Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

The term hemorrhoid refers to a situation in which the veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may be caused by straining during bowel movements.

Other factors that play a role in their formation include: pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation, or chronic diarrhea. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or outside the skin around the anus.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Some anorectal problems including fissures, abscesses, irritation, itching, and burning (pruritis ani) have the same signs and are mistakenly referred to hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous or life-threatening. In many cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids go away within a few days.

Although many people with hemorrhoids do not show any signs, the most common sign of internal hemorrhoids is bright blood that stains the stools, toilet paper, and toilet bowl. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids slip outside the anus, become irritated and painful. These types of hemorrhoids are called prolapsed.

Signs of external hemorrhoids include pain, swelling, or a large lump around the anus as a result of blood clotting, a situation known as thrombosis of external hemorrhoids.

In addition, excessive fatigue, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus area can cause irritation accompanied by bleeding or itching which can become a vicious cycle of symptoms. Excess mucus can also cause itching.

How common are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Also, hemorrhoids can be common in pregnant women, a situation explained by the pressure the fetus causes in the abdomen and hormonal changes cause the expansion of hemorrhoidal veins. However, hemorrhoids during pregnancy are temporary problems.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. It is very important that you see a specialist doctor the moment you have bleeding because it could be a sign of other diseases of the digestive tract including colorectal cancer.

The doctor will examine your anus through "digital rectal examination" which is performed with a lubricated finger to feel abnormalities around.

Another examination for hemorrhoids is with an anoscope, a lighted tube that allows viewing of the anus from inside to assess internal hemorrhoids.

To exclude the possibility of another disease of the digestive tract, it is very important to perform a video colonoscopy.

How is the formation of hemorrhoids prevented?

The medical treatment of hemorrhoids aims to alleviate symptoms, but preventive measures for their formation are important.

Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require normal bowel movements (without constipation) which is achieved with a diet rich in fiber and fluids. With this diet, fecal materials are soft and easily movable through the intestines, avoiding straining during defecation and reducing the pressure on the veins of the anus.

Eating the right amount of dietary fiber and drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluids (without alcohol) result in soft and formed bowel movements, which makes it easy to empty the intestines.

Dietary fibers are obtained through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain flour. The doctor may also recommend you to take additional fiber supplements, pharmaceutical products.

Physical activity including walking and increasing the amount of fibers and fluids in the diet are a proper combination for preventing and not repeating hemorrhoids.