|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are a condition typified by swollen veins near the anal and lower rectal regions in individuals. Exertion of increased pressure, and strained bowel movements are possible causes resulting in hemorrhoids. As per Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments, with almost everyone suffering from them at some stage of their lives. Fortunately, numerous potent treatment methods are currently available to cure the condition completely.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to a Mayo Clinic study, bleeding during bowel movements, itching feeling near the anal region, extreme pain and discomfort, inflammation near the anus, and leakage of feces are some of the common symptoms which are generally associated with hemorrhoids.

    Causes and Risk Factors

    • Chronic constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse, obesity, pregnancy, strained and painful bowel movements are some of the possible causes of hemorrhoids.

    Complications

    • Complications arising from hemorrhoids are pretty rare; however, in certain severe cases, hemorrhoids may result in anemia. Excessive loss of blood due to hemorrhoids may sometimes cause fatigue and tiredness and eventually lead to anemia.

    Treatment Methods

    • Surgery, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and coagulation (laser technique) are some of the common treatment methods that are widely used to cure hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is the procedure in which the external hemorrhoid tissues are removed under local anesthesia as it involves minimal pain. Rubber band ligation is another commonly used method in which the external hemorrhoid tissues are tied with two or three rubber bands in order to cut off the blood circulation, thus eventually resulting in their withering off. Sclerotherapy involves injection of a chemical solution intravenously which hastens the shrinking and withering off of the hemorrhoidal tissues. The coagulation method utilizes heat along with infrared radiations to damage the tissues of hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and fall off eventually.

    Diagnosis

    • Development of external hemorrhoids is very easily detected by simply looking, however internal hemorrhoids are not detected and diagnosed that easily. To detect the internal hemorrhoid, doctors generally insert a finger into the rectum of the individual, and in some cases also use medical instruments such as anoscope in order to properly diagnose the condition.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles