Hemorrhoids

A lot of people suffer from hemorrhoids, and it’s an extremely painful and annoying condition that interferes with the patient’s daily life and reduces the quality of life.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the inflammation and swelling of the veins inside the rectum (the part that connects the bowel with the anus) and outside the anus (the final opening in the digestive system).

Hemorrhoids are very common, and the risk of having them increases with age, especially after the age of 50.

Hemorrhoids types

• Internal hemorrhoids: the swelling of the veins inside the rectum, and they cause bleeding without pain.
• External hemorrhoids: the swelling of the veins under the skin around the anus, and they cause pain and itchiness in addition to occasional bleeding.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids: they occur when an internal or external hemorrhoid gets stretched and bulges outside the anus, and it causes pain or bleeding.

Internal hemorrhoids degrees

• First degree: bleeding without prolapsing.
• Second degree: bleeding with prolapsing and spontaneous reduction.
• Third degree: bleeding with prolapsing and manual reduction.
• Fourth degree: bleeding with prolapsing and can’t be reduced manually.

Causes and risk factors leading to hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur as a result of excessive pressure on the lower part of the abdomen due to the following factors:

• Long sitting, especially in the toilet.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Heavy lifting.
• Straining while defecating.
• Low-fiber diet.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
• Annual intercourse.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

• Internal hemorrhoids don’t usually cause symptoms unless they’re prolapsed, and they also cause bleeding.
• External hemorrhoids cause hard lumps around the anus, pain, itchiness, bleeding, and swelling.
• In some cases, these complications might occur: blood clots inside the hemorrhoids, which is a very painful condition, the blood flow to the hemorrhoids might be cut off, infections, and rarely, anemia.

Diagnosis of hemorrhoids

• Physical examination.
• Imaging tests.
• Endoscopy.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often wear off alone, and they can be managed at home by following some steps, such as:

• Having more fiber and water.
• Avoiding long sitting, especially in the toilet.
• Warm soaking for 10-20 minutes daily.
• Taking laxatives when needed.
• Taking painkillers when needed.
• Some topical treatments.

Some severe cases might require other treatments, such as cutting off the blood flow into the hemorrhoid by using some procedures and surgery to remove the hemorrhoids entirely.

Prevention of hemorrhoids

• Avoid long sitting, especially in the toilet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t strain while defecating.
• Have enough fiber and water.
• Take laxatives only when needed.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle.