Hemorrhoids are varicose veins – only of the anus. It is estimated that over half the world population aged over 40 have them. The cause of the trouble for both hemorrhoids and varicose veins sufferers, according to physicians, is that the blood that is supposed to move up through the veins to the heart has failed in its upward pull against gravity. Veins bulge as a result, and blood flow is blocked. In the case of those who suffer from hemorrhoids, when they strain to move their bowels, the veins swell because they are putting increased pressure on them.
Doctors classify hemorrhoids into two kinds: external, appearing just inside the anal opening; and internal, located at the beginning of the anal canal. When hemorrhoids present symptoms (often they don’t), they may include aching, bright-red bleeding, pain and protrusion. Protrusion (prolapse) occurs when hemorrhoids protrude outside the anus, then spring back after the strain of passing a stool; discharge and itching are sometimes associated with this condition.
Just as prolapse is one type of hemorrhoidal complication, so thrombosis is another. If you had this disorder, blood would be clotting in one of the swollen veins. This condition can be quite painful, but doctors say it is treatable.
If bleeding accompanies your hemorrhoid condition, see your doctor – not so much because iron-deficiency anemia might develop from loss of blood (although this could happen), but because bleeding from the rectum is a critical early warning sign of rectal or colon cancer.
Diagnosis would probably include a digital examination of the rectum and also a look with an instrument called a protoscope. A barium enema and sigmoidoscopy might be recommended. You can ask your doctor about them.
If your symptoms aren’t too severe, there is a great deal you can do to treat yourself. Sitz baths may help. You may also get relief by following a high-fiber diet to minimize straining. Practice good hygiene by washing existing hemorrhoids after each passage of stool and drying them carefully with soft tissue. Over-the-counter and prescription medications that may help to shrink the hemorrhoids are available, and in addition there are stool softeners to make bowel movements easier.
If you need medical help, there are a number of choices. Outpatient procedures frequently take the place of actual surgery as an inpatient. Treatments include the placement of rubber bands round the swollen veins, injecting them with a coagulation solution, the surgical removal of any clots, and the use of freezing techniques to destroy the swollen tissue. The infrared laser has been used in the treatment of hemorrhoids as well.
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