Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Introduction

Hemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are inflamed and swollen veins located within the rectum and anus that may cause damage and bleed. This is one of the most common conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide, causing significant distress. Though hemorrhoids might be quite embarrassing, educated hemorrhoids, their symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options can help people in fighting this condition.

Understanding Hemorrhoids

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be divided into two main kinds:

1. Internal Hemorrhoids: 

They are located inside the rectum. They are usually invisible to naked eyes. They can cause painless bleeding during the bowel movement; if they develop severe, they can prolapse or become swollen outside the anus.

2. External Hemorrhoids: 

These push out under the skin around the anus. They are usually very painful and may also involve itching, pain, and swelling. An external hemorrhoid can be excruciatingly painful if it is accompanied by a blood clot, which forms in the form of a hard nodule.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

There are various causes contributing to the occurrence of hemorrhoids:

Forcing during bowel movements: 

Elevated pressure on the veins causes them to become inflamed and irritated.

Severe constipation or diarrhea: 

These conditions put stress on the rectum.

Pregnancy:

 Hormonal changes and the enlarging uterus increase stress in the pelvic veins.

Obesity:

 Extra pounds increase abdominal pressure, which can lead to hemorrhoids.

A sedentary lifestyle: 

A sedentary person has poor circulation and experiences increased pressure on veins in the rectum.

Older age: 

As people get older, tissues that support veins may begin to weaken and increase people's risk for hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary mainly based on their type and severity. Common symptoms include:

Bleeding:

 Bright pink blood seen on toilet paper or in the bathroom bowl is an average sign of inner hemorrhoids.

Pain and Discomfort:

 External hemorrhoids usually cause sharp pain, mainly during bowel movements or while sitting.

Itching or Irritation:

 The anal area may feel itchy or irritated due to swollen veins.

Swelling:

 Painful swelling just near the anus is felt in case of an external hemorrhoid paperwork.

Prolapse:

 Inner hemorrhoids may protrude out of the anus when evacuating from the toilet, which is painful.

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids

Diagnosis usually includes a history review and physical examination. Sometimes, a health care provider will also perform additional tests, including:

Digital Rectal Examination: 

The health care provider puts on a gloved finger and inserts it into the rectum to check for lumps.

Anoscopy:

 A thin tube with a lighted end is inserted into the anus for viewing the hemorrhoids.

Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy: 

These tests may be advised if other digestive disorders exist, especially if there is bleeding in the rectum.

Prevention of Hemorrhoids

Preventing hemorrhoids every day requires lifestyle changes and healthy practices. Here are effective measures:

1. Promote Bowel Op Daily

Dietary Fiber: 

Increase intake of end result, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The daily aim is for 25-30 grams of fiber so that stool is softer and there is less straining.

Hydration:

 Increase water intake to stay hydrated and avoid constipation.

2. Avoid Straining

Proper Positioning:

 Sit on the rest room with the help of a foot stool to elevate legs for better natural functioning when it comes to bowel motions.

Don't Delay:

 Act immediately to the urge to pass a bowel motion in order not to be constipated.

3. Maintain Physical Activity

Physical Activity: 

Engage in daily exercises to facilitate healthy digestion and physical mobility. A minimum of one hundred fifty minutes of moderate activity per week is recommended.

4. Minimize Prolonged Sitting

Limit Sit Length: 

Stand up and walk occasionally if you sit for the most part of the day, especially if you are desk-bound.

5. Healthy Weight Management

Weight Control: 

A healthy weight can reduce stress in the pelvic veins.

6. Avoid Heavy Lifting

Proper Techniques: 

The next time you're lifting heavy objects, use your legs and not strain your back and abdominal muscles.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

The treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the level of symptoms. There are three categories under which they can be classified: home remedies, non-surgical treatments, and surgical options.

Home Remedies

1. Hot Water Soaking:

 Soaking up to 15 minutes during the day will help ease discomfort and reduce the swelling.

2. Cold Compress:

 Applying a cold % on the affected place may help alleviate swelling and numb the pain

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3. Over-the-Counter Medication:

 Hydrocortisone or witch hazel creams and ointments will help the patients get relief from itching and infections.

4. Pain Relievers:

 Anti-inflammatory tablets, whether NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, help alleviate pain.

5. Lifestyle Modifications:

 An improved fibre intake and a good fluid intake may improve bowel movements.

Non-Surgical Treatments

In case the above home remedies do not provide relief to the patient, then the doctors will also advise non-surgical treatments. These include:

1. Rubber Band Ligation:

 It is a procedure where a tiny rubber band is placed on the very bottom of an internal hemorrhoid, thereby cutting off its supply of blood. The hemorrhoid drops off after several days.

2. Sclerotherapy: 

Chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid with the aim of reducing it.

3. Infrared Coagulation:

 It involves the use of infrared light where the hemorrhoid becomes clotted and shrinks.

Surgical Options

For extreme cases or when other treatment options fail, surgical intervention could be considerable in the following ways:

1. Hemorrhoidectomy: 

This involves the actual removal of the hemorrhoids. It is primarily used for a large or persistent case.

2. Hemorrhoidopexy: 

This procedure lifts and stitches prolapsed hemorrhoids back into their position.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition that can be very painful, but knowledge of the signs and symptoms, prevention measures, and treatment will enable one to master their health. With the modification of a healthy lifestyle, if accompanied by appropriate hospital treatment in time, it is possible to avoid hemorrhoids to a large extent and also relieve the symptoms when these manifest. If you experience continued signs and symptoms or distressing side effects, it is much more important to see a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment program.