Haemorrhoids hurt, what should I do?

Haemorrhoids are a disease that occurs due to the enlargement of haemorrhoids. These vascular formations are located in the lower part of the rectum, as well as outside and inside the anus. haemorrhoids almost always bleed and hurt, so you should start treating the disease immediately after its discovery. In this article we will talk about the causes of the disease and pain, and also explain how the disease can be cured.

Causes of pain with haemorrhoids

Most often, pain after defecation occurs due to the development of haemorrhoids. Moreover, if the disease occurs in acute form, the main symptoms appear within 2-3 days from the moment of its onset. Among the most common signs of haemorrhoids development are:

• pain in the anus (especially after defecation);
• the appearance of a painful formation in the rectum or anus;
• the appearance of mild or severe bleeding.

During the development of haemorrhoids, stool disturbances occur, manifested in prolonged constipation or diarrhea. In men, this disease is often accompanied by no less serious ailments – pathologies of the prostate gland. Such diseases should be treated simultaneously, since they stimulate the development of each other.

It is noteworthy that haemorrhoids already hurt at the first stage: they do not leave the rectal cavity, but even in this case the patient may experience anemia due to constant bleeding. Haemorrhoids are equipped with a large number of nerve endings, and that is why the patient may experience pain during bowel movements. Before the process worsens, the disease may also be accompanied by itching in the anus. If the above symptoms appear, you should not wait until haemorrhoids start to hurt. It is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.

Pain with external haemorrhoids

With external haemorrhoids the haemorrhoids located outside become inflamed. This stage of the disease should not be confused with cases when internal haemorrhoids prolapse. Note that external haemorrhoids in most cases are not accompanied by bleeding. This is due to the fact that during the act of defecation the haemorrhoids are not damaged. Despite this, the pain intensifies. The situation is worsened by constant stagnation of blood in the haemorrhoids, which often leads to the appearance of blood clots.

Haemorrhoids fall out of the anal canal at 3 and 4 stages of the disease. In most cases, this symptom is a consequence of incorrect treatment of the disease or late consultation with a doctor. A prolapsed bowel causes the patient severe discomfort, manifested in pain. The tissues of the perianal area become severely inflamed, causing pain to become constant and occur even when sitting or walking.

Prolapse of haemorrhoidal lumps can occur for various reasons. The main factors in the development of the disease are:

1. Insufficient physical activity.
2. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
3. Improper nutrition.
4. Excess weight.
5. Chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Most often, external haemorrhoids result from a combination of the described factors. Please note that the risk group also includes people with a hereditary predisposition, as well as elderly people.

To reduce prolapsed haemorrhoids and relieve pain, doctors prescribe combinations of several drugs to patients. In advanced cases, when drug treatment is ineffective, getting rid of the disease is possible only with surgical intervention. It is worth noting that in the initial stages, when haemorrhoids do not hurt much, conservative treatment methods are effective. Patients are prescribed tablets and compresses, and medicinal baths are also recommended.

In the acute course of the disease, rectal suppositories are prescribed: they help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Patients also take medications that strengthen the walls of blood vessels. At any stage of haemorrhoids, a diet that involves excluding fatty, salty, spicy and smoked foods from the diet is effective. In combination with taking medications, such measures have a beneficial effect.

Pain with internal haemorrhoids

Symptoms of internal haemorrhoids directly depend on its course and stage. At first, the patient may experience itching and burning in the anal area, which intensifies during and after defecation. However, due to anatomical features, the disease can be asymptomatic.

Severe pain, along with swelling, appears already in the second stage of internal haemorrhoids. In this case, discomfort is felt not only during “going to the toilet”, but also after a long walk/sitting position. In addition, periodic bleeding is observed, which, along with other symptoms, allows one to diagnose internal haemorrhoids.

It is noteworthy that the disease is equally common in both in men and in women, while the symptoms are practically independent of the patient’s gender. Already at stage 3 internal haemorrhoids the haemorrhoids fall out. The inflammation spreads, causing the patient to experience severe pain and be under constant stress. In addition to pain, bleeding also intensifies – it becomes profuse and regular.

Note that bleeding is not observed in all patients suffering from internal haemorrhoids. Among the striking signs of this disease are:

• discomfort, both physical and psychological;
• burning, pain and constant itching in the anal area;
• a feeling of incomplete bowel movement that occurs after defecation;
• prolapse of inflamed nodes outward.

The appearance of anal fistulas and other complications is what can result from the lack of proper treatment. Therefore, it is worth contacting a specialist when you notice the first signs of haemorrhoids.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Haemorrhoidal symptoms often appear during pregnancy and after childbirth. Their frequency depends on the gestational age, the specifics of the examination, and the characteristics of the study group; a single figure cannot be considered applicable to all women. Hormonal changes, constipation, pressure from the enlarging uterus, and straining are significant. Age and previous symptoms are also taken into account when assessing the condition. More on the topic: pregnant women.

Clinical manifestations of the disease in pregnant women do not differ in any way from the symptoms that other categories of patients complain about. In most cases, there is discomfort, bloody and mucous discharge in the stool, as well as pain and burning when going to the toilet. In the later stages, haemorrhoids fall out: at first they can be easily reduced, but as the disease progresses this becomes impossible.

During pregnancy, assistance begins with an assessment of symptoms and safe non-drug measures; if necessary, the doctor selects a medication taking into account the gestational age and individual risks. It is not possible to promise absolute harmlessness of any drug or to claim that improvement is only possible after childbirth. In many women, symptoms decrease with normalization of stool, while some require additional treatment. Significant bleeding, severe pain, or increasing swelling require timely examination. The approach is coordinated with an obstetrician and a proctologist.

Painkillers for haemorrhoids

The method of pain relief depends on the cause of the pain, its intensity, and contraindications. Tablets, topical treatments, and injections are not interchangeable universal solutions. Rectal suppositories can also cause irritation, allergies, and have limitations, including during pregnancy. Severe pain is sometimes associated with thrombosis, fissures, or abscesses and requires examination. Home methods of symptom relief are only permissible when they do not delay necessary diagnostics and are agreed upon with a doctor.

Warm baths

Taking a warm bath relieves the symptoms of haemorrhoids, and mineral salts can be added to the water. You can add other ingredients, such as Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar, to help relieve pain. Please note: this procedure is auxiliary and is not used to treat the disease.

Aloe vera

You can relieve pain, itching and burning in the rectal area with the help of aloe vera, and special gels with an extract of this plant are sold for such purposes. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this plant helps heal wounds and relieve pain.

Ice

If the pain intensifies, you can use ice towels or cold compresses. They should be applied to the affected area and not removed for 10 minutes. By performing this operation every few hours, you can relieve inflammation and get rid of pain.

OTC drugs

If the available remedies no longer have the desired effect, you can use over-the-counter medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can be used to combat pain. It is not recommended to use such drugs before consulting a doctor, because self-medication can harm the body.

Lifestyle

To reduce the frequency of exacerbations of haemorrhoids, you should take a closer look at your habits and lifestyle. The following actions may help patients:

1. Regular fluid intake. Since haemorrhoids can develop due to a lack of fluid in the diet, patients should increase their daily water intake.
2. Diet. Add foods rich in fiber to your diet: it softens the stool and increases its volume, which makes bowel movements much easier.
3. Loose clothing. Get rid of tight pants and underwear. As an alternative, loose-fitting clothes made from natural materials are suitable.

Remember that pain relief cannot be equated with treating a disease. Get rid of haemorrhoids by contacting our clinic. Experienced specialists will develop an individual treatment method for you and help you return to a full life. A special approach to each client, responsible performance of our work and the use of modern technologies and drugs are our main advantages.

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