Hemorrhoids and Anal fissures together? How do I treat them both?
If you’re experiencing discomfort during bowel movements, noticing blood in your stool, or feeling pain near the anus, you may be dealing with two common conditions—hemorrhoids and anal fissures. While these issues are often confused, they are distinct and require different treatments. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between them, why they sometimes occur together, and how you can manage both effectively. Dr. Raviram S., a renowned Proctologist in Thrissur, Kerala with over 15+ years of experience, is one of Thrissur’s leading specialists in treating hemorrhoids and anal fissures, offering expert care and personalized treatment.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
There are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that cause hemorrhoids, which are also called piles. They may cause irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain, particularly during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are classified into two types:
- Internal Hemorrhoids: These are located inside the rectum and are often painless but can cause bleeding.
- External Hemorrhoids: Found under the skin around the anus, these can be very painful, especially when they swell or form blood clots.
What Are Anal Fissures?
Anal fissures are tiny tears in the anus lining. They might cause sharp pain during bowel motions and result in small bleeding. Fissures are frequently caused by passing hard stools, persistent constipation, or straining.
Can Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures Happen Together?
Yes, hemorrhoids and anal fissures can occur simultaneously, especially in people with chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea. Both conditions are triggered by straining, hard stools, or sitting for long periods on the toilet. When these conditions coexist, it’s crucial to address both to achieve complete relief.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids and Fissures Together:
Experiencing Hemorrhoids and Fissures: Common Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort during and following bowel movements.
- Bright red blood in your stool or on toilet paper
- Itching or irritation near the anal area
- Noticeable swelling or lumps near the anus (common in hemorrhoids)
- Sharp or searing pain, particularly from cracks.
If you’re facing any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult an expert Piles Specialist at Thrissur Piles Clinic. Dr. Raviram S. specializes in treating hemorrhoids and fissures, offering advanced treatments like laser therapy for effective relief.
Causes of Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures:
Both conditions often arise from:
- Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements due to hard stools can lead to both hemorrhoids and fissures.
- Chronic diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea can irritate the anal lining and contribute to these conditions.
- Pregnancy: Increased pressure in the pelvic area during pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids and fissures.
- Poor diet: Low fiber intake can result in hard stools, which can damage the anal area.
Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures:
The good news is that you can treat both diseases. How you go about it depends on how bad your symptoms are and what kind of care you want. Consulting a specialist, such as Dr. Raviram S., can help you figure out the best way to get relief.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
- Increase fiber intake: A high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains softens stools and reduces the risk of constipation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day ensures your stools stay soft and easy to pass.
- Avoid straining: Try not to strain during bowel movements, and limit the time spent on the toilet.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps keep your digestive system moving and prevents constipation.
Topical Treatments:
For minor hemorrhoids and fissures, over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories can provide relief from pain, swelling, and itching. Your Anal Fissure doctor in Thrissur, such as Dr. Raviram S., may also recommend specific medicated ointments to relax the muscles and heal the fissures.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
For more severe cases of hemorrhoids or fissures, minimally invasive treatments may be required. The latest techniques are highly effective and have a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgeries.
- Laser Treatment: Laser technology is becoming one of the preferred methods for treating both hemorrhoids and anal fissures. This method is almost painless, bloodless, and promotes quick recovery. It also has a lower chance of reproduction. At Thrissur Piles Clinic, Dr. Raviram S. specializes in laser piles treatment, offering patients a safe and effective way to treat these conditions.
- Botox Injections: In some cases, Botox injections may be used to relax the anal sphincter, allowing fissures to heal more effectively.
- Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: For chronic or severe fissures, this surgical procedure involves making a small incision in the anal sphincter to reduce tension, allowing the fissure to heal.
Surgical Options:
If non-surgical treatments don’t provide relief, or if your hemorrhoids or fissures are particularly severe, surgery may be necessary. In such cases, Dr. Raviram S. might suggest the following procedures:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, usually recommended for large or prolapsed piles.
- Fissurectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a chronic fissure that has not healed with conservative treatments.
When to See a Doctor?
If home remedies or over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing relief, or if you notice increased bleeding or severe pain, it’s important to consult a doctor. A specialist can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Dr. Raviram S. at Thrissur Piles Clinic is a trusted expert in treating hemorrhoids and fissures. Our hospital has a dedicated facility for Piles and Fissure laser surgeries that is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, industry-grade medical equipment, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Call us today at +91-9961001199 and set yourself free from painful mornings.
Prevention Tips for Hemorrhoids and Fissures:
To prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids and fissures:
- Maintain a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Exercise regularly every day
- Avoid sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces.
Conclusion:
Dealing with both hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be frustrating, but with the right treatment, you can find relief and prevent them from coming back. Whether you need dietary advice, topical treatments, or advanced procedures like laser therapy, it’s essential to consult an experienced doctor. If you’re looking for expert care, Dr. Raviram S. at Thrissur Piles Clinic is well-known for his skill in treating these conditions and providing compassionate and effective care.
Don’t let these issues affect your quality of life—schedule a consultation today to get the best Piles Treatment in Thrissur and start your journey to recovery.