Hearing somebody say that his child has hemorrhoids seems to be something ridiculous to some. This is because hemorrhoids are known only to be a disorder of the pregnant, the adults and the elderly. But actually, hemorrhoid in children is possible, although that is rare.
When a child has hemorrhoids, it is usually caused by prolonged sitting to a hard surface and of course, just as adults, constipation. Children, especially those on the school-age, have very poor diet. They usually consume junk foods and they avoid eating vegetables and high fiber foods, which are very essential for good intestinal motility. This is why constipation is common to them. As they enter school, children usually sit on their desk for almost eight hours a day, which makes them very susceptible to the development of hemorrhoids when combined with constipation.
Hemorrhoid in children could actually mean an underlying diagnosis or a disorder. Although internal hemorrhoids, in all age groups, are usually characterized by bleeding, this symptom could also indicate vascular anomalies of the small intestines or colon. Children with hemorrhoids usually manifest signs and symptoms that are generally mild, but regardless of the severity, the condition should be addressed immediately by a pediatrician.
Managing and preventing hemorrhoids in children is not so different from the treatment options for adults but it is a bit more difficult to implement. Just as adults, dietary modifications are necessary. The need for high fiber diet and increased oral fluid intake is usually emphasized by the health care provider when providing health teachings to the parent of the child in order to prevent constipation. But often times, the diet modification is not being followed because the child do not understand fully the need for the said intervention. Another way of preventing constipation, which the child could actually do, is exercising which improves the gastrointestinal motility of the child.
Providing alternating cold and warm compresses to the rectal area of the child with hemorrhoids would provide relief. This is done by applying ice pack over the area for ten to fifteen minutes then soaking the area to warm tub or the use of sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes also. Maintaining the rectal area clean and dry are also being emphasized to the parents of the child.
Surgery is usually the treatment of choice of hemorrhoids in adults; but in children, it is considered to be out of the list of treatment option even in severe cases such as in hemorrhoidal prolapse. This is probably due to the fact that most hemorrhoids in children usually resolve on its own because the child’s body is still maturing and developing. A less invasive procedure, known as the Rubber Band Ligation, is performed on the child instead.
Having hemorrhoids is as disturbing and irritating to the child as it is to adults. Parents should be very sensitive in dealing with their children with hemorrhoids as this could be a very traumatizing event to the child. The prevention of hemorrhoids is one of the factors in promoting wellness in children.
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