Hemorrhoids: An Overview of Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Definition

Dilation of the veins located on the internal or external margins of the anus.

Causes of illness

The cause most frequently implicated in the appearance of hemorrhoids is constipation due to poor eating habits.

Other common causes of hemorrhoids are:

• Family forms (certain members of the same family may have a higher prevalence)
• Pregnancy due to venous ecstasy and the effort to give birth can cause hemorrhoids that normally disappear after delivery.
• Standing for a long time, or carrying a lot of weight, can make hemorrhoid symptoms worse or worse.
• The consumption of exciting or spicy substances can promote or worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of illness

The most frequent symptoms are:

• Itching and burning at the anal level, especially after defecation or cleaning the anus.
• Emission of small amounts of red blood through the anus, usually at the end of defecation or when cleaning with toilet paper.
• External hemorrhoids can hurt during bowel movements or during prolonged sitting. Internal hemorrhoids don't usually hurt.

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of hemorrhoids is based on the description of the patient's symptoms and the visualization of the hemorrhoids by anal inspection, digital rectal examination or anoscopy.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of hemorrhoids should be initially conservative and include:

During crises:

• Warm-cool water baths (3-4 a day), for 10-15 minutes.
• Local cold application
• Use of anti-hemorrhoidal creams, for a limited time (no more than 5-7 days, because they can cause more bleeding).
• Analgesics (paracetamol, anti-inflammatories ...)

During defecation:

• Avoid suppressing the urge to go to the bathroom.
• Try to make a bowel movement a day, avoiding diarrhea and constipation
• Avoid straining when defecating
• If the hemorrhoids come out of the anus, you should try to return them to their usual position by applying slight pressure with your finger.
• For cleaning, wet wipes or warm baths are better after bowel movements than using toilet paper.

Large hemorrhoids, very bleeding, easily prolapsed or thrombosed may require surgical treatment, the most commonly used techniques are:

• Surgical removal of the hemorrhoid;
• Band ligation consists of putting a rubber ring around the hemorrhoids and these gradually diminish;
• Laser coagulation;
• Hemorrhoid sclerosis.

Disease prevention

• Increase the amount of fiber in meals (fresh fruits, vegetables, whole wheat bread, cereals ...);
• Drink liquids: 2 to 3 liters a day (juices, soups);
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol, the exciting ones and the spicy ones;
• Get some exercise daily;
• Avoid wearing tight underwear or clothing during seizures.