Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the swelling and expansion of the veins, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting. The most common cause is straining during defecation. But constipation, sitting for long periods of time and anal infections also contribute to the development of this problem. In some cases, may be caused by other diseases such as liver cirrhosis.
Varicose veins are swollen and painful in lower portion of the rectum or anus.

Causes and Risk Factors

This condition is very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the swelling and expansion of the veins, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting. The most common cause is straining during defecation. But constipation, sitting for long periods of time and anal infections also contribute to the development of this problem. In some cases, may be caused by other diseases such as liver cirrhosis.

Internal hemorrhoids occur just inside the anus, at the beginning of the rectum, while occurring outside the anal opening and may hang outside the anus.


Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Anal itching

• Anal pain, especially while sitting

• Bright red blood on toilet paper in the Lee or bowl

• Pain during bowel movements

• One or more hard tender lumps near the anus


Signs and tests

Often, a doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids simply by examining the rectal area. If necessary, you can perform the following tests to help diagnose the problem:

• Stool guaiac (shows the presence of blood)

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Anoscopy


Treatment

The counter corticosteroid creams can help reduce pain and swelling. Hemorrhoid creams containing lidocaine can reduce pain and witch hazel. it is applied with cotton swabs and relieves itching. Other steps you can take to avoid anal itching include:

• Wear cotton underwear

• Avoid toilet tissue with perfumes or dyes

• Avoid scratching hemorrhoids

Sitz baths in warm water for 10-15 minutes, can help the person feel better. Also, stool softeners help reduce straining and constipation.

For cases that do not respond to home treatments, a surgeon or gastroenterologist can apply heat treatment, called infrared coagulation, to shrink internal hemorrhoids. This may help avoid surgery. The surgery can be done to treat hemorrhoids includes rubber band ligation or surgical hemorrhoidectomy. These procedures are generally used for patients who have not responded to other therapy with severe pain or bleeding.

Expectations(prognosis)

Most treatments are effective, but to prevent the recurrence of the problem, the person should consume a diet rich in fiber fibrarica and drink plenty of fluids.


Complications

The blood in the enlarged veins may form clots and tissue surrounding the hemorrhoids can die. Hemorrhoids with clots generally require surgical removal.

Bleeding may also be severe. Iron deficiency anemia can be the product of a prolonged loss of blood. However, it is unusual Significant bleeding hemorrhoids.

Situations requiring medical assistance

Call your health care provider if hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve with home treatment or if rectal bleeding occurs. It is possible that the doctor is interested in finding other more serious causes of bleeding, especially if the patient never bled from hemorrhoids before.

Prevention

Avoid straining during defecation. You can help prevent hemorrhoids by preventing constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight glasses a day, like eating a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can think of fiber supplements.