Understanding Hemorrhoids – Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a result of inflamed blood vessels in the anal region, and there is no doubt about it. They may be inside the anus or lower rectum (internal) or on the surface of the skin around the anus (external).
Hemorrhoids are a result of an increase in pressure around the rectal area. Factors that raise your risk for hemorrhoids include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and sitting on the toilet for long periods.
Causes
Hemorrhoids occur when veins near your anus or rectum become swollen. They may be inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or under your skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). They can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. Several conditions and habits increase your risk of getting hemorrhoids. They include straining during a bowel movement, sitting on the toilet for long periods, and being overweight. Hemorrhoids are also more familiar with pregnancy and childbirth because they put extra pressure on the anal area.
The most common treatment for hemorrhoids is over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment, such as suppositories, creams, or wipes that clean and reduce itching. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. You may need a prescription-strength medication or a procedure to shrink hemorrhoids. Two standard procedures for treating hemorrhoids include rubber band ligation, where a rubber band is used to cut off blood flow and shrink the hemorrhoid, and sclerotherapy, where a chemical is injected into the hemorrhoid.
Symptoms
Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels and veins in and around your anus and rectum get enlarged and irritated. They develop in response to increased pressure from sitting for long periods, constipation or diarrhea, and pregnancy.
These swollen blood vessels can protrude from the anal canal and cause itching, pain, redness, and bleeding during bowel movements. They can be found inside your anus (internal hemorrhoids) or on the surface of your rectum (external hemorrhoids).
Internal hemorrhoids usually don’t hurt and don’t bleed unless they protrude from the anus, which is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoids are itchy and sometimes painful, especially when they form a blood clot.
A doctor can diagnose a hemorrhoid by examining your anal passage with gloves and a lubricant or with a digital rectal examination. In many cases, a simple dietary and lifestyle change relieves symptoms. If a hemorrhoid doesn’t respond to home treatment, a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon can perform an office procedure to remove the clot or shrink the tissue.
Treatment
Hemorrhoids develop when the small blood vessels and veins in and around the anus and rectum become swollen. It happens when there is extra pressure on the area. It can be caused by sitting on hard surfaces for long periods, being pregnant, or being overweight.
Bleeding is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids. You may notice a smear of bright red blood on toilet paper or streaks in your stool. It is essential to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms because they could be a sign of something more serious, like bowel cancer.
There are many treatment options for hemorrhoids. They range from home remedies to surgical procedures. Some of the most popular home treatments include using a hemorrhoid cushion or sitting on a soft surface while on the toilet. Avoid straining during bowel movements and limiting your consumption of high-fiber foods. Some of these home treatments can be helpful, but if they don’t improve your symptoms, you may need to go to a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Prevention
Hemorrhoids develop slowly over time as small blood vessels and veins in the area of the anus and rectum struggle to carry deoxygenated blood back up to the heart. The resulting pressure causes the veins to expand and bulge, leading to pain and itching. Symptoms are usually relieved with home treatment. If symptoms don’t improve within a week or the bleeding is severe, you should see a physician.
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories can ease pain and itching. Avoiding straining during bowel movements and sitting on the toilet for long periods can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Sitting on a stool cushion or using a hemorrhoid pad can also help. To prevent the condition of hemorrhoids, it is recommended to consume a high-fiber diet along with taking stool softeners. It can effectively help in avoiding constipation, which is one of the primary factors that lead to the pressure on rectal veins, eventually causing hemorrhoids.
For thrombosed external hemorrhoids (bleeding that occurs from the outside of an anal canal), your doctor may inject the affected hemorrhoid with a chemical that numbs the pain and causes it to shrink over time.