Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

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Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

Understanding the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller

Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans each year. And although common, they share many symptoms with other more serious disorders. You may have a hemorrhoid if you are experiencing pain, burning, irritation, swelling or rectal bleeding. Read on to learn more about each of these symptoms and how they are related to hemorrhoids. See your health care provider if you are still unsure about the cause of your symptoms.

How Do Hemorrhoids Develop?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur either inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus.

As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus (sometimes called "anal cushions,) fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure and other factors cause the veins within these cushions to swell and stretch. They begin to bulge, forming tiny sacs either inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus.

Who Gets Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are an extremely common condition that affects both man and women, young and old. More than half of the American population will experience a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. The prevalence of hemorrhoids increases after age thirty; however, people of all ages are treated for this condition. Pregnant women are highly susceptible to hemorrhoids due to the increased blood volume, enlarged uterus, and hormonal changes that go along with pregnancy. Child birth also places an excessive amount of pressure on the veins of the rectal area.

The tendency to develop hemorrhoids does run in families, so if your parents were hemorrhoid sufferers, it is likely that you will be too. Weight, poor diet, improper lifting technique, lack of exercise, hormonal changes, certain medications, spinal cord injuries, and certain disease such as lung disease and heart disease, are all contributing factors to the development of hemorrhoids.

Do I Have Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are caused by excessive pressure in the anal area that causes rectal veins to stretch and swell. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Determining whether or not you have a hemorrhoid is easier if you understand the different types of hemorrhoids and the symptoms that go along with each.

External hemorrhoids are easy to self-diagnose because they can be visibly seen under the skin surrounding the anus. They are painful and itchy and may look like an oversized blueberry if they have become clotted. Internal hemorrhoids are more difficult to diagnose because they occur inside the anal canal. They may not cause any discomfort, but they bleed. This rectal bleeding will show up as bright red blood on the toilet paper or mixed in with a bowel movement. If you experience rectal bleeding of any kind, it’s best to have to condition evaluated by a medical professional to rule out the possibility of colon cancer, rectal cancer or other serious conditions.

Caring For Hemorrhoids

There are many things you can do to relieve the pain, itching, and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Under normal circumstance, hemorrhoids will shrink on their own with small dietary changes that ease digestion. It's important to avoid constipation and diarrhea, as these conditions will only aggravate hemorrhoids. Increasing water and fiber consumption in the diet will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Flaxseed oil, fiber supplements, and certain enemas can help maintain regularity. Avoid u sing rough, dry toilet paper, or toilet paper that contains perfumes or dyes as this can irritate the sensitive tissues. Instead, wash the anal area regularly to prevent irritation to the sensitive tissue. A warm sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes, two to three times a day can reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Do not use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen as they can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more.



When To See A Doctor

Under normal circumstances, hemorrhoids can be diagnosed and cared for at home. However, if a hemorrhoid becomes particularly troublesome or if it is difficult to diagnose, you should consult with your health care provider.

See your health care provider if rectal bleeding is present as this symptom can also be associated with other, more serious disorders, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and Crohn's disease. Also, have your doctor evaluate hemorrhoids that are accompanied by a fever, or do not go away after a week of home treatment.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

For persistent or troublesome hemorrhoids, your health care provider may recommend a medical procedure to alleviate or remove the hemorrhoid. Common procedures include Clot Removal, Rubber band ligation, Sclerotherapy, Laser or Infrared Coagulation, Hemorrhoidectomy, or PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids.) Your doctor can determine the best method to treat your hemorrhoids based on the location and severity of your case.

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Causes of Hemorrhoids

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur either inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus. As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure causes these veins to swell and stretch. Just about everyone is susceptible to developing hemorrhoids. Nearly half of all adults in the United States will develop a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. The tendency to develop hemorrhoids is hereditary. Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids because of the prenatal strain on the body. Constipation, child birth, weight, improper lifting technique, lack of exercise, spinal cord injuries, and certain disease such as lung disease and heart disease, are all contributing factors to the development of hemorrhoids. Read on to learn more about each of these factors and the changes you can make to reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids.

Constipation

Constipation is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Excessive straining during bowel movements places tremendous pressure on the anus as does prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet. Increase fiber and water consumption to soften and bulk up stools making them easier to pass. Daily exercise will also help to stimulate the digestive muscles and move waste through the system more quickly.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume and pressure on the uterus all increase a pregnant woman's tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Between twenty and fifty percent of all pregnant women will develop hemorrhoids during at some point in the pregnancy. Lie down and rest as often as possible throughout the day to avoid placing too much strain on rectal veins. And practice Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen the vaginal muscles, improve circulation, and prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Child Birth

If you had hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it is likely that the intense pushing associated with labor will make them worse. And if you were free of hemorrhoids before child birth, it is entirely possible that the strain of labor will contribute to their development. Daily exercises such as walking and Kegel exercises can be extremely beneficial in alleviating hemorrhoids that develop during labor. Daily exercise will stimulate the digestive muscles to prevent constipation. And though you may have thought you were finished with Kegel exercises once labor and delivery were over, these exercises can improve circulation to the rectal area and can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Weight

People who are overweight have a higher incidence of hemorrhoids than people who are not. Excess weight places a greater amount of stress on the body in general, especially the delicate veins of the rectum. Daily exercise can not only improve circulation and aid in weight loss, it is also helpful in avoiding any constipation that could cause hemorrhoids.

Lack of Exercise

Exercise stimulates the digestive system and allows food and waste to proceed more quickly through the body. If you do not get enough exercise, food in your system will sit in the colon for longer periods and become subject to dehydration. Daily exercise can be as simple as a walk around the block. Practiced for about thirty minutes on a daily basis can improve health and lessen the incidence if hemorrhoids.

Women can also practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the vaginal wall and improve circulation in the anal and vaginal area. No special equipment or experience is necessary to do Kegels. Simply squeeze the vaginal and anal muscles as if you were trying to avoid urination. Hold the tensed muscles for as long as possible (working up to about eight to ten seconds.) Repeat the move about twenty five times throughout the day.

Improper Lifting Technique

Heavy lifting and poor lifting technique can also contribute to hemorrhoidal development. The sudden increase of pressure on the blood vessels can cause the veins in the rectal area to stretch and swell. Don't lift objects that you are not physically strong enough to lift. Bend you knees and avoid holding your breath when lifting. Instead, breather evenly, exhaling as you lift the object.

Family History

You may inherit a family tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this tendency. But you can prepare for its inevitability and make an effort to reduce other factors that could contribute to the development of a hemorrhoid.

Age

You can't escape your age. As you get older, your veins become more fragile and your chances of developing hemorrhoids increases. Half of all adults over fifty years of age seek treatment for hemorrhoids.

Liver and Heart Disease

These two conditions may cause blood to pool up in the pelvic and rectal area, increasing the pressure in this area and increasing the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries hinder movement in the pelvic area and allow blood to pool up in the rectal veins. This contributes to the development. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this tendency. But eating a healthy and exercising if possible can help to reduce the likelihood.