Contrary to the usual definition of hemorrhoids as a sickness or a disease, they are actually vascular, or blood vessels, structures in the lower part of the digestive system, specifically the anus, that helps control the passage of stool. They become a sickness, or pathological, when they become inflamed, swollen and/or ruptured.
The types of hemorrhoids are actually determined by their position superior (above) or inferior (below) the dentate or pectinate line - a line that divides the upper 2/3s of the anus and the lower 1/3s of the rectal canal.
There are two typical types of hemorrhoids; internal hemorrhoids, which usually presents no pain, brought about by the usual absence of pain receptors - and external hemorrhoids, which is the exact opposite of the first one, plus bleeding when they become irritated.
What causes hemorrhoids?
There are lots of predisposing factors directly or indirectly affecting the occurrence of hemorrhoids in adults. Diet (low fiber), sedentary lifestyle (people who sit for extended period of time - which places prolonged pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins), body mass index (obese people tend to suffer more from it than people in the healthier half of the index), and exercise.
A number of contributing factors may lead to the development of hemorrhoids. This includes irregular bowel activity (constipation or diarrhea), increased and prolonged intra-abdominal pressure (continued straining), pregnancy, genetic predisposition, age, and the abnormal absence of valves within the rectal veins.
How can you prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids?
The most logical way to prevent hemorrhoids is to prevent the occurrence of its main cause - prolonged and abnormal pressure on the rectal veins.
-Prevent constipation - soften the stools by maintaining a balanced high-fiber diet (food high in fiber like green vegetables and fruits like apples, avocados, dried fruits)and consuming an adequate amount of fluids per day
-Avoid unnecessary strenuous activities that exerts extra pressure on the abdomen and rectum.It would be also advisable to empty the bowels as soon as the urge occurs, and avoid prolonged time in defecating, discard reading for an extended period of time while sitting on the toilet bowl.
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
Surgical treatment is usually done to those helpless or life-threatening cases. But they are done if the traditional or conservative procedures have failed, and of course, in the convenience of the patients.
-Cautery has been shown to be working for hemorrhoids in adults, but is usually only used if and when other methods fail. This can be done using infrared radiation, electrocautery, and/or laser surgery.
-Sclerotherapy includes the shot of a sclerosing agent into the affected veins. This causes the vein walls collapse and, thus, the hemorrhoids to wither.
-Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical excision of the hemorrhoid used primarily only in severe cases.
Traditional treatment characteristically comprises of increasing dietary fiber, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, oral fluids to maintain and increase hydration, Sitz baths - where you sit in a large basin of warm or cool water with or without soothing chemicals, and of course, total rest. Increasing fiber intake has been known to improve results, and may be attained by dietary changes or the consumption of supplemental fiber.
While many topical agents (creams) and suppositories are available for the management of hemorrhoids in adults, though there is diminutive evidence to support their use. Agents containing steroids should not be used for more than two weeks as they may cause diminishing of the superficial layers of the skin.
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