Haemorrhoids
are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. The
haemorrhoidal veins are located in the lowest part of the rectum and the
anus. Sometimes, they swell so that the vein walls become stretched,
thin, and irritated by passing bowel movements. Haemorrhoids are
classified into two general categories: internal and external.
Internal haemorrhoids lie far enough
inside the rectum that you can’t see or feel them. They don’t usually
hurt because there are few pain-sensing nerves in the rectum. Bleeding
may be the only sign that they are there. Sometimes internal
haemorrhoids prolapse, or enlarge and protrude outside the anal
sphincter. If so, you may be able to see or feel them as moist, pink
pads of skin that are pinker than the surrounding area. Prolapsed
haemorrhoids may hurt because they become irritated by rubbing from
clothing and sitting. They usually recede into the rectum on their own;
if they don’t, they can be gently pushed back into place.
External haemorrhoids lie within the
anus and are often uncomfortable. If an external haemorrhoid prolapses
to the outside (usually in the course of passing a stool), you can see
and feel it. Blood clots sometimes form within prolapsed external
haemorrhoids, causing an extremely painful condition called a
thrombosis. If an external haemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it can look
rather frightening, turning purple or blue, and could possibly bleed.
Despite their appearance, thrombosed haemorrhoids are usually not
serious and will resolve themselves in about a week. If the pain is
unbearable, the thrombosed haemorrhoid can be removed with surgery,
which stops the pain.
Anal bleeding and pain of any sort is
alarming and should be evaluated by a doctor; it can indicate a
life-threatening condition, such as colorectal cancer. Haemorrhoids are
the main cause of anal bleeding and are rarely dangerous, but a
definite diagnosis from your doctor is essential.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Anyone at any age can be affected by
haemorrhoids. They are very common, with about 50% of people
experiencing them at some time in their life. However, they are usually
more common in elderly people and during pregnancy. Researchers are not
certain what causes haemorrhoids. “Weak” veins – leading to
haemorrhoids and other varicose veins – may be inherited.
It’s likely that extreme abdominal
pressure causes the veins to swell and become susceptible to irritation.
The pressure can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, standing or sitting
for long periods, straining on the toilet, coughing, sneezing, vomiting,
and holding your breath while straining to do physical labour.
Diet has a pivotal role in causing – and
preventing – haemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fibre
diet are less likely to get haemorrhoids, but those who prefer a diet
high in processed foods are at greater risk of haemorrhoids. A low-fibre
diet or inadequate fluid intake can cause constipation, which can
contribute to haemorrhoids in two ways: it promotes straining on the
toilet and it also aggravates the haemorrhoids by producing hard stools
that further irritate the swollen veins.
The symptoms of haemorrhoids
include:Bright red bleeding from the anus. Blood may streak the bowel
movement or the toilet paper,tenderness or pain during bowel movements, a
painful swelling or a lump near the anus, anal itching, a mucous anal
discharge.
Treatments for piles
There are treatments for piles available from pharmacies or through a general practitioner.
Creams, ointments and suppositories can
help relieve swelling and inflammation symptoms in the short term.
However, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid cream for severe
inflammation. An internal haemorrhoid can be injected with a solution
that creates a scar and closes off the haemorrhoid. The injection will
only hurt a little.
If your hemorrhoids produce only mild
discomfort, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments,
suppositories or pads. These products contain ingredients, such as witch
hazel or hydrocortisone, that can relieve pain and itching, at least
temporarily.
Don’t use an over-the-counter cream or
other product for more than a week unless directed by your doctor. These
products can cause side effects, such as skin rash, inflammation and
skin thinning.
Also, warm (but not hot) sitz baths are a
traditional therapy for piles: sit in about 8 cm of warm water for 15
minutes, several times a day, especially after a bowel movement.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can
help relieve pain caused by piles. Products with local anaesthetic may
be prescribed to treat painful haemorrhoids.
If you are constipated, a GP may recommend using a laxative.
However, these treatments do not get rid of the haemorrhoids themselves.
If you are pregnant, discuss any
treatment, including dietary changes, with your doctor before
proceeding.If symptoms persist, your doctor may suggest one of the
following procedures. Many can be performed as a day-case:
Source: www.wedmd.com
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