Internal haemorrhoids can cause discomfort, itching and occasionally bleeding during bowel movements. Fortunately, there are several internal haemorrhoid treatment options available to alleviate these symptoms and promote healing.
There are various factors which can cause internal haemorrhoids. These include:
Straining when you go to the toilet
Anal canal weakens with age, which makes piles more likely
Persistent coughing
Lifting heavy objects
Pregnancy
Internal haemorrhoids are not always painful, but the most prominent symptoms include:
Bleeding when you go to the toilet – you may see this when you wipe / blood on toilet paper
A lump in / around anus
Mucus from your anus
A feeling of fullness, or a feeling that your bowels have not been emptied after going to the toilet
Symptoms can vary between people. They may also be caused by other issues such as IBS (inflammatory bowel disease), anal cancer, bowel cancer, or an anal fissure.
What are the different types of internal haemorrhoid treatment?
Internal haemorrhoids can go away by themselves, however if they do not, there are non-surgical options which can be done. These treatments are done in a day, meaning you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure.
Here are some of the haemorrhoid treatments offered by Mr Andrew Clarke:
Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, a small elastic band is placed on the haemorrhoid using suction. This ties off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid which falls off around 1-2 weeks after treatment. It has the advantage of being a quick and easy procedure with a rapid recovery although it is less certain to cure the condition compared with other more substantial therapies.
HALO (haemorrhoid artery ligation operation): Halo involves the placement of an absorbable stick to both tie off feeding blood vessels and to lift prolapsed tissue to correct the protrusion. The procedure requires a general anaesthetic to perform and can be painful for a few days after. Although no treatment offers guarantee of cure for haemorrhoids, the HALO procedure It offers a more definitive treatment for larger haemorrhoids.
Rafaelo: Rafaelo treatment is used for internal haemorrhoids using radio frequency ablation to shrivel the blood vessels responsible for piles. It is said to be more effective than banding and although not guaranteed, is less painful than HALO surgery. It is new technology and long term data as to its efficacy is lacking.
Haemorrhoidectomy: The operation involves cutting the haemorrhoids out or trimming them, under either a general, spinal or local anaesthetic. It is an option for protrusion of haemorrhoids involving the skin. It does create scar tissue at the site of excision which can cause itching and soreness longer term.
Treatment for haemorrhoids is individualised and a consultation would be important for assessment and discussion of the best option.
Lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms
One of the primary methods for treating internal haemorrhoids is through lifestyle and dietary changes. Increasing fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can soften stool and make it easier to pass, reducing strain on the haemorrhoids during bowel movements. Drinking enough water is also crucial for maintaining soft stools and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can help relieve pressure on the anal region.
Medications for internal haemorrhoids
Various medications are available to alleviate the symptoms of haemorrhoids. Always review the patient information leaflet accompanying your medication, and consult your pharmacist if you have any queries.
- For addressing hard stools, consider a fibre supplement like ispaghula husk (e.g., Fybogel) or a gentle laxative such as lactulose to soften them.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol might help in alleviating any discomfort caused by haemorrhoids. Avoid painkillers containing opioids (e.g., codeine) as they could exacerbate constipation issues.
- To relieve pain and itching associated with haemorrhoids, soothing creams, ointments, and suppositories are available over the counter. Some contain local anaesthetics like lidocaine. Limit their use to a few days as prolonged application may affect skin sensitivity – seek advice from your pharmacist for more details.
- Corticosteroid-containing products like Anusol HC and Proctosedyl can reduce swelling and pain. However, refrain from using them for more than a week to prevent potential skin damage around the anus. Most of these products are accessible over the counter, while some require a prescription.
Self-care measures and medications may take up to a month to exhibit significant improvement. If symptoms persist beyond this period, contact your GP, who may refer you to a specialist.
Regardless of the treatment method chosen, it’s essential for individuals with internal haemorrhoids to maintain good bowel habits and avoid straining during bowel movements. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and practising good hygiene can also help prevent recurrence of hemorrhoid symptoms.
Contact Mr Andrew Clarke today
If you suspect that you have internal haemorrhoids, and are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, Mr. Andrew Clarke offers treatment for this condition. If you are concerned about the worsening of your symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further advice and support.