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Q: What are hemorrhoids?
A: Hemorrhoids are inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum.
Several types of hemorrhoids exist:
External Hemorrhoids form on the outside of the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). These types of hemorrhoids are painful, and are usually accompanies by swelling and irradiation. External hemorrhoids are prone to becoming thrombosed when the vein ruptures and forms a blood clot in the hemorrhoid. When this happens the hemorrhoid is referred to as a Thrombosed Hemorrhoid.
Internal Hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and are usually not painful. The main symptom of Internal Hemorrhoids is the presence of blood in the stool when the hemorrhoid becomes irritated. When an internal hemorrhoid becomes so swollen that it outside the anal verge, the hemorrhoid is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Prolapsed hemorrhoids pushed outside the rectum when the anal sphincter muscle suffers from spasms cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid are known as strangulated hemorrhoids.
Q: What are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent or decrease the occurrence of hemorrhoids:
A: Prevention of hemorrhoids is quite simple, and cost-effective. Some prevention methods that help decrease the occurrence of hemorrhoids:
1. Proper Hydration
2. Eating food rich in fiber
3. Exercising to promote cardiovascular health
4. Refraining from extended amounts of standing, sitting, or crossing of the legs.
5. Practicing Good Posture
6. Laying off foods rich in sugar
7. Cut back on sodas and Coffee
Following these steps help reduce and/or eradicate the presence of hemorrhoids in your life.
Q. What causes Hemorrhoids?
A. Hemorrhoids are caused by a increase in pressure (and restriction of blood flow) in the veins that are found in the anus and rectum. Many factors can contribute to hemorrhoids including (but certainly not limited to):
1. Poor circulation
2. Straining during a bowel movement
3. Heavy lifting
4. Prolonged standing or sitting on concrete
5. Obesity
6. Pregnancy
7. Poor diet
Q. What are some treatments of hemorrhoids:
A. Sometimes, despite the best efforts, hemorrhoids occur. Many options exist in the treatment of this condition, deciding the best option for you is critical. Several surgeries and procedures exist and are readily available.
1. Rubber band ligation aka Baron Ligation
During rubber band ligation, elastic bands are applied to an internal hemorrhoid cutting off blood supply to the hemorrhoid and causing the hemorrhoid to be pulled off during a bowel movement.
2. Hemorrhoidolysis/Galvanic Electrotherapy
The desiccation of the hemorrhoid by an electrical current
3. Schlerotherapy (injection therapy)
The process of injecting a hardening agent into the hemorrhoid causing the walls of the veins to collapse and the hemorrhoid to shrivel up.
4. Laser/Infrared Electricity
A process that cauterizes the hemorrhoid
5. Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
A procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids that resects soft tissue close to the dentate line which stops the blood flow to the hemorrhoid.
6. Enemas
Using suppositories to cause bowels movements and ease constipation, a cause of hemorrhoids |
