A Simple Guide to Hemorrhoids and Anal Diseases

Hemorrhoids or piles are distended veins inside the anus which are swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

What is the cause of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids usually result from straining to pass the stool out of anus.

Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is

1, bleeding from the anus.

Bright red blood may be seen covering the stool, on toilet paper, or dripping from the anus into the toilet bowl.

2. There may be pain too especially if the stool is hard.

This could be due to the hard stools pressing on the swollen piles or due to a tear in the inner lining of the anus.

3. A painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus may occur when a blood clot forms.

This condition is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

4. In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation
   with bleeding and/or itching.

How common are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are very 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, causes the
hemorrhoid vessels to enlarge.

For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are temporary.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

1. A thorough examination and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time
   bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs.

Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate
hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to
feel for abnormalities.

Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with a proctoscope,
useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

2. To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the
   rectum and the entire colon with colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that also involves the use of lighted, flexible tube
inserted through the rectum.

What is the treatment of hemorrhoids?

a. Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms.

Measures to reduce symptoms include:

1. Tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes

2. application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area.

3. medicines such as daflon to shrink the swollen blood vessel.

b. surgical treatment:
A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids.

These techniques include

1. 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.

2. Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink
   the hemorrhoid.

3. Laser coagulation. A special device is used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.

4. Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids
   may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy.

5. A new method is the Longo technique.
   It involves using a circular stapling device which removes a ring of tissue in the lower
   anus pulling the enlarged piles up within the anus.

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