While hemorrhoids are most common in 50-60 year olds, it is not uncommon for them to develop at any stage of a person’s life. Babies, young children, teenagers, adults and the elderly can all suffer from hemorrhoids, and it is just a case of knowing what symptoms to look out for.
It can be scary for a new parent to discover their baby may be suffering from hemorrhoids. It is typically noticed when blood is found in the diaper and on the baby wipes and it is understandable that his discovery is frightening, especially if it is a parent’s first child. While not very common, hemorrhoids can occur at such a young age for a variety of reasons, for example if a baby cries or even coughs too hard. The may also be suffering from constipation from drinking formula. First and foremost the baby must be taken to the doctor to check that it is hemorrhoids causing the bleeding. When the doctor confirms this is the source, the best way to treat the condition is using a very gentle topical cream. Increasing the baby’s water intake and giving it sitz baths are also very effective ways of tackling hemorrhoids.
In young children it may not be so easy to detect that they are suffering from hemorrhoids. They do not need diapers so parents cannot see any evidence for themselves, but if the child does notice any blood they may be too scared to tell their parents. Maintaining an open relationship where the child tells the parent about anything that may be worrying them is essential. Also if a parent notices a child itching the affected area or acting like it is giving them discomfort or even pain they should take the child to the doctor for them to be checked.
In both teenagers and adults the symptoms, causes and remedies are all very much the same. Finding blood when having bowel movements plus itching and discomfort indicates that hemorrhoids may have developed and the doctor should be visited to confirm. The causes could be anything from a bad diet so straining while making bowel movements, and there are countless over the counter and prescription medications available to tackle the symptoms.
In the elderly hemorrhoids can be brought on by one of two factors: persistent constipation or uncontrollable soilage. Similarly to getting hemorrhoids at any stage in life, constipation is very common in the elderly. Many eat easily chewed and swallowed foods, but these types are generally low in fibres and as a result stool becomes very hard, dry and difficult to pass thus causing hemorrhoids. The opposite of constipation is soilage, where the anal sphincter muscle has weakened so much that they cannot control bowel movements. This looseness allows the veins within the anus to droop and form into hemorrhoids. A doctor should be able to prescribe them with something that will combat either of the underlying conditions and reduce the symptoms of the hemorrhoids.
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