Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are common irritations that can be extremely painful. You might feel or see a lump around the anus.

Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the anus and the lower part of the rectum; their appearance is similar to that of varicose veins.
Hemorrhoids can form inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus.

There are several factors that hemorrhoids can create; for every four adults, almost three will suffer from hemorrhoids.
There are several effective methods for treating hemorrhoids. Many people manage to control this condition through a healthy lifestyle and home treatments.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

The veins around the anus tend to stretch due to pressure and can become inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be formed by increased pressure in the lower rectum, caused by:

Carry heavy things frequently
Be pregnant
Eat a low-fiber diet
Obesity
Making an effort when emptying the intestines
Sitting for a long time
Have chronic diarrhea or constipation
Having anal sex

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

The signs of hemorrhoids differ depending on the type of hemorrhoid.

External hemorrhoids, located under the skin around the anus:

Sore pain in the anal area
Swelling around the anus
Bleeding

Internal hemorrhoids, located inside the rectum:

Bleeding during bowel movements
Pain and irritation

Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when blood accumulates in external hemorrhoids, forming a clot:

Intense pain
Inflammation
A hard lump near the anus

Risk factors of hemorrhoids

Age, as you get older, the probability of suffering from Hemorrhoids increases
Pregnancy, as the weight of the baby, puts pressure on the anal area

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids

The Proctologist will perform a physical exam, check your abdomen, and ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.

Following are some of the possible tests to perform:

Anoscopy, check the anal canal and rectum
A digital exam, a gloved finger, and lubrication will be inserted into the rectum to detect something unusual
Visual inspection, using an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope, the Proctologist will examine the lower part of the colon

A Colonoscopy may be done if the doctor notices any risk of colorectal cancer or if your signs and symptoms show that you may have another digestive system condition.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Following are some home remedies, in case the pain caused by the hemorrhoid is mild.

Eat foods high in fiber
Apply over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, ointments
Over-the-counter pads
Take a soak in a tub of a sitz bath of warm water for 10–15 minutes two or three times a day
Take pain relievers by mouth

Hemorrhoid symptoms usually go away after a week. In case the symptoms persist, or you are bleeding, see your doctor.

Procedures for Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

The Proctologist can remove hemorrhoids, under local anesthesia, the procedure is usually more efficient if it is done within 72 hours after a clot has appeared.

Minimally invasive procedures

In case the bleeding continues, and you have pain or discomfort, the general surgeon may use one of the following methods:

Elastic band ligation
Injection (sclerotherapy)
Coagulation (infrared, laser or bipolar)

Surgical procedures

In case the other methods described above have not been successful, your general surgeon may recommend one of the following:

Removal of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy)
Stapling hemorrhoids

¿When do you have to see a doctor?

If you present any of the mentioned symptoms or to detect another abnormal sign, make your appointment with the general surgeon.

When consulting your surgeon, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.

BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos
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