Hemorrhoids are prominent and swollen veins in the anus (Anus) and in the lower part of the rectum (Rectum), formed as a result of exertion during bowel work or as a result of severe pressure on these veins, as happens during pregnancy, for example.
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| Hemorrhoids |
Hemorrhoids is a very common disease even in the age of 50, and affects about half of adults.
In most people, an improvement in hemorrhoid symptoms occurs after using home remedies to treat hemorrhoids and change the lifestyle.
Types of hemorrhoids
There are four types of hemorrhoids:
1. External hemorrhoids
They are located on the anus directly on the surface from which stool comes out. They are not always visible but are sometimes seen as lumps on the surface of the anus.
External hemorrhoids are not usually a serious medical problem.
2. Internal hemorrhoids
They are usually located in the rectum, and cannot always be seen because they are too deep to be visible from the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous and tend to go away on their own.
3. Prolapsed hemorrhoids
Prolapsed hemorrhoids appear when internal hemorrhoids swell and stick to the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids look like red, swollen lumps or bumps outside the anus.
4. Thrombosed hemorrhoids
A thrombosed hemorrhoid contains a blood clot within the hemorrhoid tissue, and it may appear as lumps or swelling around the anus.
Blood clots can occur in both internal and external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid symptoms
Symptoms of hemorrhoids vary from person to person, as well as according to their type.
1. General symptoms of hemorrhoids
In the case of hemorrhoids in general, the following symptoms may appear:
Painless bleeding during a bowel movement. Sometimes a little bright red blood may be noticed on the toilet paper or on the toilet bowl.
Itching or irritation in the anal area.
Pain or discomfort.
Visible and protruding hemorrhoids outside the anus.
Swelling around the anus.
A painful or tender lump next to the anus.
stool leakage;
2. Symptoms of hemorrhoids depending on their type
Symptoms of hemorrhoids differ due to the different location of the hemorrhoids:
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids
Symptoms of hemorrhoids inside the rectum are not visible or felt, and usually do not cause discomfort.
However, straining or burning when passing stool may injure the delicate outer surface of the hemorrhoid, causing bleeding.
Sometimes, especially with exertion, internal hemorrhoids may bulge out. These are called protruding hemorrhoids, or prolapsed hemorrhoids, and can cause pain and itching.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids
One of the most important symptoms of hemorrhoids is their irritation and irritation that can cause itching or bleeding.
Sometimes the blood may stretch the external hemorrhoid and draw it inward, forming a thrombus, which causes severe pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Causes and risk factors for hemorrhoids
The veins around the anus usually tend to constrict due to pressure and can swell, and swollen veins may swell as a result of too much pressure in the lower rectum.
Causes of hemorrhoids
Among the causes of hemorrhoids:
genetic factor.
Aging, because the supporting tissues of the rectal and anal veins weaken and contract with age.
Factors that increase the risk of infection
Hemorrhoids can be caused by one of the following factors:
Effort during bowel work.
Prolonged sitting on the toilet bowl.
Chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation.
Overweight.
pregnancy.
Having anal sex.
Complications of hemorrhoids
Complications are rare, but if they do occur, they may include:
Anemia : Chronic blood loss as a result of disease can cause anemia .
Strangulated hemorrhoids : This occurs as a result of the interruption of the blood supply to them and they suffocate, which can lead to severe pain, and eventually to tissue death (Necrosis).
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids
The prognosis varies with the type of hemorrhoid.
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids
The doctor makes the diagnosis by the following:
Diagnosis of external hemorrhoids : The proctologist (Proctologist) can only look.
Diagnosis of primary internal hemorrhoids : The doctor needs to insert his finger, covered with a rubber glove, into the rectum.
Advanced internal hemorrhoid diagnosis : The doctor examines the lower part of the intestine and rectum by:
Anal Telescope (Anuscope).
Rectoscope (Proctoscope).
Sigmoidoscope.
These endoscopes are soft, lighted tubes that allow the doctor to look inside the anus and rectum.
Picture showing hemorrhoids
Cases that require a colonoscopy
Sometimes for diagnosis, more extensive and comprehensive examinations of all parts of the intestine with a colonoscope may be required.
Arises the need for screening colonoscopy (Colonoscopy) in the following cases:
Symptoms and signs indicate the presence of another disease in the digestive system (Digestive System).
There is a high chance that the person under examination will develop cancer of the large intestine.
The person being screened is over 50 years old and has not had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years.
Treatment of hemorrhoids
Effective ways to treat hemorrhoids
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to treat the disease. The treatment of hemorrhoids is divided into several types, as follows:
1. Medicines
If your hemorrhoids only make you uncomfortable, your doctor may prescribe some over-the-counter medications, such as creams, ointments or suppositories.
These medicines contain substances, such as: hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) and lidocaine, that relieve pain and itching, even temporarily.
Do not use an over-the-counter steroid cream for more than a week unless your doctor tells you to, as doing so can cause thinning of the skin in the area.
2. Eradication
If your external hemorrhoids have caused painful clotting, your doctor will likely remove the clot by making an incision to drain the clot, known as a thrombectomy.
This process is highly effective if it is applied within 72 hours after the clot has formed in the area.
3. Simple actions
If your hemorrhoids are accompanied by bleeding and pain, your doctor may advise you to use one of the minimally invasive procedures, which can be performed in the doctor’s office without the need for anesthesia. These options are:
Hemorrhoids treatment with rubber band
The doctor places one or two rubber bands around the base of the internal hemorrhoid to prevent blood from flowing to the hemorrhoid so that it will fall out within just one week. This treatment may cause bleeding that may start 2-4 days after the operation, but it is rarely severe.
Sclerotherapy
During this treatment mechanism, the doctor injects a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid tissue in order to shrink it, and although this injection does not cause any pain, it may be less effective than a rubber band.
Coagulation treatment for hemorrhoids
Coagulation techniques rely on the use of lasers, heat, or infrared light, which can cause the internal hemorrhoid to harden and then wilt.
This procedure is associated with some side effects and the chances of a hemorrhoid recurrence are greater compared to treatment with a rubber band.
4. Surgical operations
If the previous treatments did not help and the size of the hemorrhoid is large, the doctor may advise you to use the available surgeries, and these operations include:
Hemorrhoidectomy
In this process , the surgeon removes the excess tissue that causes bleeding. The surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation. This is the most effective process that helps treat hemorrhoids completely.
The operation may cause difficulty in emptying the bladder completely, and infections in the urinary tract.
shortening of hemorrhoids
This procedure aims to prevent blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue and is only used in the case of internal hemorrhoids.
The pain associated with this operation is less than the previous one, and unfortunately, the chances of developing hemorrhoids again are greater.
The operation may cause bleeding, pain, and urinary retention .
5. Home treatment of hemorrhoids
You can treat hemorrhoids that are not accompanied by great pain with home methods, and these procedures include the following:
Focus on eating foods rich in fiber : Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, in order to soften stools .
Warm Baths : Take warm baths for 10-15 minutes, three to four times a day.
Keep the anal area clean : Always make sure to clean the anal area and its surroundings using warm water and don't forget to dry it well.
Avoid using dry toilet paper : Replace with damp toilet paper that does not contain alcohol or perfume.
Placing a cold source : Apply it to the area where the hemorrhoid appears to reduce swelling.
Information about other treatments depending on the type of hemorrhoid
The doctor may resort to treating hemorrhoids in different ways, depending on the type, as follows:
1. External hemorrhoids treatment
In general, there is no need or recommendations for treatment by invasive procedures (invasive), or surgical operations for patients who suffer from external hemorrhoids, except in the event of thrombosis.
In general, patients who are examined within 72 hours since the thrombosis occurred, the blood is usually removed by a simple surgical procedure, such as an opening, to significantly relieve pain.
On the other hand, some doctors, researchers in this field, believe that there is a preference for a surgical operation to remove these hemorrhoids in order to prevent the recurrence of thrombosis.
2. Surgical treatment of internal hemorrhoids
If other procedures don't treat the hemorrhoids and don't bring the desired results, or if the hemorrhoids are large, your doctor will likely recommend surgery for treatment.
Some surgeries can be performed in an outpatient setting, while others require a one night stay in the hospital, including:
Closed hemorrhoidectomy.
Open hemorrhoidectomy.
Hemorrhoidectomy by stapling.
Ultrasound-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation with Doppler ultrasound.
lateral internal sphincterotomy
Prevention of hemorrhoids
Foods that prevent hemorrhoids
The best way to prevent is to make sure your stools are soft so that they can pass easily.
In order to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is preferable to follow the following measures:
Eat foods rich in dietary fibre.
Drink more fluids.
Consider the possibility of eating dietary fiber as a food additive.
Refrain from making a strenuous effort.
Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge.
Doing sports .
Refrain from standing and sitting for long periods of time.
Alternative therapies
There is no way to treat hemorrhoids with herbs, but some plants and other natural substances may help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, the most important of which are:
Honey.
Coconut Oil.
Cactus gel.
Apple cider vinegar.
tea tree oil.