Hemorrhoidal Problems
Hemorrhoids are veins in the anal and rectal area that have become swollen and inflamed. They may also be referred to as a pile or a rectal lump. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 50 percent of the people in the U.S. who have reached the age of 50 have dealt with hemorrhoids at some time or another. Hemorrhoids may be internal or external and, in most cases, are not serious and require only at-home treatment.
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Causes of Hemorrhoids
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Hemorrhoids typically develop due to increased pressure in the anal or rectal areas. Some circumstances that tend to cause hemorrhoids are chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity, sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time and anal intercourse. Older individuals are more likely to develop hemorrhoids because the tissues in the anal and rectal regions weaken over time and are not able to adequately support the veins in those areas.
External Hemorrhoid Problems
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External hemorrhoids form under the skin near the anus and may also protrude outside of the anus as well. External hemorrhoids may bleed and itch. Sometimes external hemorrhoids can develop a blood clot called a thrombus, which causes intense pain and swelling. Individuals with hemorrhoids often experience pain when having a bowel movement.
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Internal Hemorrhoid Problems
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Internal hemorrhoids exist in the inside of the rectum and usually cannot be seen or felt. Sufferers often do not have any symptoms other than the presence of blood when having a bowel movement. However, sometimes internal hemorrhoids can be pushed to the outside of the anus during a bowel movement. When this occurs, it is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be very irritating and painful. They usually go back inside the rectum within a short amount of time, or they can be manually pushed back inside.
Hemorrhoidal Complications
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Some individuals with hemorrhoids may experience fecal leakage, which can be rather inconvenient. When hemorrhoids reoccur regularly, significant blood loss may occur. This blood loss can lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition that occurs when there is a deficiency in red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include weakness and fatigue. A more serious hemorrhoid complication may occur if an internal hemorrhoid is cut off from its supply of blood. The affected tissues may die, and gangrene can set in.
Hemorrhoid Treatment
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Hemorrhoids are often treated with over-the-counter ointments that contain witch hazel or hydrocortisone. However, these ointments should not be used for a prolonged period of time because side effects may occur. Painful hemorrhoidal blood clots can be removed via a small incision in a doctor's office. External hemorrhoids can be treated with rubber band ligation, which is a procedure that stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to die and fall off. Some hemorrhoids may be treated with injections that shrink the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids may also be treated with lasers. Larger hemorrhoids may be removed through surgical means. According to the National Health Institute, the chance of hemorrhoid recurrence may be lessened by drinking lots of water and eating a diet high in fiber.
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