External Hemorrhoids
The veins of the rectum and anus can get dilated because of the pressure on the rectal veins. This is known as Hemorrhoids or Piles. This is a very common problem and is developed in almost fifty to seventy-five percent of the Americans. As a result of the pressure on the walls of the rectum, the muscles that support the hemorrhoidal vessels enlarge and protrude like a sack inside the rectal canal. This is also called as Internal Hemorrhoids. Some times the enlarged hemorrhoidal vessels enlarge under the skin around the anus and are called as External Hemorrhoids.
At times, the internal hemorrhoid pushes itself out of the anal opening which also results in external hemorrhoids.
Even though hemorrhoids can occur any time, it is most commonly found in elderly people. It is also found in younger people, pregnant women and women who have recently given birth.
Causes of Hemorrhoids are
- Constipation
- Coughing & Sneezing
- Sitting in the same position for a long time
- Pregnancy – pressure of the uterus on the lower abdomen
- Lifestyle
- Low fiber diet
- Overweight etc
The most common symptoms are:
- Traces of blood in the stool.
- Incomplete bowel movements and
- Rectal itching.
Bleeding from the rectum does not necessarily mean that it is a hemorrhoid. It could also be due to inflammation of the intestines or anal fissures. It is advisable to contact a doctor in the case of bleeding from the rectum.
Hemorrhoids – Treatment
The treatment of hemorrhoids starts with steps to reduce pain. Some of the steps are as follows:
ü Warm tub baths for about 10 minutes, many times a day.
ü Ice pack to reduce swelling
ü Application of petroleum jelly, hemorrhoidal cream, cortisone creams in the affected area.
ü Wearing loose and cotton under-wear.
ü If your work demands that you sit at the same place for a long time, you must use a cushion. The cushion will reduce the pressure on the veins and provide some relief.
If the above mentioned steps do not help, you may have to try one of the methods mentioned below for the treatment of External Hemorrhoids.
Infrared Photocoagulation
Laser Coagulation
Hemorrhoidectomy
In majority of the cases, hemorrhoids heal in a week or two; however they have a tendency to recur unless certain precautions are taken.
Some of the precautions to be taken are as mentioned below.
The water intake per day should be a minimum of 8 glasses.
Ensure that you are physically active by walking and avoid sitting for a long time in one place at a stretch.
Use Stool softeners to avoid pain. Please consult your doctor, as it is not advisable to use stool softeners for a long time.
Try to reduce your weight
Generally for those who have Hemorrhoids, they try to delay or avoid defecating because of the pain involved. It is very important that they change their bowel habits to ensure that it does not recur.
Apart from all precautions mentioned above, it is very important to maintain a high-fiber diet and take a lot of fluids to prevent Hemorrhoids from recurring.