Hemorrhoids
From Wiki4CAM
Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. This condition is very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the veins to bulge and expand, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting. [1] Internal haemorrhoids arise from congestion of plexus of superior haemorrhoidal veins, which are located above the dentate line, and are covered by mucosa. External haemorrhoids arise from the inferior haemorrhoidal veins, which are located below the dentate line, and are covered by squamous epithelium of the anal canal or perianal region. This haemorrhoid may hang outside the anus. It may be of a size of a pea or large protrusions in chronic cases.
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Causes
Haemorrhoids are consequential effect from the activities that increase venous pressure resulting in distension and engorgement. Straining at stool, constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, heavy lifting jobs, obesity and low fiber diets are other aggravating factors. In some cases, other diseases such as liver cirrhosis, and anal infections may cause them. In unattended cases enlargement of the venous cushions may develop and result in bleeding and protrusion. Severe bleeding cases may call for hospitalisation.
Symptoms
Stage I
- Bleeding with bright red colour may range from blood streaks to dripping of the blood
- Mucoid discharge
- Anaemia in case of severe bleeding
- Internal haemorrhoids confined to the anal canal
Stage II
- Internal haemorrhoids may gradually enlarge and protrude from the anal opening during straining, and reduces spontaneously
- Pain in the region of anus
- Itching in the anus
- Bleeding is the same as previous stage
Stage III
- The prolapsed haemorrhoids may require manual reduction after bowel movements
- Long lasting pain even after passing stool
- Itching in the anus
- Bleeding during and after daefecation
Stage IV
- May remain chronically protruding
- Severe pain persist for a long time
- Bleeding with bright red blood while sitting and during bowel movement
- Anaemia in case of chronic bleeding
General symptoms that can occur at any stage
- Pain in the anus, especially while sitting
- Anaemia
- Anal itching
- Bleeding with bright red blood before, during and after stool
- Pain during bowel movements
- Hard tender lumps near the anus
