Disease Insights: hemorrhoids
Welcome to the ultimate guide on hemorrhoids. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.
General Information on hemorrhoids
Cause: Hemorrhoids are an inflammation of the blood vessels at the end of your digestive tract. They can be painful and itchy. Causes include chronic constipation, diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and a lack of fiber in your diet.
Cure: Over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories, fiber supplements, warm baths, surgery (in severe cases).
Symptoms:
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
bleeding during bowel movemen, itching around the anus, painful bowel movements, soreness or discomfort, swelling around the anus
Precautions for hemorrhoids
Use topical creams or suppositories , Take warm sitz baths, Eat a high-fiber diet, Avoid straining during bowel move
Questions Covered:
- what is hemorrhoids?
- causes of hemorrhoids?
- What are the usual symptoms of hemorrhoids?
- What are the potential risk factors associated with hemorrhoids?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hemorrhoids, diagnosis?
- What are the ways to prevent hemorrhoids?
Answers:
Question: what is hemorrhoids?
You may develop external hemorrhoids from straining during a bowel movement or pregnancy. Treatment can include topical products and using a cold compress. Severe hemorrhoids may need medical intervention.
You've probably heard of hemorrhoids, also called piles. They are inflamed veins that cause lumps around your anus, and they can be quite painful.
Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and it's possible to have both types at the same time.
Both types often go away on their own, but sometimes require medical intervention.
Hemorrhoids are common, affecting about 1 in 20 people in the United States overall and about half of people over age 50, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
.
They also tend to happen more often in certain people, including pregnant people and those who frequently strain while pooping.
Question: causes of hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are when one or more tender bumps form beneath the skin surrounding your anus. These are dilated blood vessels that have become so enlarged that they protrude.
Blood may clot, or thrombose, inside the protruding blood vessel. This can form a hard lump and cause considerable pain in some cases.
External and internal hemorrhoids are caused by many of the same factors. These include:
Straining while pooping. The most common cause of external hemorrhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining makes blood pool in the area.
Sitting on the toilet for a long time. This can also put pressure on the tissues around your rectum and anus.
Weakened support tissues. As you age, the tissues tend to weaken around the anus and rectum.
Pregnancy. Pregnant people may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the increased pressure of the abdomen on these veins.
Obesity. Having excess weight has been associated with having hemorrhoids.
Heavy lifting. You may have a higher risk of hemorrhoids if you frequently lift heavy objects.
Not eating enough fiber. A low fiber diet may lead to constipation, which can cause hemorrhoids.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of hemorrhoids?
A range of symptoms can affect a person with external hemorrhoids. Symptoms vary depending on the severity. Some of the symptoms that you may have include:
one or more tender, blue-colored lumps on the skin near the opening of the anus
itching around the anus or rectal area
aching or pain around your anus, particularly within 24 to 48 hours of onset and when you're sitting down
You may notice bleeding when you're using the toilet. This includes seeing blood on toilet paper or in the toilet. Lumps around the anus may feel as if they are swollen. Larger external hemorrhoids may make it difficult to keep the anal area clean.
These symptoms may also occur because of other conditions. If you experience them, you should schedule an exam with your doctor.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may go away after a few days, according to the NIDDK
. The body usually gradually reabsorbs the hemorrhoid over time.
Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with hemorrhoids?
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be more likely to happen during pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
A healthcare professional may be able to help you determine the cause of your hemorrhoids.
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hemorrhoids, diagnosis?
To diagnose external hemorrhoids, a doctor will ask about your health history and symptoms. They will also likely do a physical exam.
In the case of external hemorrhoids, they will generally be able to see the hemorrhoids by examining the area around your anus.
They may also perform a digital rectum exam and anoscopy to check for issues inside your anal canal and rectum, including internal hemorrhoids.
During a digital rectal exam, your doctor will insert their gloved, lubricated finger into your anus. They'll be able to feel abnormalities inside.
During an anoscopy, the doctor will insert a device called an anoscope into your rectum that allows them to see abnormalities.
If you also have rectal bleeding, your doctor will likely request that you get a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to rule out colorectal cancer. These methods will also detect any internal hemorrhoids.
Question: What are the ways to prevent hemorrhoids?
Here are some steps you can take to prevent hemorrhoids:
Avoid straining to poop. This includes avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
Take measures to prevent constipation. This includes eating high fiber foods, drinking lots of water, and taking fiber supplements, stool softener, or laxatives. Here are more solutions you can try at home for preventing constipation.
Avoid heavy lifting. Try not to strain yourself.
Ask for professional advice if you're at higher risk. Speak with a healthcare professional if you're at higher risk of constipation or hemorrhoids, such as if you're pregnant, have a compromised immune system, or are taking medications to reduce blood clotting.
Useful Articles on hemorrhoids
Additional Information and Resources:
Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about hemorrhoids is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.