Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are annoying, irritating and despite the fact that they affect millions of people, for many they are still treated as taboo. Hemorrhoids affect our quality of life but are not health threatening.
Hemorrhoids have many treatment options for their treatment, although they are often treated with the doctor's instructions at home.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are part of the normal anatomy of the area around the anus, as well as in the lower part of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are blood vessels (venous network) that when they swell or clot, like varicose veins in the legs, are characterized as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids Categories
Hemorrhoids, depending on their location, are divided into:
Internal Hemorrhoids
That is hemorrhoids that develop inside the anus or rectum.
Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four stages:
- Stage 1: The hemorrhoids are inside the rectum and cannot be seen.
- Stage 2: Hemorrhoids are pushed out into the anus but return to their position automatically.
- Stage 3: Hemorrhoids project outside the anus and return to their place with the help of the patient or the doctor.
- Stage 4: Hemorrhoids remain permanently outside the anus.
External Hemorrhoids
That is the hemorrhoids that develop outside the anus and are more annoying.
Who do hemorrhoids affect?
Hemorrhoids are directly related to the modern lifestyle, the sedentary life, the lack of fiber from the daily diet, and are a common condition in both men and women. According to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids affect 1 in 20 Americans, and more than 50% of Americans over the age of 50 have hemorrhoid disease.
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Causes of Hemorrhoids
The exact causes of swollen hemorrhoids are not known. However, the veins around the anus can become swollen from increased pressure, which is caused by:
- Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Low plant fiber diet
- Lifting significant weight
- Staying in the toilet for a long time
Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Depending on their location, hemorrhoids may present if they are external hemorrhoids:
- One or more lumps in the anus area
- Itch
- Pain, especially when sitting
If they are internal hemorrhoids usually occurs:
- Bleeding from the rectum, with bright red blood on the toilet paper, stool or toilet
Hemorrhoids Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hemorrhoids by the general surgeon is necessary in order to rule out other conditions such as anal fissure or rectal prolapse. The correct diagnosis will determine the appropriate treatment for hemorrhoids. The doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids with a digital examination, and if he deems it necessary, he will also request a proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower part of the rectum.
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Because the symptoms of hemorrhoids are similar to those of other diseases, a visit to the doctor is essential.
Treatment
Treatment for hemorrhoids can be conservative, which very often works, and invasive, an area where progress has been made in recent years with minimally invasive procedures.
Conservative, non-surgical, treatment for hemorrhoids includes a change in dietary habits with fiber and water, exercise as well as local hygiene and topical treatment with creams and suppositories.
If treatment for hemorrhoids does not work, the surgeon may recommend, depending on the case, operations to remove the hemorrhoids, which are performed either in the doctor's office or in a hospital setting.
Surgical treatment for hemorrhoids includes a wide range of techniques:
- Surgical excision of hemorrhoids (multiple surgical techniques)
- Laser cauterization of hemorrhoids
- Thermocoagulation of hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoid cryotherapy
Each treatment for hemorrhoids from the above is chosen by the attending physician based on the stage of the hemorrhoids and after a thorough discussion with the patient about the pros and cons of each treatment-technique.
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