Understanding Haemorrhoids: Symptoms, Types, and Effective Allopathic and Ayurvedic Treatments
A haemorrhoid (also spelled hemorrhoid in American English) is a swollen and inflamed vein in the rectum or anus. They are similar to varicose veins and can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding.
There are two main types in haemorrhoids:
Internal haemorrhoids
Internal haemorrhoids –occur inside the rectum. They usually aren't painful but may cause bleeding during bowel movements.
External haemorrhoids –
External haemorrhoids – develop under the skin around the anus. These can be itchy or painful and may swell or bleed.
Common Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
Bleeding during bowel movements
Bright red blood on toilet paper, stool, or in the toilet bowl.
Pain or discomfort
Especially with external haemorrhoids, pain can occur around the anus.
Thrombosed haemorrhoids (with a blood clot) can cause severe pain and swelling.
Itching or irritation
Around the anus, due to inflammation or mucus discharge.
Swelling or lumps near the anus
You may feel a hard lump or swelling, especially with external haemorrhoids.
A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels after passing stool.
Mucus discharge
Some people notice a slimy discharge, which can cause irritation.
Allopathic treatment for external haemorrhoid
Allopathic treatment for external haemorrhoids typically focuses on relieving symptoms like pain, inflammation, itching, and swelling. Here’s a rundown of common medical treatments:
1. Medications:
Topical creams and ointments: These often contain a combination of ingredients such as:
Hydrocortisone (a mild steroid) to reduce inflammation and itching.
Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine) to relieve pain and discomfort.
Witch hazel or other soothing agents to reduce irritation.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stool softeners: To reduce straining during bowel movements, doctors may recommend stool softeners or bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium husk).
2. Procedures (if conservative treatment fails):
Rubber band ligation: Usually for internal haemorrhoids, but sometimes used if external haemorrhoids have an internal component.
Surgical removal of the external haemorrhoid (haemorrhoidectomy) may be recommended if the haemorrhoid is thrombosed (has a blood clot) or causing severe pain and does not respond to other treatments.
Incision and drainage: For thrombosed external haemorrhoids, a minor surgical procedure to remove the clot may provide quick pain relief.
3. Lifestyle and supportive care:
Sitz baths (warm water baths) several times a day.
High-fiber diet and adequate hydration.
Avoid prolonged sitting and straining.
Allopathic treatment for external haemorrhoids:
1. Conservative Medical Management:
Topical treatments:
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment — reduces inflammation and itching.
Local anesthetic creams (e.g., lidocaine) — relieve pain and discomfort.
Astringents (like witch hazel) — soothe and reduce swelling.
Pain relievers — such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen) for pain and inflammation.
Stool softeners or laxatives — to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements.
Sitz baths:
Warm water baths several times a day help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
2. Surgical or Procedural Treatments (if conservative treatment fails or in severe cases):
Incision and drainage: For thrombosed external haemorrhoids (those with a blood clot), a minor surgical procedure to remove the clot can provide rapid pain relief.
Haemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of external haemorrhoids, usually reserved for large, painful, or recurrent haemorrhoids.
Other interventions like rubber band ligation are generally for internal haemorrhoids, not external.
Ayurvedic Approach to Haemorrhoids
In Ayurveda, haemorrhoids are seen as an imbalance of the Vata dosha (one of the body’s fundamental energies), often combined with Pitta dosha causing inflammation and bleeding.
Common Ayurvedic Treatments:
1. Herbal Medicines:
Triphala: A blend of three fruits, helps regulate digestion and bowel movements.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Used as a mild laxative to prevent constipation.
Ashwagandha: Helps reduce inflammation and pain.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): For detoxification and healing.
Aloe vera: Cooling and anti-inflammatory; often used internally and externally.
2. External Applications:
Oil massage (Abhyanga) with medicated oils: Oils like Kshara taila or Neem oil are applied around the anus to reduce swelling and soothe pain.
Sitz baths with Triphala decoction or neem water: To reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Medicated powders (Churna): Like Yashtimadhu churna applied externally to relieve itching and irritation.
3. Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
Eat a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid spicy, oily, and heavy foods.
Stay hydrated to prevent constipation.
Practice regular exercise and avoid prolonged sitting.
4. Panchakarma Therapies:
Procedures like Basti (medicated enemas) to balance Vata dosha.
Ksharasutra therapy (medicated thread) in severe cases, a traditional technique for treating haemorrhoids.
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