External Hemorrhoids Explained
According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 50% of all people will experience hemorrhoids by the age of 50. This common condition can appear internally and externally, so understanding how to recognize external hemorrhoids is vital to effective management.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the discomfort of external hemorrhoids, our team is dedicated to providing assistance and long-term relief.
At the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, we're committed to offering extensive knowledge and minimally invasive care for this prevalent condition.
Here we delve into the intricacies of these swollen veins around the anus, shedding light on their symptoms, underlying causes, and the array of treatments available, including hemorrhoid embolization. Continue reading to learn more.
What are External Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the anus, situated beneath the skin rather than inside the rectum.
They manifest as lumps or bumps near the anal opening and can cause discomfort, pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding, particularly during bowel movements. These hemorrhoids are visible externally and can be felt as soft lumps around the anal area.
External Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids often include:
- Pain, soreness, or discomfort around the anal area, especially during sitting or bowel movements.
- Persistent itching or irritation in the region of the anus.
- Visible or palpable lumps or swelling around the anal opening.
- Occasional bleeding during bowel movements, typically seen as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
- Difficulty sitting comfortably due to the presence of external hemorrhoids.
Recognizing these symptoms can help individuals identify and seek appropriate care and prompt treatment for external hemorrhoids.
What Causes External Hemorrhoids?
Several factors contribute to the development of external hemorrhoids, including:
- Excessive straining while passing stools can put pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to hemorrhoid formation.
- Conditions that cause irregular bowel movements, such as chronic constipation or persistent diarrhea, can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
- Being overweight or obese, which can add pressure to the veins around the anus.
- Pregnancy and childbirth, due to increased pressure on the abdomen and pelvic area and strain of childbirth.
- Remaining in one position for extended periods, whether sitting or standing.
- A genetic predisposition to weakened veins or susceptibility to developing hemorrhoids can increase the risk.
Understanding what are hemorrhoids and these causes can help individuals take preventive measures and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing external hemorrhoids.
Do External Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Yes, external hemorrhoids can sometimes resolve on their own, especially with proper self-care and lifestyle adjustments. Mild cases improve with home remedies like warm baths, over-the-counter creams, dietary changes, and increased fiber intake.
However, in many instances, external hemorrhoids might persist or recur. They might reduce size or become less symptomatic, but complete resolution might not occur without specific intervention and targeted treatment.
For individuals experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, seeking medical evaluation and treatment is crucial.
Consulting with a healthcare specialist, like the ones at Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute in Atlanta, can help determine the most suitable course of action based on the severity of the condition and individual lifestyle and health factors.
When Should I See a Doctor for External Hemorrhoids?
While some external hemorrhoid cases can be managed effectively at home, we recommend visiting Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute if you:
- Have persistent symptoms like pain, bleeding, or itching despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.
- Notice bleeding becomes more frequent or severe during bowel movements.
- Experience severe pain that worsens or becomes unbearable.
- Notice new or concerning symptoms like fever, extreme swelling, or discharge around the anal area.
- Experience chronic discomfort or irritation that affects your daily activities or quality of life.
It is also a good idea to consider medical evaluation from a hemorrhoid specialist if you are experiencing hemorrhoids for the first time. Seeking medical advice can help understand the condition and get appropriate management guidance.
External Hemorrhoids Treatment: How to Get Rid of External Hemorrhoids
When seeking ways to alleviate the discomfort of external hemorrhoids, various treatment options can provide relief and effectively manage symptoms.
Various minimally-invasive procedures exist to address external hemorrhoids. Among these, hemorrhoid embolization, also known as arterial embolization or embolization therapy, has gained recognition for its long-term effectiveness in reducing hemorrhoidal symptoms.
Hemorrhoid embolization targets the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids. During this procedure, a tiny catheter is guided to the affected area, and small particles are injected into the blood vessels, blocking the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. This process causes the hemorrhoids to shrink, relieving symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and swelling.
Other treatment options include:
- Rubber Band Ligation: Involves placing rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: Injections of a solution into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
- Infrared Coagulation: The use of heat to shrink and harden the hemorrhoids.
In addition to medical interventions, incorporating home remedies and lifestyle changes can aid in managing external hemorrhoids. These might include:
- Warm baths to soothe the affected area.
- Using over-the-counter creams or ointments to reduce itching and swelling.
- Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated to soften stools and ease bowel movements.
Discover Effective and Minimally Invasive External Hemorrhoid Care in Georgia
At the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute in Atlanta, we offer specialized care focusing on practical, minimally invasive solutions for external hemorrhoids.
Our approach involves comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific hemorrhoid-related condition.
Emphasizing techniques like hemorrhoid embolization, we prioritize your comfort and relief without invasive surgery. Say goodbye to discomfort – visit us for specialized care and regain comfort with our approach to external hemorrhoid treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our treatment options.
