Haemorrhoids: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is Haemorrhoids?
• How does Haemorrhoids occur?
• Who is prone to Haemorrhoids?
• Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
• Diagnosis of Haemorrhoids
• Complications of a Haemorrhoids
• Treatment for Haemorrhoids

You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.

What is Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are a very common disease. Three out of four adults suffer from haemorrhoids from time to time. It may not cause evident symptoms at times, while in others, it may cause bleeding, itching and discomfort. The disease of haemorrhoids is characterized by swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus. It may be a result of increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy or strain during bowel movements. It usually develops inside the rectum and under the skin around the anus. Although the disease has a number of causes, the exact cause is often unknown.

How does Haemorrhoids occur?

Haemorrhoids are caused when the veins around the anus stretch under pressure and swell or bulge. Haemorrhoids can be a result of age as well. As we get older, the tissues that support our veins in the anus and rectum can stretch and weaken. Swollen veins may be a result of:

• Low-Fibre Diet
• Pregnancy
• Chronic Diarrhoea or Constipation
• Sitting on the Toilet for Long Periods of Time
• Straining During Bowel Movements
• Anal Intercourse
• Obesity

Who is prone to Haemorrhoids?

Some people are more prone to haemorrhoids than others. Adopting the following lifestyles can increase your risk of contracting the disease:

Unhealthy Diet – Maintaining a diet low in fibre and high in fat may result in the disease. Try to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods into your diet

• Anal Intercourse
• Alcoholism
• Chronic Diarrhoea or Constipation
• Jobs that require you to stand or sit in one place for long periods of time may result in the disease as well.
• Lack of physical activity
• Severe liver or heart disease
• Loss of Pelvic Floor Muscles – Loss of pelvic floor muscles due to surgery, pregnancy, age or childhood may result in the disease. You can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by performing Kegel exercises.

What are the symptoms of Haemorrhoids? How is Haemorrhoids diagnosed?

The symptoms of haemorrhoids include:

• A lump developing around your anus. The lump may be painful or sensitive.
• Painless bleeding during bowel movements is another indication of the disease.
• Irritation or itching in your anal area.
• Discomfort and pain
• Swelling around your anus

Diagnosis

External haemorrhoids can be diagnosed simply by looking at the anal region. Tests and procedures are required to diagnose internal haemorrhoids. These include:

Digital Examination – Your doctor will insert his gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for anything offbeat and unusual. Your doctor may recommend further testing after the completion of this examination.

Visual Inspection – Your doctor may examine the lower portion of your colon with a proctoscope, sigmoidoscope or anoscope as internal haemorrhoids are often too soft to be felt with a rectal examination.

What are the complications of Haemorrhoids?

Complications caused due to haemorrhoids are very rare: There are two known complications:

Strangulated Haemorrhoid – The cut off of blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid may be a cause of extreme pain.

Anaemia – Chronic blood loss from haemorrhoids may lead to anaemia.

What is the treatment for Haemorrhoids?

There are several methods of treatment to relieve mild pain and inflammation. These include:

Medications – There are several medications available in the market to ease the pain associated with haemorrhoids and help with inflammation and itching. Do not use over-the-counter creams for more than a week as it can lead to thinning of the skin.

External Haemorrhoid Thrombectomy – Your doctor can remove painful blood clots formed within an external haemorrhoid, with a simple incision and drainage procedure. The procedure is most effective when done within 3 days of developing the blood clot.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Surgery – If none of the above-mentioned options works, your doctor may recommend getting a surgery.