Your Guide to Relieving the Discomfort of Hemorrhoids

Some estimates suggest around three quarters of Americans will experience hemorrhoids. Many hemorrhoids will disappear in several weeks on their own. Some are more stubborn and can make life very uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to relieve the pain these swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum can cause. Read on to find out about treatment options for relieving hemorrhoids.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The veins around your anus have a tendency to elongate under pressure. They may then swell and expand. Hemorrhoids can happen as a result of an increase in pressure in the lower rectum. Common reasons for what causes hemorrhoids are these:

• Straining when you’re having a bowel movement

• Spending extended periods sitting on the toilet

• Experiencing severe diarrhea or chronic constipation

• Obesity

• Going through pregnancy

• Having a diet that is low in fiber 

• Heavy lifting as part of work or exercise

External Hemorrhoids and Internal Hemorrhoids Explained

Hemorrhoids, often referred to as piles, are a little bit like varicose veins. How hemorrhoids can make you feel and how to treat them is to some extent dependent on their type, internal or external.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around your anus. These may become bleeding hemorrhoids. Here are some of the things that can happen:

• Itchiness or soreness in the area near the anus

• Pain and irritation

• A swelling or series of swellings close to the anus

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum itself. You normally would not be able to see or feel them, and they don’t usually cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation when passing a stool can lead to:

• A painless loss of blood when you have a bowel movement

• A hemorrhoid pushing through the anal opening resulting in pain 

If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid and goes on to create a clot, this can lead to severe pain and a hard lump next to your anus. 

Bleeding Hemorrhoid Treatments to Relieve Pain and Irritation

You might only experience mild pain, swelling, and inflammation from your bleeding hemorrhoids. Treatment can be effective in a few simple steps: 

Eating High-Fiber Foods 

If you consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains you will soften your stool. This can help reduce the kind of straining that can make the symptoms of hemorrhoids worse.

Preparation H, Hemorrhoid Cream, and Topical Treatments

You can apply popular products such as Preparation H for immediate relief. You might also try a hemorrhoid cream bought over the counter or a suppository that contains hydrocortisone. Witch Hazel pads or a numbing agent can help too. 

You should avoid using over-the-counter steroid creams for more than 7 days unless your doctor has advised you to do so.

Soaking in a Warm Bath or Sitz Bath

Bathing your anal region in plain warm water for around 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can bring relief from itching. Sitz baths will fit on top of your toilet. 

You can combine these home remedies with oral pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

How Do I Get Rid of Hemorrhoids?

Sometimes a painful blood clot or thrombosis forms within an external hemorrhoid. In these cases, your doctor will know how to get rid of hemorrhoids. Removing them brings almost immediate relief. 

Your doctor will carry out this procedure under local anesthesia. For best results, you should undergo an external hemorrhoid thrombectomy within three days of the clot developing. 

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Sometimes hemorrhoids can cause continual bleeding and constant pain. In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest another minimally invasive procedure. 

These kinds of treatments can take place at your doctor's office or another outpatient facility. They don’t normally need anesthesia. Here are some of the options available. 

Rubber Band Ligation

Your doctor will attach one or two small rubber bands around the bottom of an internal hemorrhoid. This restricts blood circulation. The hemorrhoid shrinks and will drop off within 7 days or so. 

You might experience a little discomfort and, although bleeding might occur up to 4 days after the procedure, it’s rarely serious. 

Sclerotherapy

During a sclerotherapy procedure for hemorrhoids, your doctor will inject a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid tissue. This will shrink it. The injection will typically cause little or no pain. It sometimes has less effect compared with rubber band ligation. 

Coagulation 

A coagulation procedure uses laser, infrared light, or heat to relieve hemorrhoids. The treatment will make small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids harden and then wither. There are typically no side effects or discomfort with this procedure.

Surgical Procedures

Only a small fraction of those with hemorrhoids will need to undergo surgery. Sometimes surgery is used after other procedures are not successful. You may also have particularly large hemorrhoids. In these cases, your doctor might recommend one of these treatments.

Hemorrhoidectomy Hemorrhoid Removal

Your doctor will select from a variety of techniques to address more serious hemorrhoids and take away any excess tissue which causes bleeding. The medical team will carry out this kind of surgery with local anesthesia. They’ll combine this with sedation, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia.

Hemorrhoidectomy is the best and most thorough way to treat the most serious hemorrhoids and those which keep coming back. You might experience some pain after the procedure which prescribed medications will relieve. 

Hemorrhoid Stapling

Doctors refer to this procedure as a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The treatment will stop the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue. Doctors usually only carry this procedure out to treat internal hemorrhoids.

Stapling typically causes less pain than hemorrhoidectomy. Patients will get back to regular activities more quickly. However, this procedure might cause greater long-term risks. These can include an increased chance of hemorrhoid recurrence or rectal prolapse.

Seek Medical Help Now

You may have already tried treating your hemorrhoids at home. You might also be looking for a longer-term solution. The best place to start is by visiting your doctor. They will be able to advise you of the best course of action. 

If you’re in Los Angeles, click below to schedule an appointment with me.

How Do Doctors Treat Rectal Prolapse?

Wondering if you have a rectal prolapse can leave you with feelings of anxiety. While a rectal prolapse is uncomfortable and can be worrying to think about, it rarely requires immediate medical attention. However, a prolapsed rectum is a condition that can go from mild to worse, and that can make a big difference when it comes to treatment options.

If you think you have a prolapsed rectum or want to know how to prevent getting one in the future, read on to find out about its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips. Being informed and prepared can take away some of that worry and can help protect you in the future.

What Is Rectal Prolapse?

A rectal prolapse (or anal prolapse) is a medical condition that occurs when the last part of the intestine, called the rectum, moves from its normal position and extends through the anus. It is not a very common condition with only 2.5 cases out of 100,000 people.

Rectal prolapse can vary from mild to severe. If it’s mild, mild cases may be treated without surgery, however, severe cases will probably require surgery to function properly.

If a woman’s rectum pushes through the thin wall between the anus and the vagina, it can cause a posterior vaginal prolapse, also called a rectocele.

What Causes Rectal Prolapse? 

There are many things that can cause rectal prolapse:

• Straining on the toilet

• History of chronic diarrhea

• History of chronic constipation

• Weakened anal sphincter

• Past hip or anal injury

• Nerve damage

• Old age

• Diabetes

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Hysterectomy

Women over 50 are six times more likely than men to experience a prolapsed rectum.

Rectal Prolapse Symptoms

If you have a prolapsed anus, it may feel you’re sitting on a ball or you may notice a new mass protruding out of your anus.

Other symptoms may include:

• Rectal pain

• Rectal bleeding

• Mucus, blood, or stool leaking from the anus

Rectal prolapse is commonly mistaken for a severe form of hemorrhoids, and you would likely first notice it during or after a bowel movement.

Rectal Prolapse Treatment

Moderate-to-severe rectal prolapse may not heal on its own. It will probably get worse slowly over months or years. If left untreated, there may be some complications:

• Lower blood supply in the rectum

• Inability to push the rectum back in

• Rectal damage or bleeding

• Gangrene

Furthermore, unless it is mild enough for non-surgical treatment, the only way to treat a worsening case is with surgery.

There are different methods to perform surgery for rectal prolapse. Your doctor or surgeon will decide which way to address your case based on your health, the state of your condition, their experience, and their preference.

The two general approaches for rectal prolapse surgery are abdominal operations and perineal operations. Abdominal operations start on the belly and perineal operations start on the bottom. The aim of both types of procedures is to correct the rectal prolapse so that it doesn’t happen again.

There are three types of anesthesia your surgeon could give you for rectal prolapse surgery:

• General anesthesia

• Spinal block

• Local anesthetic combined with intravenous drugs to promote relaxation

Abdominal Approach

These are the abdominal approaches to rectal prolapse surgery:

Abdominal Rectopexy with Possible Bowel Resection

Treating rectal prolapse with this method, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen. They then pull the rectum upwards and attach it to the back of the pelvic wall. Scarring will cause the rectum to attach permanently to the back of the pelvic wall. After using this method, 2-5% of cases relapse.

Sometimes the surgeon will remove part of the colon as well to improve function in those who have problems with constipation. You can expect to see positive results two to three months after they perform the procedure.

The surgeon may choose to do this laparoscopically, as a minimally invasive procedure. Instead of making a large incision, laparoscopic surgeries may employ robotics and tiny cameras through small incisions to put the rectum back into place.

Perineal Approaches

Perineal approaches for rectal prolapse have fewer complications, better pain management, and a shorter stay at the hospital. These are the perineal surgeries for correcting rectal prolapse:

Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy

In this procedure, there is no incision. Instead, the surgeon will cause the rectum to prolapse and then pull the excess colon out through the anus and remove it. Then they staple or sew it to the anus. Since they don’t make an incision, the healing time is shorter with this procedure, however, the rate of recurrence is higher than with the abdominal approaches.

Mucosal Sleeve Resection

The surgeon might occasionally decide to perform a mucosal sleeve resection when treating a rectal prolapse. It’s best performed on a smaller prolapse or when a full rectosigmoidectomy is difficult because the prolapse only occupies part of the circumference.

This procedure involves stripping and removing the inner lining of the rectum from the muscle. Then the surgeon folds the muscles and sews them to themselves, reducing the prolapse.

Complications from Surgery

Like with any other surgery, there may be complications. Although abdominal surgery yields better results, according to this study, abdominal surgery patients had a much higher incidence of infection and other complications. A high BMI and comorbid conditions can predict a higher risk of complications from abdominal surgery.

Other complications may include:

• Infection at the incision site

• Injury to nerves and blood vessels

• Recurrence of rectal prolapse

• Hemorrhage

• Tissue necrosis

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

Rectal Prolapse Prevention

Prevention is always better than treatment, and there are things you can do to try to minimize your risk of experiencing rectal prolapse. Some things you can do to prevent this condition are:

• Refrain from straining on the toilet

• Drink six to eight glasses of water per day

• Exercise regularly

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Resolve any identifiable source of problems with constipation or diarrhea

• Avoid heavy lifting

• Get enough fiber by eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day

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How Do I Fix My Leaky Gut? Help!

To start, ‘Leaky Gut’ is a broad term many use to describe different types of gastrointestinal symptoms which may encompass other systemic problems like anxiety or fatigue, so it’s important to understand what’s really happening in the body and what’s at stake. 

Although leaky gut isn’t a formal name the medical profession recognizes, there are times when your gut can start to become more permeable. That can cause unpleasant symptoms and consequences.

Diet and exercise are the two key areas you can focus on which can have a major impact on your gastrointestinal system. Some people might also need more direct medical treatments for leaky gut syndrome. Now, onto how to fix a leaky gut. 

What Is a Leaky Gut and Leaky Gut Syndrome?

What is a leaky gut? It happens when the tight junctions of our intestinal walls start to loosen. This can let harmful substances get into our bloodstream. This causes symptoms and general health problems known as leaky gut syndrome.

Leaky gut is a condition that may lead to widespread inflammation and start an immune reaction. All of this can cause us to feel unwell and sluggish. 

What Are Leaky Gut Symptoms?

Certain unhealthy foods can lead to an inflammation of the lining of your intestine causing leaky gut symptoms. This, along with other factors, can create a series of issues that have become associated with a leaky gut. 

Symptoms of Leaky Gut 

• A bloated sensation

• An excess of gas

• Regular cramps

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• A deficiency of key nutrients 

• Tiredness and lethargy

• Headaches and problems with concentration

• Joint pains and widespread inflammation

• Skin conditions such as eczema and acne

There are plenty of things you can do to mitigate these symptoms of leaky gut. 

A Plan to Change Your Leaky Gut Diet

The best plan is to cut down on fatty, fried, or processed foods because these are key contributors to leaky gut problems and resulting in wide-ranging symptoms. A little more caution on those unhealthy foods along with some more nourishing alternatives may be in order. Consider adding these foods to your leaky gut diet: 

• Gluten-free oats, whole-grain bread, and brown rice

• Fruits such as bananas, berries, citrus fruits, pineapple, and papaya

• Sunflower, chia, hemp, and pumpkin seeds

• Olive oil and avocados as sources of fat

• Plenty of grilled fish rich in omega-3

• Yogurts and other cultured dairy products

• Nuts and nut milks

• Fresh vegetables including kale, ginger, spinach, and cabbage

Alcohol Affects Gut Health

As a general rule excessive drinking will damage your digestive system. If you are drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day you should try to cut down. Alcohol can cause intestinal inflammation and adversely affect your digestion and gut health. If you need help controlling your drinking, speaking with a doctor is an excellent start. 

Identify Food Sensitivities to Reduce Symptoms of a Leaky Gut

If you're eating food that starts an allergic reaction, your gastrointestinal system is likely to suffer. You might not have a full-blown allergy, but when you’re sensitive to a type of food it can increase symptoms of a leaky gut.  

Identifying a food you’re highly sensitive to can take time. It often comes down to trial and error. A good place to start is with gluten and dairy products. That’s because these are common causes of inflammation of the bowel.

Remove gluten and dairy from your diet for two weeks. Keep a diary and note down any changes you might notice to your general well-being. You can also ask your doctor for allergy tests.

Be Cautious About Restrictive Diets

There are a whole host of diets recommended to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. Some are highly restrictive.

It’s possible your doctor may have diagnosed a gastrointestinal condition other than leaky gut. If this is not the case, it’s unlikely you will need to go on a diet that cuts out certain foods or food groups completely. 

Bear in mind that doing so might cause nutritional deficiencies which could make your symptoms even worse.

Drink More Water and Eat More Slowly

It’s important to always drink plenty of water because this reduces the stress on your digestive system. Dehydration can also be a contributing cause of chronic diarrhea. 

When you don’t drink enough water, you might cause inflammation of the intestinal lining. This can lead to leaky gut symptoms such as bloating and cramps.

If you drink a glass of water after every meal, you will help flush out toxins and help the digestion of the food you’ve just eaten. 

Taking time to eat regular meals is also important. Chew your food slowly and completely before swallowing. Make time to eat healthy food three times a day. 

How to Fix a Leaky Gut with Exercise 

Learning how to fix a leaky gut can start with an improved diet. This often needs to go hand in hand with taking inventory of your physical fitness, and more exercise is often something that can help. Obesity puts added stress on the digestive system. It can cause a leaky gut and many other intestinal problems.

If you’re experiencing intestinal pain, talk to your doctor so that you have a diet and exercise plan that is appropriate for your condition and one that will help you maintain a more healthy weight.

Here are some low impact exercise tips that can help:

• Take a 15-minute walk after light meals to help the digestive process

• Wait for up to an hour before going for a walk after a heavy meal

• Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine, and start with brief sessions

• Stick to low impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling

Remember that mild-to-moderate exercise will increase blood flow to your digestive system. This can be a good thing for the health of your digestive tract.

How to Heal a Leaky Gut with Yoga and Mindfulness

Healing a leaky gut oftentimes means taking a holistic approach by incorporating a range of solutions. Certain yoga poses such as twists and folds can help the digestive process. They can bring relief to leaky gut symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

Stress is a common contributor to some gastrointestinal symptoms, and if you already have symptoms, stress can make things feel worse. Meditation techniques such as mindfulness are likely to have a positive impact on your digestive system and can help to reduce stress as well. This is why many people like to keep yoga and mindfulness as part of their lifestyle after experiencing the relief after temporarily trying to incorporate them into their day for a specific reason, like dealing with stress, or body pain. 

Deep breathing exercises increase the amount of oxygen your body delivers to your vital organs. Increased blood flow to all of your organs is a free and easy way to prioritize your body’s overall health, including the health of your digestive tract.

Discuss Treatments with Your Doctor

It’s important to let your doctor know about any symptoms you’re experiencing which could be the result of leaky gut syndrome. 

If you’re in Los Angeles and would like to make an appointment with me you can do so here.