Hemorrhoids are the enlargement of veins in the anal area (anus and rectum) and the surrounding tissues, a phenomenon similar to the varicose veins that occur in the legs. Every French person over the age of 50 will suffer from this disease at some point in their life. This very intimate problem is embarrassing and often taboo. Doctissimo revisits the causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by dilated veins, the size of which varies from person to person. Depending on their location, they are present inside (intraanal) or outside (perianal) the anus. These are normal anatomical structures and only take on a pathological appearance if you develop hemorrhoids (i.e. when the blood vessels protrude and form a “ball” in the anus).
Symptoms: How do you know if you have hemorrhoids? There are three common symptoms of hemorrhoids:
Itching,
Irritation,
Bleeding during or after bowel movements.
There may be other rare symptoms as well. Itching, burning, and pain in the anal area
Whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids, itching and pain around the anus often occur suddenly. Although these symptoms can be very bothersome, you should not scratch them. This will only cause more inflammation and make the pain worse.
Pain when passing stool
Internal hemorrhoids can cause pain when passing stool and a burning sensation inside. Internal hemorrhoids are difficult to self-diagnose because they are not visible. Pain does not necessarily accompany hemorrhoidal disease, but it is usually accompanied by complications, which can be internal or external thrombosis depending on the location of the affected vessel. With effective treatment, hemorrhoids are not medically dangerous, but thrombosis can lead to the formation of ulcers that can bleed after a few days.
Bleeding during or after bowel movements Usually, the bleeding is light and barely noticeable on underwear or toilet paper. If bleeding occurs, inform your doctor. Based on a local examination (by an anoscope), the doctor can classify hemorrhoids according to their anatomical location. Since this type of bleeding can be the first sign of rectal cancer, doctors are often not satisfied with this finding and prescribe other additional tests. Sensation of rectal inflammation
This sensation may also indicate inflammation associated with the presence of internal hemorrhoids.
Mucous discharge from the anus
Pink or light red discharge may indicate the presence of internal hemorrhoids. However, be careful as exudate from the anus can have many different causes, including hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, rectal ulcers, colon tumors, and atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.
Sensitive protrusions emerging from the anus
In contrast to internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids form small protrusions of various sizes and shapes, but are noticeable at the anal outlet.
An advanced form of internal hemorrhoids can also be external hemorrhoids. There are three grades of internal hemorrhoids:
1st degree hemorrhoids: The anal canal is normal.
2nd degree hemorrhoids: There is initial prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids, but they may still shrink. The hemorrhoids come out of the anus during bowel movements and return to their normal position.
3 hemorrhoids: There is a mix of internal and external hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids have to be pushed back in by hand after bowel movements.
4th degree hemorrhoids: The hemorrhoids remain more or less always facing outwards. It causes discomfort, oozing and bleeding. It cannot be replaced manually.
How long do hemorrhoid attacks last?
Hemorrhoid symptoms last for 2-4 days. It is accompanied by pain and bleeding from the anus. In hemorrhoidal disease, the hemorrhoidal pad slides down towards the anus (the exit point of the internal hemorrhoids from the anus). This is called hemorrhoidal prolapse.
The development of hemorrhoids can also be complicated by hemorrhoidal thrombosis, which is characterized by the formation of blood clots within the hemorrhoidal tissue.
Causes of hemorrhoids: what causes them? It is normal for the veins in the anorectal area to dilate slightly during bowel movements. But if this expansion continues, then the increase in blood pressure in this area becomes a problem. We are talking about hemorrhoids. There are several possible reasons why such hemorrhoids may occur. They can be:
Genetic predisposition.
Pregnancy and natural childbirth.
Obesity;
Frequent constipation.
Sitting too long and often.
Lack of exercise.
Also sports such as horse riding and cycling.
Carrying heavy loads every day.
Sodomy.
Hemorrhoids: People at risk
Having a close relative who suffers from hemorrhoids.
Pregnant women;
Women who have given birth vaginally.
People suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.
People who suffer from constipation.
Treatment of hemorrhoids: How to relieve hemorrhoids? How to cure hemorrhoids fast? Treatment of hemorrhoids is based on a short course of painkillers (paracetamol, analgesics, or ibuprofen) and cortisone cream.
Laxatives may be prescribed to treat constipation, a factor that aggravates hemorrhoids. Laxatives that do not contain corticosteroids are available from pharmacies in the form of topical creams or lubricating suppositories.
Some patients may also benefit from other medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and bradycardia medications. Some people find relief from symptoms when they soak their anus in hot water during a sitz bath.
How do you cure stubborn hemorrhoids? Treatment can be performed by a doctor in a clinic.
Elastic ligation of the hemorrhoids, radiofrequency treatment, or sclerotherapy (consisting of injections of a sclerosing agent) of the hemorrhoidal vessels may be considered. If necessary, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is only recommended as a last resort if previous treatments have failed. In that case, you will need to take time off work.
Prevention: How can I prevent hemorrhoids? If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you should take simple measures such as leading a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence.
Foods that prevent constipation and the formation of hemorrhoids are fresh vegetables, fruits, raw vegetables and legumes.
Drink plenty of water (1.5-2 liters per day).
A healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat, salt and pastries is recommended.
Meat, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and tea should be avoided. Ideally, a vegetarian diet should be continued until the symptoms disappear.
Limit your alcohol intake.
In general, hemorrhoids can be treated with simple remedies that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also important to fight constipation and regulate intestinal transit. Finally, you should pay particular attention to hygiene in the anal area, without overdoing it, as soap can cause irritation.