Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment

Hemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen and red-looking veins in and around the anus and lower rectum. They are much like varicose veins you might see on a person’s legs.

Hemorrhoids are a very common health problem. Hemorrhoids cause honest tribulations in about 4% (over 10 million) of people in the United States. Prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease increases with age until the seventh decade and then diminishes slightly. Hemorrhoids also increase in pregnancy due to direct pressure on the rectal veins.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the rectum, forcing blood to stretch and swell the blood vessels. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them.

Most common causes of hemorrhoids:

• straining with bowel movements (from constipation or hard stools)
• diarrhea
• constant sitting
• sitting on the toilet for a long time
• childbirth
• pressure of the fetus in pregnant women
• heavy lifting
• familial tendency
• obesity

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• rectal flow of blood
• pain around the anus and rectum
• irritation and longing
• bulge or lump at the anus

Unwarranted straining, roughness or cleaning the anus may worsen symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids will only last a few days. Not every one with hemorrhoids will experience symptoms.

Types of hemorrhoids

The type of hemorrhoid depends on where it occurs. There are two types of hemorrhoids: domestic and open-air.

Open-air hemorrhoids develop around the rim of the anus. Open-air hemorrhoids cause most of the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids (pain, burning, and longing) since the skin around them is very sensitive. If an open-air hemorrhoid becomes strangulated (cut off from blood supply), a clot can form in it and become an painfully awkward thrombosed hemorrhoid. Thrombosis of an open-air hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is very awkward and often requires health check attention.

Domestic hemorrhoids develop inside the vessel of the anus. Domestic hemorrhoids are often present without causing any discomfort or even awareness of their presence. Domestic hemorrhoids are usually painless, even if they sometimes cause discomfort and flow of blood if a hard stool rubs hostile to them during a bowel passage. Domestic hemorrhoids also may prolapse outside the anus, where they appear as small, grape-like masses. These can be awkward. A prolapsed hemorrhoid will go back inside the rectum on its own, or you can gently press it back into the anus with your fingertips.

Domestic hemorrhoids are classified by the degree of tissue prolapse into the anal canal:

• First-degree – hemorrhoids that bleed but do not prolapse
• Second-degree – hemorrhoids that prolapse with straining or defecating and retract on their own
• Third-degree – hemorrhoids that prolapse and require manual reduction
• Fourth-degree – hemorrhoids that unremittingly prolapse and, if reducible, fall out again

Mixed hemorrhoids are confluent domestic and open-air hemorrhoids.

Prevention

You often can prevent hemorrhoids by preventing constipation and straining to have bowel movements. Some of the following diet and lifestyle changes may help you to soften the stool, and avoid the straining that can lead to hemorrhoids:

• Include more fiber in your diet – fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals are excellent sources of fiber.
• Drink adequate amounts of fluids – 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
• Exercise regularly
• Do not strain or sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Straining for more than 5 minutes can be harmful. Try not to stay on the toilet any longer than de rigueur.
• Use a soothing wipe, such as baby wipes or witch hazel pads, to clean after each bowel passage and to ease the pain.
• If your main job activity is seated, always stand or walk during your breaks. Make it a point to stand and walk at least 5 minutes every hour and try to shift frequently in your chair to avoid direct rectal pressure.
• Avoid heavy lifting, which puts pressure on the anal notch.

Treatment

A number of surgical methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids:

• Rubber band ligation – A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
• Sclerotherapy is one of the oldest forms of treatment. A compound solution is injected frankly into the hemorrhoid or the area around it. This solution causes a local reaction that interferes with blood flow inside the hemorrhoid, making the hemorrhoid shrink.
• Laser or electro-coagulation techniques – Both techniques use unique devices to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.
• Cryotherapy uses cold temperatures to obliterate the veins and cause tenderness and scarring. It is more time consuming, associated with more posttreatment pain, and is less effectual than other treatments. Consequently, this course of action is not commonly used.
• Hemorrhoidectomy – Occasionally, extensive or severe domestic or open-air hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is the best method for permanent removal of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is the treatment for severe third-degree and fourth-degree hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy, ligation, and heat coagulation are all excellent options for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

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Yury Bayarski is the author of OriginalDrugs.com – website, offering patches and natural health products.

Author: Yury Bayarski
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