Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins located in the lower part of the rectum and anus.
These veins become swollen from straining at stool, particularly in those with constipation.
It can also frequently develop in women during pregnancy and young children.
It is a very common condition with over 50% of adult population affected by the age of 50, with over 25 millions suffering from hemorrhoids in the U.
S.
There are two types of hemorrhoids.
Those that occur inside are called internal hemorrhoids, while those that develop outside the anal canal is called external hemorrhoids.
In fact, many individuals have both internal and external hemorrhoids.
The most common symptom associated with internal hemorrhoids is bleeding.
Usually the bleeding is bright red in color.
The blood can be seen covering the stool, or on the toilet tissue, or even in the toilet bowel.
The bleeding from internal hermorrhoids is usually painless and self-limited.
If the internal hemorrhoids becomes large enough, it can protrude outside the anal canal and become palpable.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, usually cause itching and discomfort.
On rare cases, a blood clot can form, resulting in swelling and severe pain, usually requiring a visit to a doctor's office or emergency room.
Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, it is important to exclude other more serious conditions.
For example, colon cancer, especially those that occur in the distal colon can also present with rectal bleeding and mimic hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Other frequent causes of lower intestinal bleeding include diverticular bleeding, colonic polyp and blood vessel abnormality called angiodysplasia.
In general, patients who present with bleeding, especially those over the age of 50, should undergo colonoscopy for a thorough evaluation of the colon.
To prevent the development of hemorrhoids, one should avoid straining during bowel movement.
Reading, while sitting on the toilet should be avoided.
Food with high fiber content, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are recommended.
Increasing fluid consumption by drinking at least 8 glasses of water everyday is also helpful.
Regular exercise is also advisable.
For mild cases of hemorrhoids, over-the-counter ointments such as zinc oxide and petroleum jelly can reduce itching and prevent further injury.
Suppositories (Preparation H and Tucks) can reduce irritation and lubricate anal canal.
Hydrocortisone ointment can help reduce pain and itching.
For more advanced cases, non-surgical treatments including rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, or infrared photocoagulation may be considered.
In refractory cases, hemorrhoidectomy, a surgical treatment, may be necessary.
These veins become swollen from straining at stool, particularly in those with constipation.
It can also frequently develop in women during pregnancy and young children.
It is a very common condition with over 50% of adult population affected by the age of 50, with over 25 millions suffering from hemorrhoids in the U.
S.
There are two types of hemorrhoids.
Those that occur inside are called internal hemorrhoids, while those that develop outside the anal canal is called external hemorrhoids.
In fact, many individuals have both internal and external hemorrhoids.
The most common symptom associated with internal hemorrhoids is bleeding.
Usually the bleeding is bright red in color.
The blood can be seen covering the stool, or on the toilet tissue, or even in the toilet bowel.
The bleeding from internal hermorrhoids is usually painless and self-limited.
If the internal hemorrhoids becomes large enough, it can protrude outside the anal canal and become palpable.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, usually cause itching and discomfort.
On rare cases, a blood clot can form, resulting in swelling and severe pain, usually requiring a visit to a doctor's office or emergency room.
Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, it is important to exclude other more serious conditions.
For example, colon cancer, especially those that occur in the distal colon can also present with rectal bleeding and mimic hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Other frequent causes of lower intestinal bleeding include diverticular bleeding, colonic polyp and blood vessel abnormality called angiodysplasia.
In general, patients who present with bleeding, especially those over the age of 50, should undergo colonoscopy for a thorough evaluation of the colon.
To prevent the development of hemorrhoids, one should avoid straining during bowel movement.
Reading, while sitting on the toilet should be avoided.
Food with high fiber content, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are recommended.
Increasing fluid consumption by drinking at least 8 glasses of water everyday is also helpful.
Regular exercise is also advisable.
For mild cases of hemorrhoids, over-the-counter ointments such as zinc oxide and petroleum jelly can reduce itching and prevent further injury.
Suppositories (Preparation H and Tucks) can reduce irritation and lubricate anal canal.
Hydrocortisone ointment can help reduce pain and itching.
For more advanced cases, non-surgical treatments including rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, or infrared photocoagulation may be considered.
In refractory cases, hemorrhoidectomy, a surgical treatment, may be necessary.