorrhoids always originate internally and, under certain circumstances, such as frequent and prolonged straining to defecate, can become congested and protrude from the anus. In addition to palpable swelling, they can sometimes cause bleeding and itching, a feeling of pressure, or mucous membrane tears.
The main cause of hemorrhoids is poor dietary habits with insufficient fiber intake. Other causes include weakened pelvic floor muscles, lack of exercise, etc. Treatment for hemorrhoids almost always requires dietary adjustments. If necessary, you can consult a dietitian for advice.
The treatment method depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids.
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Initially, dietary adjustments can help reduce symptoms. This can reduce the duration of pushing to just a few seconds.
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Sclerosing injections in or around the hemorrhoids induce connective tissue formation, which reduces the size of these vascular clusters and fixes them to the underlying tissue. The injections are virtually painless.
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Rubber band ligation (also known as Barron's ligature) involves placing small elastic bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. This tissue naturally dies away after a few days. This method is also virtually painless.
After treatment of your hemorrhoids with rubber band ligation, you may experience a sense of urgency. Avoid straining as much as possible. If pain occurs, it's best to take a lukewarm sitz bath and repeat this several times if necessary. Paracetamol is the preferred pain reliever.
The treatment usually needs to be repeated several times, approximately four weeks apart, to achieve satisfactory results.
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Surgical. If the hemorrhoids are very large or can no longer be pushed back, surgical treatment is recommended. This is usually performed by a surgeon. |
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