Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be a very embarrassing and uncomfortable condition caused by the swelling of veins in the anus and rectum.

Over half of the worlds population will suffer from this condition usually after the age of 40, however it can develop sooner especially during pregnancy.  The symptoms are rarely life threatening but can be very painful and should be treated immediately and if bleeding occurs check with your doctor, but before we proceed to that I want to quickly mention some of the symptoms and causes.

Hemorrhoids are classified into two types, internal and external, these are then further graded into the following grades;

This grading system was developed by Banov and is widely used by clinicians:

Grading of Internal Hemorrhoids
Grade I: The hemorrhoids do not prolapse.
Grade II: The hemorrhoids prolapsed upon defecation but spontaneously reduce.
Grade III: The hemorrhoids prolapse upon defecation, but must be manually reduced.
Grade IV: The hemorrhoids are prolapsed and cannot be manually reduced.

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids occur in the inner region of the rectum, these can be described as damaged or bleeding veins often caused by straining during passing motions.  Straining while passing motions causes bleeding which will be noticeable on the toilet paper or in the stool itself.

Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids can be easily identified by a physical examination of the anal area and are characterised by lumps, reddening soft tissue protruding from the anus.  These protrusion can be tender often itchy and may bleed when passing stools or irritated by toilet paper.

Causes of Internal/external Hemorrhoids

Bad diet - insufficient fibre - not enough water - causes hardening of the stool
Sitting for prolonged periods - either on the toilet or at your work station
Straining during bowel movement - or lifting heavy items
Lack of exercise

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

There are many different option open to you regarding treatment, including herbal remedies, over the counter creams and surgery in extreme cases.

Lets take a look at herbal or natural remedies first, you can take supplements such as Butcher's broom extract, horse chestnut extract and bioflavonoids, drinking chamomile tea regularly can provide effective hemorrhoid treatment.

Over the counter remedies include vitamin E creams, witch-hazel suppositories, witch-hazel ointment, Aloe Vera and Japanese Pagoda Tree extract will all help relive the symptoms and prevent them from returning.

Surgery is only necessary when the Doctor advices a procedure due to the severity of the condition.  There are several procedures such as rubber band ligation, cryosurgery and hemorrhoidectomy, all will be discussed further.

It is important that you have a good history of the rectal bleeding, pain or hemorrhoids, as the symptoms are non specific and may be caused by some other anorectal disease; this will help your Doctor with the diagnosis.

You need to call a Doctor when;

You develop bleeding between bowel movements or significant bleeding from hemorrhoids.
If you have rectal bleeding and have a family history of colon cancer.
You have significant pain from your hemorrhoids.
If you are unable to contact your Doctor and have significant pain, bleeding or are concerned in any way then you should be evaluated in the hospital.