Hemorrhoids, also called piles, can sometimes be painful or irritating and may cause alarm to an individual. Hemorrhoids, according to the National Library of Medicine, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. It can result from too much straining during bowel movement. Other factors such as pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are very common and can occur in both men and women. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about half of all people will experience hemorrhoids by age 50.

The two types of hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. When hemorrhoids occur inside the anus, it is called internal hemorrhoids. When it occurs under the skin around the anus, this is called external hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Some people do not experience symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, some people with internal bleeding hemorrhoids may notice some bright red blood covering their stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. In some cases, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, which can become irritated and cause pain. This condition is called protruding hemorrhoid.

In external hemorrhoids, symptoms may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus, which can result from the formation of a blood clot. This is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids are Common in Pregnant Women

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. However, this is usually a temporary problem. The presence of the growing fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels can also be placed under severe pressure during labor or childbirth.

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids

In most cases, hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening. However, it is recommended that a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis is done whenever bleeding in the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding can be caused by other disorders of the digestive system, including colon or rectal cancer.

In addition to learning about your symptoms and family and medical history, your doctor will also perform a thorough physical exam. Your doctor may also use medical gadgets, such as an anoscope or proctoscope to view the inside of your rectum.

Your doctor may also recommend viewing your lower colon or sigmoid using a sigmoidoscope or your entire colon with the use of a colonoscope. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that can help your doctor see the inside of your large intestine, including the rectum and anus.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

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

 tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes

 application of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time

Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation.

Fiber and Fluid Intake
Your doctor may recommend that you increase fiber and fluid intake in your diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid 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. Avoid drinking alcohol, as this tends to make you eliminate more fluid through urination.

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.

Medical Procedures
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.(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2004)

Suggested Readings:

• Constipation
• Proctitis (Inflamed Rectum)
• Diarrhea

View List of Digestive System Diseases.

References: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–3021, November 2004

MedlinePlus ( August 2009). National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Page Last Revised: July 31, 2012

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Gastritis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This is not a single disease, but rather, several disorders that all have inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis may be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis occurs suddenly while chronic (long-term) gastritis can occur over a long period of time.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis can be caused by

 excessive alcohol drinking

 lon-term use of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.

 infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)—the same bacteria that causes peptic ulcers.

 degeneration of the stomach lining due to advanced age.

In some cases, gastritis develops after a major surgery, burns, severe infections, or traumatic injury. Other health problems, such as autoimmune disorders, pernicious anemia, and chronic bile reflux, can also cause gastritis to develop.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis

The most common symptom is abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms may also include

 belching

 abdominal bloating

 nausea

 vomiting

 feeling of fullness

 burning sensation in the upper abdomen

When you notice blood in your vomit or have black stools, it may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which can be serious. Seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Gastritis is diagnosed through one or more medical tests:

 Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Your doctor eases an endoscope, a thin tube containing a tiny camera, through your mouth (or occasionally nose) and down into your stomach to look at your stomach lining. He or she will check for inflammation and may remove a tiny sample of stomach tissue for tests. This procedure to remove a tissue sample is called a biopsy.

 Blood test.

The doctor may check your red blood cell count to see whether you have anemia, which means that you do not have enough red blood cells in your blood. Bleeding from the stomach can cause anemia.

 Stool test.

This test checks for the presence of blood in your stool, a sign of bleeding. Stool test may also be used to detect the presence of H. pylori in the digestive tract.

Treatment of Gastritis

Treatment of gastritis depends on the cause. In some cases, once the underlying cause disappears, the gastritis usually does too.

Your doctor may prescribe antacids or medications that reduce or neutralize stomach acid, which help relieve symptoms and promote healing. Stomach acid can irritate the inflamed tissue in the stomach. Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid certain foods, beverages, or medications that cause gastritis.

If your gastritis is caused by an infection, that problem may be treated as well. For example, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to clear up H. pylori infection. Talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

Suggested Readings:

• Common Digestive System Diseases
• Common Stomach Diseases or Disorders
• Peptic Ulcers
• Indigestion

View all Digestive Diseases Topics

Source: Information Courtesy of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–4764, December 2004

Page Last Revised: June 23, 2012

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