Think of hemorrhoids like your booty's version of varicose veins. Most of the time, they are simply there, doing their job. However add some stress -- comparable to weight problems, straining during a bowel motion, the extra weight of being pregnant, prolonged sitting during an extended car or airplane ride or while on the bathroom, and continual diarrhea or constipation -- and the tissue swells, knots and often turns into painful.
There are other reasons for this unlucky experience. As we age, our connective tissues weaken and stretch out of form, which can lead to a prolapse, or falling, of part of the anal wall, which may then protrude from the anus. Repeated anal intercourse can produce the same impact or irritate present hemorrhoids and make them bleed.
There is some indication that hemorrhoids run in families, too. And those with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's and inflammatory bowel illness can add the next threat for hemorrhoids to their lengthy list of ailments.
Sorts of hemorrhoids
There are types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. If you happen to had to choose, choose internal.
Internal "piles" happen within the lower rectum, the place there are not any ache facilities, so they don't hurt. Nevertheless it's scary when they bleed, normally a bright pink shade because of excessive oxygen content material in the area.
Sometimes, inside hemorrhoids can prolapse outside the anus, gathering minute particles of feces or different supplies and leading to intense itching often known as pruritus ani.
Exterior hemorrhoids develop in the skin around the anus and may be extremely painful as we sit, wipe and go about our every day lives, particularly if a blood clot or thrombosis develops contained in the hemorrhoid sac. Even when the clot resolves on its own, which may occur in a single or two weeks, the shrunken hemorrhoid can leave a pores and skin tag that can cause hygiene problems.
Are hemorrhoids dangerous?
Rarely. If blood loss from hemorrhoids is extreme, there is a chance of anemia, with which you don't have sufficient crimson blood cells to carry needed oxygen throughout the body. Inner hemorrhoids can collapse and be "strangulated" when their blood provide is cut off by anal muscles. This can result in blood clots, infections and, in excessive instances, gangrene or sepsis.
Immunocompromised patients could heal slowly and be extra at risk for infection after surgical interventions, so docs advocate surgical procedure as a final resort. What may be really dangerous is assuming that your symptoms are simply hemorrhoids without getting a colorectal specialist to take a look-see. Although not essentially the most nice expertise, it beats many of the different diseases that mimic the signs of a hemorrhoid.
Bleeding, for example, is the commonest symptom of hemorrhoids, however it is also a sign of colorectal or anal cancer. Ache can indicate an exterior hemorrhoid, but it could possibly additionally signify an anal fissure, or a tear in the pores and skin at the opening of the anus. Anal ache can also point to an abscess or to fistula illness, an irregular tunnel between two organs.
Remedies for hemorrhoids
Most piles, both inside and exterior, can be managed at home with care to not exacerbate the problem. Attempt to not strain throughout bowel movements or sit too long. Stool softeners and extra hydration and fiber can assist with constipation.
