Hemorrhoids, or piles, are one of mankind's most common and nagging disorders. By themselves, hemorrhoids are rarely serious, but they can be extremely troublesome. In some instances, they may mask a more serious disorder, such as colon or rectal cancer. Therefore, hemorrhoids require the proper diagnosis and treatment by a physician’s Hemorrhoids are relatively common during pregnancy. Some women get them for the first time while they're pregnant — and if you've had them before pregnancy, you're quite likely to have them again now. They may also develop during the second stage of labor, while you're pushing.
Causes and symptoms
Precisely why hemorrhoids develop is unknown. Researchers have identified a number of reasons to explain hemorrhoidal swelling, including the simple fact that people's upright posture places a lot of pressure on the anal and rectal veins. Aging, obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation or diarrhea, excessive use of enemas or laxatives, straining during bowel movements, and spending too much time on the toilet are considered contributing factors. Heredity may also play a part in some cases.
Other symptoms are a sensation of fullness, usually described as feeling the urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool. Straining worsens the discomfort.
Internal hemorrhoids. You can't see or feel these hemorrhoids. But straining or irritation from passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid's delicate surface and cause it to bleed.
External hemorrhoids. These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus), causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation.
Diagnosis
When bleeding is present, it is important to rule out more serious conditions. Hemorrhoids do not become cancer, but some forms of cancer can cause symptoms similar to those of hemorrhoids. The doctor may also use an anoscope, a small tube that allows him or her to see into the anal canal. Under some circumstances the doctor may wish to check for other problems by using a sigmoid scope or colonoscope, a flexible instrument that allows inspection of the lower colon or the entire colon
Treatment
Hemorrhoids can often be effectively dealt with by dietary and lifestyle changes. Softening the feces and avoiding constipation by adding fiber to one's diet is important, because hard feces lead to straining during defecation. Fruit, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals are good sources of fiber, as are bulk laxatives and fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Citrucel. Exercising, losing excess weight, and drinking six to eight glasses a day of water or another liquid (not alcohol) also helps.
If the patient waits three or more days, medical treatment will resolve the discomfort, but relief may take up to a week. Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Resting in bed with the legs elevated
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Warm sitz baths
