As haemorrhoid cases rise, an experts shares its causes and symptoms

Haemorrhoid is a very painful condition. Here are all the causes of haemorrhoids, its symptoms and treatment options.
causes of haemorrhoids
Unhealthy lifestyle can worsen the case. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Ramesh T S Published: 14 Sep 2022, 08:59 am IST
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Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a disease that occurs when the veins in the anus are dilated (swollen). In the last ten years, a drastic increase in haemorrhoid incidents is documented among youngsters that account for 40 to 50 percent of all patients which was earlier nearly 20 percent. This condition usually causes discomfort, pain, itching, bowel movement disorders and bleeding. Here we’ll discuss all the causes of haemorrhoids and its symptoms.

Here are 5 causes of haemorrhoids:

1. Constipation

Constipation is the primary cause of these haemorrhoidal masses. It refers to strain during defecation or infrequent passage that is less than 3 times a week. The cause of constipation in youngsters is due to lifestyle changes, especially in the food intake wherein high-calorie fried foods cause dehydration making hard stools.

2. Lack of fibre

The lack of fibre content in food intake causes further hardening of the stools.

3. Stress

Stress and depression also cause dehydration and hardening of the stools.

4. Sleeping issues

Insomnia and social holding or postponing of the urge to defecate causes hardening of the stools.

causes of haemorrhoids
Getting regular and ample sleep is important! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Wrong posture or prolonged sitting

The wrong posture during the act of defecation can cause increased straining during the act of defecation. Prolonged straining/sitting with the use of gadgets during the act of defecation is another primitive cause of haemorrhoidal formation.

Symptoms of piles

Many patients of piles are asymptomatic because of which they seek medical attention in later phases of the disease. The initial stages are usually neglected thereby medical management will not be sufficient for them. There are three types of haemorrhoids which includes:

Internal: Internal piles patients present with painless bleeding during bowel movements or excessive mucus discharge. You might also experience pain and irritation.

External: The external pile’s patients present with a clotted painful mass in the anal passage, sometimes with an infection. Most of the patients experience symptoms such as pain, discomfort, bleeding, swelling around the anus along with anal fissure symptoms.

Also, read: Can eating spicy food cause piles? Let’s find out if it’s a myth or fact

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Prolapsed: Both internal and external Haemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of the anus. This can cause bleeding and pain.

Diagnosis and treatment options of haemorrhoids:

Diagnosis

Proper evaluation before initiating treatment for piles is essential to prevent recurrence and give complete treatment to haemorrhoidal patients.

causes of haemorrhoids
Piles often go away on their own without treatment. Image courtesy: Shuttersock

Physical examination to diagnose the disease includes Digital rectal exam, an Anoscopy at the clinic and Sigmoidoscopy before surgery.

Treatment

To treat the condition, medical management is recommended for all; however, patients with the advanced phase require invariable procedures. The latest method of laser ablation of haemorrhoidal mass gives significant anchorage of the haemorrhoidal mass and complete shrinkage of the bleeding vessels and thereby relieves most symptoms.

Also, read: Hemorrhoids may get worse in winter. Use these 5 tips for comfort

Additionally, an internal Sphilcterotomy provides the expansion of the anal canal thus preventing trauma to the anal canal from the stools.

Takeaway

In conclusion, the treatment of haemorrhoidal patients is proper evaluation for the cause of constipation and thereby initiating treatment of the complication of constipation (haemorrhoidal mass) both put together gives excellent results to these patients.

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About the Author

Dr Ramesh T S, Consultant - Minimal Access Surgery, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar ...Read More

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