Physicians and other health experts are still unsure of the specific cause of hemorrhoids. However, the different factors causing the development of a hemorrhoid are well identified by the health professionals and even the society as well. All activities that cause interference with the blood flow towards and from the area of the intestines and of the rectal/anal area contribute to the development of hemorrhoid. The top of the list of these contributing factors is chronic constipation.
How do they develop?
Hemorrhoids are bulging blood vessels in the anal area. They develop when the blood circulation is interfered in the area. When the pressure in the anal area increases during straining upon bowel movement, the muscles will stretch as well as the other tissues in the area that supports the blood vessels of the rectal wall. This will make the blood vessels weaker in handling the flow of blood. Eventually, the blood vessels will bulge and may even be prolapsed.
The symptoms of hemorrhoid include the following:
•Itching – The mucus leaked by an internal hemorrhoid into the anal canal causes irritation and itchiness on the anal area.
•Bleeding – Internal types of hemorrhoid can normally cause bleeding. Other disorders concerning the rectum o the colon can also cause bleeding.
•Pain – Although hemorrhoid does not normally cause pain, large ones can be really painful. Severe pain from hemorrhoid is an emergency sign because this means that blood supply towards the hemorrhoid is cut off and this can lead to necrosis (tissue death).
How is hemorrhoid diagnosed?
Physicians diagnose hemorrhoid through conducting medical history taking and physical exam. If the hemorrhoid is external, the physician can assess the bulge and easily diagnose it as a hemorrhoid. If the hemorrhoid is internal, the physician may need a viewing instrument called anoscope, which is inserted into the rectum.
A digital rectal exam may also be conducted by the physician to check the rectal area for bleeding that can be caused by an internal hemorrhoid. If bleeding is present, as evidenced by the presence of blood streaks in stool or presence of microscopic blood in stool seen in a laboratory test, the physician may ask for diagnostic exams such as a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy to rule out other possible causes of the bleeding.
What are the treatments for hemorrhoid?
Topical medicines and rectal suppositories are usually prescribed by physicians to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoid. There are also home interventions that can provide comfort such as hot sitz bath and cold application. Surgeries are done for complicated and serious forms of hemorrhoids.
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