Hemorrhoids are also piles. It is a condition where the veins found in the lower rectum and anus becomes inflamed and swollen caused by increased pressure within them, especially due to constipation, severe diarrhea and during pregnancy due to the pressure on the enlarged uterus.
Internal hemorrhoids are present in the inside lining of the rectum and cannot be felt. They do not cause pain and blood is present during bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids can protrude through the anus.
External hemorrhoids are present underneath the skin surrounding the anus and can be felt. Once swollen, they can cause itchiness, pain or even bleed during bowel movement. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid happens when blood within the veins clot up and cause severe pain.
Symptoms
- A lump near the opening of the anus which is very painful and sensitive.
- Leakage of feces
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Itchiness and irritation near the anal area
- Passing stools that are colored black, tarry or maroon
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or bouts of passing out
If any of these symptoms becomes severe, seek medical help immediately
Causes
- An overweight and obese person
- Sitting in the toilet for long periods of time and not able to pass out stools
- Suffering from digestive problems such as chronic constipation and diarrhea.
- Pregnancy can also hemorrhoids
Treatment of hemorrhoids
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lessen the pain and discomfort.
- Use moist toilet paper when cleaning the anal area. Avoid using dry toilet paper to help prevent irritation or itchiness of the affected area. Avoid using perfumed toilet paper or those that contains alcohol to prevent irritation of the area.
- Take a warm bath in order to help in relieving the pain and swelling
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the anal area every day in order to help minimize the swelling and inflammation.
- Take a warm Sitz bath at least 3 times every day for 15-20 minutes to lessen the inflammation of the hemorrhoids. Dry completely the anal area after taking a sitz bath in order to lessen the irritation of the skin surrounding the anus.
- Increase intake of fluids and dietary fibers or roughage to lessen constipation and pressure placed on the rectum and anus during a bowel movement and also lessen swelling, discomfort and bleeding of the area.
- Perform regular exercise at least 30 minutes every day in order to help minimize constipation and reduce pressure on the hemorrhoid veins. Have bowel movement once the urge arises. Once the urge passes out, the stools can become constipated and there is the need to strain every time there is a bowel movement.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/hemorrhoids
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics#1