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HEMORRHOIDS |
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What
Are Hemorrhoids? |
The term hemorrhoids
refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower
rectum are swollen and inflamed.
Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing
factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea,
and anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin
around the anus (external). (See figure.)
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What
Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids? |
Many anorectal
problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and
itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly
referred to as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most
cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.
Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms.
The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood
covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However,
an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body,
becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a
hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This
condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the
anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may
produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause
itching.
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How
Common Are Hemorrhoids? |
Hemorrhoids
are very common in both men and women. About half of the population
have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant
women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal
changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels
are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most
women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary
problem.
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How
Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed? |
A thorough evaluation
and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding
from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be
a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood
vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital
rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.
Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with
an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids,
or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire
rectum.
To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor
may examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy
or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible
tubes inserted through the rectum.
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What
Is the Treatment? |
Medical
treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms.
Measures to reduce symptoms include
• Warm tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water
for about 10 minutes.
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Preventing of the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving
the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often
recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating
the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses
of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A
softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens
the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating
straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.
Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or
a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose
(Citrucel).
In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically
or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy
the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure
during an office or hospital visit.
A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size
of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include |
 Illustration
reprinted from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Artist: Russell K. Pearl, M.D. |
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Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base
of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation,
and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
• Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around
the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
• Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn
hemorrhoid tissue.
• Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe
internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery
known as hemorrhoidectomy.
•The Hemorest™ hemorrhoid relief
cushion has provided many hemorrhoid sufferers with soothing
sustained relief. The Hemorest™ eliminates
the internal pressures that cause hemorrhoids. Often just by
sitting the need for more serious procedures can be substantially
reduced.
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How
Are Hemorrhoids Prevented? |
The
best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass
easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels
as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking,
and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining
by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.
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Do
you suffer from the intense discomfort of pregnancy hemorrhoids? |
Hemorrhoids
are a common problem during or following pregnancy. Pregnancy
hemorrhoids can be caused by hormonal changes to the digestive system.
The increased blood flow in the area around the uterus and the pelvis
because of the weight of the uterus, can cause a blockage of circulation.
Hemorrhoids
or Piles can worsen towards the end of pregnancy. They may also
get worse with each pregnancy you have. However they SHOULD ease
away after delivery of your child.
The Hemorest
hemorrhoid comfort cushion relieves the pain of pregnancy hemorrhoids,
naturally, by counteracting hemorrhoidal pressure at its source.
The Hemorest relieves the heavy downward pressure the fetus exerts
on the sensitive hemorrhoidal area, relieving discomfort without
chemical creams or ointments.
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Hemorest
Cushion is a patent Hemorrhoids
Product - Hemorest is a trademark - Hemorrhoids relief and cure
product, the hemorest comfort cushion treats and cures Hemorrhoids |
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