What Causes Hemorrhoids and How Can I Get Rid of Them?

The pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids — swollen veins that develop in your lower rectum or anus — are hard to ignore, and you’re certainly far from alone if you suffer from this condition. About half of the adult population has experienced hemorrhoid symptoms by the time they reach age 50, unfortunately. 

Though there are an array of conservative treatments patients can try that often bring relief, sometimes a surgical solution is called for. Highly respected, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Luis Quinones and the Q&S Surgical team in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, offer advanced, patient-centered care that’s always executed with compassion. Dr. Quinones is known for inspiring trust, and because he’s also fluent in Spanish, both English and Spanish-speaking patients can feel at ease with him.

The facts about hemorrhoids

As we noted earlier, hemorrhoids are a common problem that frequently strikes individuals by the time they’re 50, as well as pregnant women and those with a family history of hemorrhoids. 

You’re also at higher risk for developing hemorrhoids if you work in a job that requires frequent heavy lifting, if you have a health condition that causes chronic constipation or diarrhea, if you sit on the toilet for long periods of time, or if you tend to strain when you have bowel movements. 

Obesity also contributes to the development of hemorrhoids, so losing weight is something you can do to lower your risk.

Prolonged pressure from pushing — like when a person strains to have a bowel movement or a woman pushes intensely during labor — stresses the blood vessels in the pelvic area, thus increasing the chances that those vessels will become irritated and swollen, and cause hemorrhoids to form. 

A person can be afflicted with internal or external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids form inside your anus, while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin that surrounds your anus. 

Though hemorrhoid symptoms differ from patient to patient, some of the most common are: 

• Irritation around your anus
• Anal pain
• Anal itching 
• Palpable swelling or a lump around your anus
• Blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet after a bowel movement 

Observing blood in your stool can also be a sign of something more serious — colorectal cancer — so never delay seeking medical care if you notice this. Other conditions can also mimic hemorrhoids, including an anal abscess. This is when a sac filled with pus emerges around your rectum or anus. The problem can be due to a blocked or infected anal gland. Pain, constipation, and even fever can develop.

Pilonidal disease is another condition that can be mistaken for hemorrhoids, and it leads to the formation of a cyst in the middle of your tailbone, accompanied by skin that’s sensitive, inflamed, and red. A cyst like this can be drained, and surgery can be performed to remove it.

Finally, an anal fistula can form if an anal gland becomes infected. This tunnel develops inside your anus and can cause bleeding, swelling, and pain. Dr. Quinones treats both true hemorrhoids and these conditions that are often mistaken for hemorrhoids. 

Treatment for hemorrhoid pain

Hemorrhoids can resolve on their own with treatments like over-the-counter creams, special soothing wipes, and warm baths with Epsom salts. You can either take a bath in the bathtub for about 20 minutes following a bowel movement, or do a sitz bath, which is a small tub you can sit over your toilet to just soak the affected area. 

Applying a cold compress for 15 minutes to your hemorrhoid — ice well-wrapped in cloth or a paper towel — can also be soothing. Witch hazel and aloe vera are two other natural approaches that calm swelling and pain. This is also a good time to favor loose clothing as opposed to tight-fitting jeans or shorts. 

Lifestyle changes can also help with hemorrhoids. These include making sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet to combat constipation, so you won’t need to strain when having a bowel movement, and incorporating more physical activity into your day. 

If these treatments don’t successfully eliminate your hemorrhoid pain and discomfort, Dr. Quinones may advise a surgical option called a hemorrhoidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the problematic and painful blood vessels through minute incisions. 

Fortunately, a hemorrhoidectomy is typically an outpatient procedure, so you’re back home the same day as your surgery. It takes a couple of weeks to recuperate from the procedure, but it may be up to six weeks before you feel completely like your old self again.

If you’re troubled by chronic hemorrhoid pain, call the office today or click online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Quinones any time.