Hemorrhoids are a
common condition, in which the veins
in the soft tissues around the anus
or inside the lower rectum become
swollen and inflamed. External
hemorrhoids refers to swelling
under the skin around the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids refers to
swelling inside the anus. A prolapsing hemorrhoid occurs when an
internal hemorrhoid protrudes
outside the anus. Hemorrhoids
usually are not a serious condition
and symptoms commonly resolve within
a few days.
Hemorrhoids are often
associated with a low-fiber Western
diet. These high fat,
low-fiber diets often cause
individuals to suffer from constipation. Constipation causes straining during
bowel movements, and because the smaller
and harder stools are, the more difficult
they are to pass. Hemorrhoids can form when
intra-abdominal pressure increases
from straining during defecation or
from lack of fecal bulk. Hemorrhoids are also common during
periods of hormonal stress and pregnancy
in women. Other factors
that may cause hemorrhoids include;
obesity, aging, diarrhea, long
periods of standing or sitting,
heavy lifting, and anal intercourse. [1-3]
According to the
National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institute of Health [1]:
-
Hemorrhoids are very
common in men and women.
-
Hemorrhoids are
common among pregnant women.
-
About half of all
people over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid symptoms
commonly occur following
constipation. Signs of a
developing/existing hemorrhoid
include;
-
Red blood on toilet
paper or covering the stool after a
bowel movement
-
Swellings around the
anus
-
Mucus discharge from
the anus with or without itching
-
Discomfort and
tenderness on defecation
-
Soft tissue protrudes
through the anus with defecation and
then retracts, with a prolapsing
hemorrhoid.
Severe cases may
include painful swelling or a hard
lump around the anus from a blood
clot (thrombus).
Bleeding from the
anus may indicate colorectal cancer
and requires immediate medical care.
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