Contents
Everything You Need to Know About External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are swellings that contain enlarged blood vessels and are located around the anus and the lower rectum. Having external hemorrhoids can be a painful and irritating experience. If left untreated, they can become extremely uncomfortable.
Common Causes and Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of external hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the abdomen. This can be caused by pregnancy, straining during bowel movements, and habitual constipation or diarrhea. Another possible cause is age-related changes in the surrounding tissue and loss of muscle tone in the vessel walls.
Common symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- Itching around the anus
- Pain or discomfort when sitting
- Swelling near the anus
- A lump of tissue near the anus
- Painful or burning sensation during bowel movements
- Bleeding during bowel movements
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Treatments and Prevention for External Hemorrhoids
There are treatments available to deal with external hemorrhoids, the most common being:
- Dietary changes: Increasing fiber intake and drinking enough fluids can help reduce constipation and prevent straining during bowel movements.
- Over-the-counter topical treatments: These can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, itching and burning. Examples include ointments, creams, and suppositories.
- Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure where a chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure where the hemorrhoid is removed.
In addition, it is important to practice healthy habits to reduce the risk and occurrence of external hemorrhoids. This includes exercising regularly and drinking plenty of fluids. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding sitting for long periods of time can also help.
Keywords & Conclusion
It is important to seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms of external hemorrhoids. With the right treatment and prevention, external hemorrhoids can be managed effectively.
Keywords: external hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoid symptoms, external hemorrhoid causes, external hemorrhoid treatments, external hemorrhoid prevention.
