Sit Down Again Monthly
September, 2007
Information on hemorrhoids, treatments, symptoms, and more.
Diagnosing and Treating Hemorrhoids
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
Diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids is common and 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 diagnosis at some point in their lives. The prevalence of hemorrhoids diagnosis 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, diagnosing and treatment of hemorrhoids.
Diagnosing and Treating 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 hemorrhoid diagnosis can be diagnosed 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 using 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 for Diagnosing and Treating Hemorrhoids
Under normal circumstances, hemorrhoids diagnoses can be cared for at home. However, if a hemorrhoid diagnosis becomes particularly troublesome or if it is difficult to diagnose, you should consult with your health care provider.
See your health care provider for diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids 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 diagnose hemorrhoids that are accompanied by a fever, or do not go away after a week of home treatment.
Treatment of Diagnosed 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 for diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids based on the location and severity of your case.