Hemorrhoids: An Anal Problem that Affects Millions of People

Have you noticed blood in your stool, in the toilet bowl or in the tissue paper after a bowel movement? This may be a clear sign that you are having hemorrhoids. You are just one of the millions of people who experience the condition. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about half of the population will experience some kind of hemorrhoid by the time they reach the age of 50.

In hemorrhoids, the veins around the anus and the last part of the large intestine called the rectum becomes swollen and inflamed. It could be a result of too much straining during a bowel movement. Several factors have been associated with hemorrhoids including chronic (long-term) constipation or diarrhea, advancing age, and pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are fairly common in women who are pregnant. This can be due to the pressure from the growing fetus and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can cause the involved vessels to enlarge. Usually, the condition is temporary and will usually go away after giving birth.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include blood in the stool, toilet paper, or toilet bowl; a protrusion or hard lump around the anus, which can become irritated and cause pain; and itching around the anus. Because of pain and irritation, it is difficult to sit up straight. Most often, you may want to just lie on your side.

While these symptoms usually go away within a few days, these can be signs of other digestive problems. They can be signs of life-threatening conditions, such as colorectal or anal cancer. A person who experiences bleeding and pain or sudden changes in bowel movement, especially if he or she is 50 years old or older or has a family history of colon or rectal cancer, should seek medical advice.

Most cases of hemorrhoids do not require special medical treatment. The doctor may advise the person to have warm tub baths several times a day or recommend a cream to be applied to the affected area or prescribe other medications.

If constipation is causing the problem, the doctor may recommend increasing fluids and fibers in the diet. Good sources for dietary fibers include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Dietary fibers help form bulk and soften the stool, which can make bowel movement easier and lessens straining during the process.

In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended by the doctor to remove extensive or severe hemorrhoids.

Most cases of hemorrhoids can be prevented with proper diet that includes fibers and exercising regularly.

References:

Hemorrhoids. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Hemorrhoids: MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine.