Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. In medical terms, this disease is called hemorrhoids and is divided into two types according to where it develops. If it grows in the rectum, it is called internal hemorrhoids, while under the skin around the anus it is called external hemorrhoids.
Quoted from Healthline, hemorrhoids effect 50 percent of adults aged over 50 years. However, it does not rule out the possibility that children and teenagers can experience it.
Hemorrhoids rarely cause significant pain. However, external hemorrhoids can sometimes form blood clots in the skin so there is little chance of them returning to the anus. Although very annoying, this disease is not life-threatening and often goes away on its own. Please remember, this condition only applies if new hemorrhoids appear in stages 1 and 2.
Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the type. The following are the symptoms of hemorrhoids quoted from the Mayo Clinic:
External Hemorrhoids
- Extreme itching to irritation in the anal area
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Swollen and usually accompanied by bleeding in the anus
Internal Hemorrhoids
- Even though you can’t feel or see it, internal hemorrhoids are characterized by bleeding during defecation
- Remains of excess skin hanging outside around the anus.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) arise because there is too much pressure on the blood vessels around the anus. It’s not surprising that external hemorrhoids are the most common and troublesome type. To find out more, identify the causes and risk factors:
- Straining too hard when defecating.
- Squatting for a long time on the toilet.
- Experiencing chronic constipation or diarrhea.
- Have a family history of hemorrhoids.
- Lifting consistent heavy weights.
- Obesity
- Pregnant (the growing uterus will press on the blood vessels (veins) in the large intestine, causing swelling).
If it feels uncomfortable and bothersome, see a doctor for a medical diagnosis to find out the progress and treatment.
Hemorrhoid Diagnosis
When a hemorrhoid sufferer goes to the doctor, there is an examination that must be undergone. This examination is called a Digital Rectal Exam (digital rectal examination). The doctor will insert a lubricated finger into the rectum to find out the cause of the swelling.
If the sufferer has digestive organ problems, the doctor recommends additional tests, such as anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. These tests use a small camera that is inserted into the mouth to look for abnormalities in the intestines, rectum and anus.
Hemorrhoid Complications
Although cases are rare, complications of hemorrhoids can occur if they are severe, such as:
- Swollen blood clots.
- Bloody.
- Anemia caused by loss of blood in a certain quantity.
- Hemorrhoid infection.
Hemorrhoid Treatment and Prevention
We can do independently hemorrhoid treatment at home or with the help of a doctor at the hospital. Below, I summarize several treatments that can be done independently:
- Warm Water Compress
To relieve pain, hemorrhoid sufferers can soak in a tub of warm water for at least 10 minutes every day. Another way is to sit on a warm water bottle to relieve the pain of external hemorrhoids. - Pain Reliever
If you can’t stand it, use suppositories (cone-shaped solid medicine), ointments, or over-the-counter medicated creams to relieve burning and itching. We can find this medicine in pharmacies or online stores, but make sure it has BPOM to avoid other bad effects. It will be more effective if you consult a medical expert first. - Fiber Foods
The culture of healthy eating and fiber has very good benefits for the body, one of which is treating hemorrhoids. Apart from being rich in vitamins, papaya is a fruit that is often recommended for hemorrhoid sufferers.
Hemorrhoid sufferers can take an alternative method by adding fiber supplements to their food to help soften their stools. The two most commonly found supplement ingredients are psyllium and methylcellulose. - Maintain anus cleanliness
Keeping the anus clean is the most important treatment to prevent the swelling from getting worse. However, you should not use soap high in detergent because it can make hemorrhoids worse. Also avoid toilet paper textures that are too rough when wiping the anus.
Hemorrhoid Prevention
Several ways that can be done to prevent hemorrhoids are:
- Consume foods rich in fiber.
- Increase your intake of body fluids.
- Don’t delay defecating.
- Avoid excessive straining.
- Avoid sitting for too long.
- Do exercise regularly.
When to See a Doctor
If your bleeding gets worse or doesn’t improve after a week of home treatment, report it to medical services immediately. Do not analyze yourself that anal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, even though this problem can occur because of other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer.
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