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 minutesPreventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation.
application of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time
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.Suggested Readings:
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)
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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