|
Hemorrhoid Treatment, Symptoms and Causes
|
|
|
|
hemroids, hemorroids, hemmorhoids, hemoroids, hemorhoids
What Are Hemorrhoids?
The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in
which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.
Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing
factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and
anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin
around the anus (external). (See
figure.)
|
Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Many anorectal problems, including fissures,
fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have
similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most
cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.
Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The
most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering
the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal
hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming
irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard
lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition
is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus
may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a
vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
|
How Common Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and
women. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by age 50.
Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the
fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal
vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure
during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by
pregnancy are a temporary problem.
|
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?
A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by
the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the
stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases,
including colorectal cancer.
The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood
vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal
exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.
Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with
an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal
hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the
entire rectum.
To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may
examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy or the
entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are
diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes
inserted through the rectum.
|
Hemorrhoid Treatment
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed
initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include
- Warm tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10
minutes.
- Application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected
area for a limited time.
 |
| Pictures of Hemorrhoids | Preventing of the recurrence of
hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of
constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in
the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight
glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer
stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on
hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent
the hemorrhoids from protruding.
Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In
addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement
such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).
In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or
surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal
tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital
visit.
A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of
internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include
- 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. A chemical solution is injected around the
blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn
hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal
or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as
hemorrhoidectomy.
|
How Are Hemorrhoids Prevented?
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass
easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as
soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and
increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by
producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.
Keeping on Top of Your Condition
Keeping in tune with your disease or condition not only makes treatment less intimidating but also increases its chance of success, and has been shown to lower a patients risk of complications. As well, as an informed patient, you are better able to discuss your condition and treatment options with your physician.
A new service available to patients provides a convenient means of staying informed, and ensures that the information is both reliable and accurate. If you wish to find out more about HealthNewsflash's innovative service, take the tour.
|
|
|
|
