The Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid is a common condition. Fifty to seventy five percent of all Americans develop hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are defined as painful, swollen, inflamed veins located around the anus or lower rectum. They occur due to weakening of the muscles that support the blood vessels in the area. This weakening may be caused by any of the following reasons. Straining during bowel movement, chronic constipation, diarrhea and sitting for long periods of time. Other causes are; excessive and prolonged coughing, sneezing and vomiting, being overweight, having a diet low in fiber and constant heavy lifting or standing. In addition, during the last six months of pregnancy the increased pressure from the uterus can cause hemorrhoids to develop, they may also develop after childbirth.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
Anal itching.
Pain during bowel movement,
Bright red blood on the toilet tissue after use and blood seen on stool or in the toilet bowl.
Rectal bleeding may be a symptom of other medical conditions such as rectal polyps, a fissure in the rectal canal or colorectal cancer. It is important to consult with your physician about any rectal bleeding and obtain the proper tests and diagnosis.
Hemorrhoids may be internal or external. An internal hemorrhoid may be small or it might be quite large. A large internal hemorrhoid can appear like a sac-like protrusion outside of the anus. Severe pain will be endured when anal muscle pressure is applied to the protruding sac or if the blood supply to the sac is cut off. An external hemorrhoid may have a hard or soft, tender and painful lump that may bleed. It could also become thrombosed or (clotted.) this increases the severity of the pain.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis your physician will do an examination of the rectal area.
If necessary your physician may also do a stool guaiac test to determine if there is occult (hidden) blood in the stool.
Sometimes a sigmoidoscopy which is the examination of the sigmoid portion of the lower intestines with a flexible scope, having a small camera attached to a flexible tube may be necessary to diagnose internal hemorrhoids.
An anoscopy may also be done to diagnose internal hemorrhoids by looking at the last two inches of the colon through a lighted anoscope.
Treatment
Most times hemorrhoids can be treated conservatively in the following ways:
Taking Sitz baths several times per day.
Ice packs to the area will sooth and relief the discomfort and reduce swelling.
Application of petroleum jelly, cortisone creams or preparation H. will also relief the symptoms.
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In addition adding high fiber to your diet, drinking more water, taking daily walks or other methods of exercise and taking a stool softener will also help to relief the pain and discomfort of this condition.
Treatment Methods for Internal Hemorrhoids.
Rubber Band Ligation:
This is the placement of a small rubber band at the base of the internal hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid which then shrivels up and falls off within a 4-7 day period. This is one of the most effective non surgical treatment and the least expensive.
Injection Sclerotherapy
This method is the shrinking of the hemorrhoid by injecting a chemical solution in the mucus membrane near the hemorrhoid. This cuts of the blood supply, causes scaring to the tissue and the hemorrhoid dies.
Infrared Photocoagulation
This method shrinks the hemorrhoid by the application of an infrared light which creates an intense beam of infrared light. This scars the tissue, cuts off the blood supply and the hemorrhoid dies. This method is used to treat small to medium hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoidectomy
This is the surgical removal of the hemorrhoid. This is usually the last resort and is the most successful way to treat large internal hemorrhoids.
This common condition called hemorrhoid may be avoided if you take the following steps. Eat a high fiber diet.
Have a daily exercise routine.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid sitting and standing for excessively long periods of time.
Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.
Avoid too much heavy lifting.
For more in formation visit:
WebMd
MedLinePlus
MedGrades.com
www.healthscout.com
