When to consult a doctor with hemorrhoids: important signs

When to consult a doctor with hemorrhoids: important signs

Hemorrhoids are a common disease that affects the anorectal region. It occurs when venous plexuses in the rectum and anus are inflamed and expanded. Although many cases of hemorrhoids can be successfully treated at home with the help of over -the -counter means and changes in lifestyle, there are certain signs and symptoms that require immediate seeing a doctor. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications and a deterioration in the quality of life. This article examines the key features in detail, when a specialist consultation, risk factors, diagnostic and treatment methods are necessary, as well as important aspects of prevention.

I. The main types of hemorrhoids and their manifestations:

Before discussing the signs requiring medical care, it is important to understand the various types of hemorrhoids and their typical manifestations. Hemorrhoids are classified as internal or external, depending on its location.

• Inner hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum, often painless, until it begins to bleed or fall out. Internal hemorrhoids are classified according to the degree of prolapse:

  • 1st degree: Bleeding, but no loss.
  • 2nd degree: Defecetal loss, which is spontaneously referred.
  • 3rd degree: Labber in defecation, requiring manual reduction.
  • 4th degree: Falling out that does not get better.

• External hemorrhoids: Located under the skin around the anus. It can cause pain, itching and swelling, especially with thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot inside the hemorrhoidal node).

II. Bleeding from the rectum: Red flag!

One of the most common and alarming signs of hemorrhoids is bleeding from the rectum. It is important to note that bleeding can be caused by other, more serious diseases, including rectal cancer. Therefore, any rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.

• The characteristics of bleeding with hemorrhoids:

  • Usually bright scarlet blood.
  • Often appears on toilet paper after defecation.
  • Can drip into the toilet.
  • Blood can be on the surface of the chair.
  • As a rule, painlessly (if not connected with other complications, such as anal crack).

• When to consult a doctor about bleeding:

  • Any bleeding from the rectum. Even if you suspect that it is hemorrhoids, it is necessary to exclude other possible causes.
  • Bleeding, accompanied by abdominal pain, weakness, dizziness or pallor. These symptoms may indicate a significant loss of blood and require immediate medical care.
  • Bleeding, lasting more than a few days. Long -term bleeding can lead to anemia.
  • Bleeding, which increases. An increase in the volume of bleeding over time is a cause for concern.
  • Bleeding in combination with a change in the stool (for example, diarrhea, constipation, change in shape or size of the chair). These changes can be a sign of other intestinal diseases.
  • Age over 40 and the presence of rectal bleeding. At this age, the risk of other diseases of the rectum, including cancer, increases.

III. Pain and discomfort: Do not ignore!

Although internal hemorrhoids are often painless, external hemorrhoids and complications of internal hemorrhoids (for example, thrombosis) can cause significant pain and discomfort.

• Pain characteristics for hemorrhoids:

  • Dumb, aching pain in the anus.
  • Acute, pulsating pain, especially with thrombosis of the external hemorrhoidal node.
  • Pain intensifying during sitting, defecation or cough.
  • Itching and burning in the anus.
  • A feeling of incomplete bowel movements.

• When to see a doctor about the pain:

  • Strong pain, not relieved by over -the -counter painkillers. If the pain interferes with your daily activities and is not amenable to home treatment, medical care is necessary.
  • Sudden, intense pain in the anus. This may indicate thrombosis of the hemorrhoidal node, which requires immediate treatment.
  • Pain accompanied by fever or chills. These symptoms may indicate an infection.
  • Pain that does not pass within a few days. Chronic pain requires examination to exclude other causes and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
  • Pain accompanied by difficulty of defecation or urination. These symptoms may indicate more serious problems.

IV. Little hemorrhoids: a sign of progression.

The loss of hemorrhoids occurs when the inner hemorrhoids falls out of the anus. The degree of loss varies from a small prolapse, which is spontaneously recovering, until completely falling out, which requires manual reduction or surgical intervention.

• When to consult a doctor about the loss:

  • A loss that does not deliver independently. If you have to manually adjust the hemorrhoid node after defecation, you must consult a doctor.
  • A loss that does not deliver at all. This indicates hemorrhoids of the 4th degree and requires surgical intervention.
  • A loss accompanied by bleeding, pain or itching. These symptoms can be a sign of complications and require a medical assessment.
  • Repeating loss. Frequent loss of hemorrhoidal nodes indicates the progression of the disease and requires treatment.

V. Changes in stool and discomfort in the abdomen: possible related problems.

Although hemorrhoids in itself usually do not cause changes in stool or discomfort in the abdomen, these symptoms may indicate other diseases that can coexist with hemorrhoids or cause rectal bleeding.

• When to consult a doctor with changes in stool or discomfort in the abdomen in combination with hemorrhoidal symptoms:

  • Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days. Chronic stool changes require an examination to exclude other diseases, such as irritable intestines (IBS) or inflammatory intestinal diseases (BAC).
  • Changing the shape or size of the chair. For example, a thin, ribbon chair may be a sign of narrowing of the rectum.
  • Blood in the chair (especially dark or tarry blood). This may indicate bleeding from the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating or nausea. These symptoms can be a sign of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Inexplicable weight loss. Inexplicable weight loss can be a sign of a serious disease such as cancer.

VI. Itching and irritation in the anus: differential diagnosis is important.

Itching and irritation in the anus (Pruit Ani) are common symptoms of hemorrhoids, but they can also be caused by other causes, such as fungal infections, parasitic infections, eczema or dermatitis.

• When to consult a doctor about itching and irritation in the anus:

  • Itching, not facilitated by over -the -counter creams or ointments. If itching does not pass within a few days, you must consult a doctor to exclude other reasons.
  • Itching accompanied by rashes, ulcers or other skin changes. These changes can indicate an infection or dermatological disease.
  • Itching accompanied by discharge from the anus. Selection can be a sign of infection or other problems.
  • Itching intensifying at night. This may be a sign of infection with pinworms.

VII. Risk factors requiring increased attention.

Some risk factors increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids and related complications, which makes a timely time to see a doctor especially important.

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of hemorrhoids due to increased pressure on the vein in the pelvic area and hormonal changes.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Straining during defecation and frequent liquid stools can irritate and damage hemorrhoidal nodes.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases the pressure on the veins in the pelvis.
• Sitting lifestyle: The lack of physical activity can contribute to constipation and increasing pressure on veins in the pelvis.
• Age older than 50 years: With age, fabric supporting hemorrhoids, weaken, which increases the risk of their loss.
• Family history of hemorrhoids: A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
• Chronic diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver: Liver cirrhosis can lead to increased pressure in the gate vein, which increases the risk of hemorrhoids.

VIII. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids: what to expect at a doctor’s appointment.

When consulting a doctor about hemorrhoidal symptoms, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination and question about your medical history. Diagnosis may include:

• Visual inspection of the anus: The doctor will examine the area around the anus for the presence of external hemorrhoids, cracks or other anomalies.
• Finger rectal study (at): The doctor will insert a finger in the rectum in the rectum to check the presence of internal hemorrhoids, tumors or other anomalies.
• Anoscopy: Using the anoscope (a small pipe with backlight) to examine the mucous membrane of the rectum and the anus.
• Rexoroscopy: The use of a stomamonoscope (a longer and flexible pipe with backlight) to examine most of the rectum.
• Colonoscopy: In some cases, especially in the presence of other symptoms or risk factors of colon cancer, a colonoscopy may be required to examine the entire colon.

IX. Hemorrhoid treatment methods: from conservative to surgical.

Treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the symptoms and degree of loss of hemorrhoids.

• Conservative treatment:

  • Life change change: Increase in fiber consumption, the use of a sufficient amount of fluid, regular physical exercises and avoiding straining during defecation.
  • Sitting baths: The adoption of warm sitting baths several times a day can relieve pain and itching.
  • Right -making creams and ointments: These funds can help reduce itching and inflammation.
  • Anesthesia: The use of over -the -counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, can help relieve pain.

• Minimum invasive procedures:

  • Ligating with latex rings: A latex ring is applied to the base of the hemorrhoidal node, which overlaps the bloodstream and leads to the death of the node.
  • Sclerotherapy: A solution is introduced into the hemorrhoidal node, which causes its wrinkling and dying.
  • Infrared photocoagulation: The use of infrared light for coagulation of the tissue of the hemorrhoid node.
  • Hemorrhoidctomy using a sewing apparatus (PP): Removing the dropped hemorrhoids using a special sewing apparatus.

• Surgical treatment:

  • Hemorrhoidctomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids. This is the most effective method of treating severe hemorrhoids, but it is also associated with a great risk of complications.

X. Prevention of hemorrhoids: the key to long -term health.

The prevention of hemorrhoids includes a change in lifestyle and maintaining healthy habits.

• Increase in fiber consumption: Fiber helps to soften the stool and alleviate defecation. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and legumes.
• The use of a sufficient amount of liquid: Water helps to keep the chair soft and facilitates defecation.
• Regular physical exercises: Physical activity helps to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of constipation.
• Avoiding straining during defecation: Stuffing can increase the pressure on the veins in the pelvic area and contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
• Do not delay defecation: Ignoring the urge to defecate can lead to constipation.
• Avoid a long sitting on the toilet: Long -term sitting on the toilet can increase the pressure on the veins in the pelvis.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight increases the pressure on the veins in the pelvis.

XI. The importance of timely seeking a doctor:

Timely seeking a doctor with hemorrhoids is crucial to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. Do not ignore the signs and symptoms that require medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of the disease and avoid the need for more invasive procedures. Remember that rectal bleeding can be a sign of other, more serious diseases, therefore it is necessary to exclude other possible causes. Consult your doctor to get an individual treatment plan and recommendations on prevention.

XII. Alternative methods of treatment: what is important to know.

There are many alternative methods for treating hemorrhoids, such as herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods has not been proven by scientific research. Before resorting to alternative treatment methods, be sure to consult your doctor to make sure that they are safe and will not interact with other medicines that you take. Do not replace traditional medical treatment with alternative methods without consulting a doctor.

XIII. Life with hemorrhoids: tips to improve the quality of life.

Hemorrhoids can be an unpleasant and painful disease that can affect the quality of life. However, there are ways to cope with symptoms and improve your well -being.

• Follow the doctor’s recommendations: Adhere to the prescribed treatment plan and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.
• Change your lifestyle: Increase fiber consumption, use a sufficient amount of liquid, regularly engage in physical exercises and avoid straining during defecation.
• Use a sealing pillow: The seating pillow can help reduce the pressure on the anus and relieve pain.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes: Close clothes can irritate the anus area.
• Maintain hygiene of the anus area: Gently clean the anus area after each defecation.
• Cope with stress: Stress can worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Find the ways to relax and cope with stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in nature.
• Seek psychological support: If hemorrhoids greatly affects your life, seek psychological support for a psychologist or psychotherapist.

XIV. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy: Features of treatment.

Hemorrhoids often occurs during pregnancy due to increased pressure on veins in the pelvis and hormonal changes. Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy requires a special approach to avoid harm to the mother and child.

• Consultation with a doctor: Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
• Safe treatment methods: The doctor can recommend safe treatment methods such as sitting baths, creams and ointments containing zinc or hamamelis oxide.
• Avoid taking medication without a doctor’s prescription: Do not take any drugs, including over -the -counter drugs, without a doctor’s prescription.
• Constipation prevention: Eat products rich in fiber, drink a lot of liquids and regularly engage in physical exercises to prevent constipation.
• Postpartum treatment: After childbirth, the symptoms of hemorrhoids often pass on their own. If the symptoms are preserved, consult a doctor for further treatment.

XV. Myths about hemorrhoids: we debunk misconceptions.

There are many myths about hemorrhoids that can mislead and prevent timely seeking a doctor.

• Myth: Hemorrhoids arise only in the elderly.
  • Fact: Hemorrhoids can occur at any age.
• Myth: Hemorrhoids always requires surgical treatment.
  • Fact: Many cases of hemorrhoids can be successfully treated with conservative methods.
• Myth: Hemorrhoids are contrast.
  • Fact: Hemorrhoids are not contagious.
• Myth: Hemorrhoids causes cancer of the rectum.
  • Fact: Hemorrhoids do not cause cancer of the rectum, but rectal bleeding can be a sign of cancer, so you need to consult a doctor to exclude this disease.
• Myth: Hemorrhoid treatment is very painful.
  • Fact: Modern methods of treating hemorrhoids, such as minimally invasive procedures, are usually less painful than surgical treatment.

XVI. Hemorrhoids and sport: what is possible and what is impossible.

Physical activity is important for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids, but some sports can aggravate the symptoms.

• Useful sports: Walking, swimming, yoga and other sports with low shock load.
• Sports that should be avoided or performed with caution: Heavy athletics, cycling, riding and other sports that exert pressure on the pelvis.
• Consultation with a doctor: Consult your doctor to determine which sports are safe for you.

XVII. Food for hemorrhoids: what is and what to avoid.

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.

• Products that should be consumed: Products rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, legumes), a sufficient amount of liquid.
• Products that should be avoided: Acute food, fatty foods, treated foods, alcohol, caffeine.
• Regular nutrition: Try to eat regularly and avoid overeating.

XVIII. The importance of psychological comfort:

Hemorrhoids can cause not only physical discomfort, but also psychological stress. It is important not to be shy about seeking help from a doctor and discussing your problems. Support for loved ones and understanding by medical personnel can significantly improve the quality of life.

XIX. Scientific research and clinical recommendations:

Medicine is constantly developing, and new scientific studies and clinical recommendations for the treatment of hemorrhoids appear. It is important to trust trusted sources of information and follow the recommendations of qualified specialists.

XX. Caring for yourself is an investment in health:

Hemorrhoids are not a sentence. Timely seeking a doctor, compliance with recommendations and self -care will help you cope with this disease and lead a full life. Do not neglect your health and remember that taking care of yourself is an investment in the future.