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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| What causes hemrroids and how should they be treated
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Answer:
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| Excessive straining when passing a bowel motion is the usual cause but they are also 'complications' of pregnancy. Haemorrhoids are essentially equivalent to varicose veins (of the legs) and like these they can be treated by surgery (removing them) or banding (tying them off, usually using a tight elastic band, which falls off after 3-5 days as the hemorrhoid tissue loses its blood supply) - or sometimes the doctor may inject the haemorrhoid directly (sclerotherapy). If they are small and not bleeding they can sometimes be persuaded to shrink by the use of local creams either OTC or by prescription. The more severe cases require surgical removal (= haemorrhoidectomy) under general anesthesia. Diet should be any one that allows easy passage of soft but not bulky stool. Disclaimer: These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
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