Hemorrhoids Information:
Hemorrhoids, also known as emerods, or piles are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus.
Hemorrhoids are 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. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.
Types and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside of the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). They are sometimes painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. Itching, although often thought to be a symptom from external hemorrhoids, is more commonly due to skin irritation.
If the vein ruptures and a blood clot develops, the hemorrhoid becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
- Internal hemorrhoids are those that occur inside the rectum. As this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated. Untreated internal hemorrhoids can lead to two severe forms of hemorrhoids:
- prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that are so distended that they are pushed outside of the anus.
- If the anal sphincter muscle goes into spasm and traps a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside of the anal opening, the supply of blood is cut off, and the hemorrhoid becomes a strangulated hemorrhoid.
Causes
The causes of hemorrhoids include genetic predisposition (weak rectal vein walls and/or valves), straining during bowel movements, and too much pressure on the rectal veins due to poor muscle tone or poor posture: Hemorrhoids are very rare in nations where people squat to defecate and it has been shown that less straining is required to defecate in the squatting position. Constipation, chronic diarrhea, poor bathroom habits (sitting for unusually long periods of time [e.g. reading on the toilet] or excessive cleaning attempts), pregnancy, postponing bowel movements, and fiber-deprived diet can also contribute. Insufficient hydration (caused by not drinking enough water, or by drinking too much diuretic liquid such as coffee or cola) can cause a hard stool, which can lead to hemorrhoidal irritation. An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of milk products such as cheese, can cause irritation and a reduction of consumption can bring relief. Additional factors that can cause hemorrhoids (mostly by increasing rectal vein pressure), especially for those with a genetic predisposition, are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Prevention
Prevention
Prevention of hemorrhoids includes drinking more fluids, eating more dietary fiber, exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time. Hemorrhoid sufferers should avoid using laxatives and should strictly limit time straining during bowel movement. Wearing tight clothing and underwear will also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the region and promote hemorrhoid development. Some sufferers report a more comfortable experience without underwear or wearing only very lightweight panties, etc. Straining can be lessened by defecating in a standing position, knees slightly bent. This position seems to use the muscles of the abdomen to expel feces preventing a strain on the anus. Fluids emitted by the intestinal tract may contain irritants that may increase the fissures associated with hemorrhoids. Washing the anus with cool water and soap may reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may remove irritating fluid.
Treatment
What treatments are available and what is best for me? The treatments break down into two catigories surgical and non surgical. The non surgical options for treatment of hemorrhoids are designed to relive the symptoms of hemorrhoids. They include:
- Tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
- Application of a hemorroidal cream such as ZIRO.
The surgical options for removal of hemorrhoids 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.
Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) 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. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) which is found in ENSA. Click here to learn more about our treatments for hemorrhoids.
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