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A Simple guide to Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are distended veins inside the anus which are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

What is the cause of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids usually result from straining to pass the stool out of anus. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding from the anus.Bright red blood may be seen covering the stool, on toilet paper, or dripping from the anus into the toilet bowl.

There may be pain too especially if the stool is hard. This could be due to the hard stools pressing on the swollen piles or due to a tear in the inner lining of the anus.

A painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus may occur when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or 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. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are temporary.

When are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

A thorough examination 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 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 the entire colon with colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tube inserted through the rectum.

What is the treatment?

a. Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:

1. tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
2. application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area.
3. medicines such as daflon to shrink the swollen blood vessel.

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

These techniques include

1. 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.

2. Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.

3. Laser coagulation. A special device is used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.

4. Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy.

5. A new method is the Longo technique. It involve using a circular stapling device which removes a ring of tissue in the lower anus pulling the enlarged piles up within the anus. The staples also interrupt the blood supply to the piles.

How do you prevent hemorrhoids?

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.

Drink lots of water at least eight glasses a day.

Eating the right amount of fiber result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, bran bread, and whole grains.

Avoid food which cause local irritation of anus (spicy food,alcohol) or bowel excitation (coffee,tea)

Exercise, including walking, swimming, help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.

Avoid certain sports such as cycling and horse -riding because of the pressure exerted on the anal region.

Avoid sitting in hot places for too long.

Use the toilet at a fixed time eg. after drinking a big glass of water, when you wake up.