On this page, you will find everything you are looking for about hemorrhoids.
What are Hemorrhoids?
They are swollen clusters or lumps of blood vessels inside or around the anal opening. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- External Hemorrhoids: These are clusters of blood vessels that form outside and around the anal area in the form of outer protrusions.
- Internal Hemorrhoids: These are clusters of blood vessels that form within the lining of the rectum and around the anal area.
What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
- Lumps around the anal area.
- Pain around the anal area, especially when sitting.
- Irritation in and around the anal region.
- Noticeable bleeding or mucus from the area, which can be observed after using the bathroom or on underwear.
- The feeling of needing to use the bathroom even after doing so.
- Prolapse or downward displacement of the blood clusters.
In some cases, there might be no distinguishable symptoms of hemorrhoids, and a person might not feel they have hemorrhoids.
What are the Causes of Hemorrhoids?
They occur when there is pressure on the blood vessels, leading to the formation of blood lumps or clusters around the anal area.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids include:
- Family history of hemorrhoids.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea.Weakening of tissues in the anal area, often with aging or pregnancy.Severe straining during bowel movements.Frequent heavy lifting.
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet.
- A diet lacking in fiber.
- How are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?
- A doctor will take the medical history and perform a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Anoscope for examining the anal or rectal opening.
What are the Treatment Methods for Hemorrhoids?
Treatment involves several procedures, depending on the need, which may include::
- Constipation Treatment:
Increasing fluid intake.
Consuming foods rich in fiber.
Use of laxative medications for constipation.
- Engaging in physical activity to promote bowel movement. For more details, here’s a guide for movement and life.
- Topical creams to alleviate pain and irritation.
- Hemorrhoid banding, where the doctor uses a small instrument with a tying device to cause the blood clusters (hemorrhoids) to fall off.
- Injection therapy to shrink blood vessels in hemorrhoids.Electrotherapy, where a gentle current is applied to shrink hemorrhoids.
- Infrared light therapy, which involves a light used to stop the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, to shrink them.
- Surgery.
- How can Hemorrhoids be prevented?
- Maintain personal hygiene.
- Avoid constipation triggers by including fiber-rich foods in your diet or taking stool softeners.
- Ensure ample fluid intake.
Do not hold back the urge to use the bathroom.
- Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.
- Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet.
- What are Complications of Hemorrhoids?
- Anemia.
- Inflammation or ulcer on external hemorrhoids.
- Thrombosis of external hemorrhoids.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- It is advisable to consult a doctor if you notice:.
- Hemorrhoids that do not improve after one or two weeks of treatment.
- Recurring hemorrhoids.
A significant rise in body temperature along with hemorrhoids.
Pus from hemorrhoids.
- Change in the color of stool.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a full colonoscopy?In most cases, a full colonoscopy is not necessary unless symptoms are accompanied by weight loss, anemia, stomach pain (for more details, here’s a guide for the stomach), and a high temperature.
- When do I need surgery?
- Most cases do not require surgery; however, surgery may be needed if treatment options and procedures are ineffective.
Hemorrhoids
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for about hemorrhoids.
WhatareHemorrhoids?
They are swollen clusters or lumps of blood vessels inside or around the anal opening. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
External Hemorrhoids: These are clusters of blood vessels that form outside and around the anal area in the form of outer protrusions.
