Hemorrhoids
What is hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids also knows as piles that occur inside and around the anal passage. They are quite common to be happened.
Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum. External hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus.
External hemorrhoids are the most common and most troublesome. Hemorrhoids cause pain, itching, bleeding and difficulty sitting. Fortunately, they are treatable.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the types of hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids
These are under the skin around your anus. Signs and symptoms are:
– Itching and irritation in your anal region
– Pain or discomfort
– Swelling around your anus
– Bleeding
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum, which usually you can’t see or feel it. But straining or irritation when passing stool can cause:
– Painless bleeding, you might notice small amount of bright red blood on toilet tissue or in the toilet.
– A hemorrhoid to push through the anal opening ( prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoid), resulting in pain or irritation.
Causes
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by constipation. Constipation can make you to strain when you go to toilet so it puts pressure on the blood vessel in the anus which ca make them become swelling.
Other things can increase the risk of getting hemorrhoids are:
– Ageing
– Being obese
– Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
– Regularly lifting heavy things
– Straining during bowel movement
– Having diarrhea or constipation
– Pregnancy
Complications
Anemia
It is rarely happen, but chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia.
Strangulated Hemorrhoid
If the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, then the hemorrhoid may be “strangulated,” which can cause extreme pain.
Blood Clot
Occasionally, a clot can form in a hemorrhoid which know as thrombosed hemorrhoid. Although it is not dangerous, but it can cause extremely painful.
Preventions
Eat high fiber foods
Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It can help in soften the stool that will help you avoid the straining which can cause hemorrhoids and pass the stool more easily.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drink six to eight glasses of water which can help you avoid constipation.
Don’t strain
Straining when you are trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum which will cause hemorrhoids.
Obesity
Obesity is another factor of hemorrhoids, and you can lose your weight by exercising regularly, consuming low fat diet and reducing consumption alcohol intake.
Good Hygiene
Practice good hygiene by cleaning your anus with warm water during a shower or bath every day and keep your bottom clean and dry. But don’t use soap, as soap can aggravate hemorrhoids. Also avoid using dry or rough toilet paper when you wipe after a bowel movement.
Treatments
Fiber supplements
Most of people don’t get the enough fiber intake daily. And studies shown that over the counter fiber supplements such as psyllium or methylcellulose improved overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids.
But when you eat fiber supplement must be make drink enough of water daily. It can cause constipation if it does not.
Sitz bath
A sitz bath is referred to sitting a few inches of warm water 3 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes. A sitz bath may help in decrease the inflammation of hemorrhoids. Drying off the anal area completely after sitz bath which can minimize the moisture that can irritate the skin around your rectal area.
Medical procedures
If home treatments aren’t helping with your hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend getting a rubber band ligation. This procedure involves the doctor cutting off circulation to the hemorrhoid by placing a rubber band around it.
This causes loss of circulation to the hemorrhoid, forcing it to shrink. This procedure should only be performed by a medical professional.
