Non-Surgical Approaches For The Treatment Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid is a condition where the tissues and blood vessels in the rectal area become swollen. This condition is often followed by symptoms like itching, burning sensation, pain, bleeding and in extreme cases prolapse. 

Hemorrhoids do not need surgical removal until it is extremely severe and you can soothe the symptoms with over the counter medications like ointments and hemorrhoid wipes in case of mild hemorrhoids. Sometimes your doctor may also suggest other non-surgical methods of removing hemorrhoids. Here is a list of the non-surgical methods of removing hemorrhoids.

Over the counter medications

There are many over the counter medications available for hemorrhoid treatment, which you can administer yourself for the treatment of hemorrhoids. This includes hemorrhoid creams, ointments, tucks, and wipes. 

- Creams and ointments 

There are many hemorrhoids creams and ointments available in the market. Most of these creams contain Phenylephrine that helps reduce the swelling associated with the hemorrhoids, some creams contain natural ingredients as well.

- Wipes

Wipes are specially medicated soft material that soothes the itch and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

- Tucks

These are medicated cooling pads that are used to clean hemorrhoid affected areas and provides soothing relief from the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

Home remedies

If you are wondering how to treat hemorrhoids at home fast then you can try home remedies to get relief from hemorrhoids. There are many ways in which you can get hemorrhoid relief at home. Try applying Witch hazel, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, Vicks vapor rub in the affected area to get relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Sitz bath, a specialized bath for soaking the hemorrhoid-affected area is also a good way to treat the symptoms of the hemorrhoids, you can also add some Epsom salt in the bath for better results. Maintaining a high fiber diet or adding psyllium husks in your diet can also help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid banding

This is a non-surgical method of hemorrhoid treatment and is often suggested by doctors for reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid banding is a quick method for removing hemorrhoids and often does not need a follow-up. It is categorized into two types - traditional banding and endoscopic banding.

- Traditional banding

In the traditional method of rubber band litigation, the doctor uses a specialized metal toothed clamp to grab on to hemorrhoid affected tissue, which is pulled away from the anal walls, the physician then ties a rubber band around hemorrhoid. While this process is pretty quick, traditional banding might be a bit painful, which is why a lot of people prefer endoscopic banding.

- Endoscopic banding

This is also a type of hemorrhoid banding but it is quite expensive as compared to the traditional method. In this method, an anoscope is inserted inside the anus, which places the band around hemorrhoids. For endoscopic banding, you need fasting, bowel preparation, and sedation as well.

Infrared coagulation

This is another non-surgical method for the removal of hemorrhoids. A lot of people prefer infrared coagulation as a quick fix for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Infrared coagulation or IRC uses a specialized anoscope that is placed inside the anus and the infrared rays are used to shrink the swollen blood vessels and scar the tissues. Infrared coagulation is generally used for small and medium-sized hemorrhoids and is not used to treat large-sized hemorrhoids.

Ultron

This is a non-surgical process of hemorrhoid removal that works by placing an anoscope inside the anus. Electric current is then passed through the probe that reacts chemically with the hemorrhoid tissue causing the tissues to scar and shrink. The Ultroid procedure takes a lot more time than banding and can last from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an old fashioned hemorrhoid treatment and is rarely practiced these days. In this method, an anoscope is placed inside the anus and a chemical is injected in the affected area through the anoscope, which causes the hemorrhoid tissues to scar and shrink. This procedure often requires pain medication to be taken after the procedure and if too much chemical is injected it can cause more complications.