Haemorrhoids- why you should not ignore anal pain
Nov 14, 2010
MANY people battle haemorrhoids and chose to die in silence, citing embarrassment to seek medical attention. <br>
By Esther Namirimu
MANY people battle haemorrhoids and chose to die in silence, citing embarrassment to seek medical attention.
Haemorrhoids is a condition in which the veins and blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum become inflamed. Symptoms include bleeding, itchiness and pain.
Haemorrhoids can occur inside the anus or outside the anus. They are common among men. However, a woman is likely to get them when she is pregnant.
Causes
Haemorrhoids may result from straining during a bowel movement or from the increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy.
Dr. Sammuel Bandobeera of Mulago Hospital, says this is caused by increased amounts of blood circulation and changes in the hormonal levels during pregnancy.
“As the pressure of the growing foetus builds in the uterus, there is increased pressure on the pelvic veins.â€
When blood flow from the rectal area towards the heart is blocked, it causes blood to pool around the lower region of the body, causing swollen or dilated veins and haemorrhoids.
Dr. Violet Okaba of Mulago Hospital says haemorrhoids during pregnancy are directly related to the increasing levels of the progesterone hormone in the body that causes the uterine veins to relax, leading to clotting of blood.
“Constipation and straining the body during bowel movements is also known to aggravate the condition. The hormonal changes are also a primary reason why pregnant women usually suffer constipation,†she says.
The disease can also be sparked off by ageing and obesity. Chronic diarrhoea and constipation, straining to pass stool, sitting for long periods especially on the toilet, anal intercourse, obesity and hereditary factors are other causes.
Symptoms include bleeding, painless protruding lumps, itching, leaking faeces and pain in the anus.
Dr. Banobeera Mwigo of Mulago Hospital says internal haemorrhoids usually present with no symptoms because they do not cause discomfort.
However, straining when passing out stool may cause haemorrhoids to bleed and push an them out through the anus, causing pain.
Sometimes, blood accumulates and forms a painful clot. If blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid is cut off, the haemorrhoid may be strangulated, causing extreme pain and tissue death.
Complications include anaemia due to blood loss, which could result in fatigue and weakness. If the situation gets out of hand, a patient undergoes surgery.
Prevention
Mwigo advises that one drinks a lot of fluids and eats plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain to soften stool.
Avoid straining when you go to the toilet and only go when you have get the urge to pass stool. Avoid sitting for long because this puts pressure on the veins.
Remedy
A physician can prescribe a cream containing hydrocortisone or pads which contain a topical numbing agent.
Wash the affected area gently with warm water and dry gently with a soft towel.
Use ice packs to suppress the swelling.
Sit in a bath of warm water or use moist tissue. Dry toilet paper may scratch and aggravate the problem.
Take painkillers to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Consult a doctor to rule out other possible causes of rectal bleeding.
MANY people battle haemorrhoids and chose to die in silence, citing embarrassment to seek medical attention.
Haemorrhoids is a condition in which the veins and blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum become inflamed. Symptoms include bleeding, itchiness and pain.
Haemorrhoids can occur inside the anus or outside the anus. They are common among men. However, a woman is likely to get them when she is pregnant.
Causes
Haemorrhoids may result from straining during a bowel movement or from the increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy.
Dr. Sammuel Bandobeera of Mulago Hospital, says this is caused by increased amounts of blood circulation and changes in the hormonal levels during pregnancy.
“As the pressure of the growing foetus builds in the uterus, there is increased pressure on the pelvic veins.â€
When blood flow from the rectal area towards the heart is blocked, it causes blood to pool around the lower region of the body, causing swollen or dilated veins and haemorrhoids.
Dr. Violet Okaba of Mulago Hospital says haemorrhoids during pregnancy are directly related to the increasing levels of the progesterone hormone in the body that causes the uterine veins to relax, leading to clotting of blood.
“Constipation and straining the body during bowel movements is also known to aggravate the condition. The hormonal changes are also a primary reason why pregnant women usually suffer constipation,†she says.
The disease can also be sparked off by ageing and obesity. Chronic diarrhoea and constipation, straining to pass stool, sitting for long periods especially on the toilet, anal intercourse, obesity and hereditary factors are other causes.
Symptoms include bleeding, painless protruding lumps, itching, leaking faeces and pain in the anus.
Dr. Banobeera Mwigo of Mulago Hospital says internal haemorrhoids usually present with no symptoms because they do not cause discomfort.
However, straining when passing out stool may cause haemorrhoids to bleed and push an them out through the anus, causing pain.
Sometimes, blood accumulates and forms a painful clot. If blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid is cut off, the haemorrhoid may be strangulated, causing extreme pain and tissue death.
Complications include anaemia due to blood loss, which could result in fatigue and weakness. If the situation gets out of hand, a patient undergoes surgery.
Prevention
Mwigo advises that one drinks a lot of fluids and eats plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain to soften stool.
Avoid straining when you go to the toilet and only go when you have get the urge to pass stool. Avoid sitting for long because this puts pressure on the veins.
Remedy
A physician can prescribe a cream containing hydrocortisone or pads which contain a topical numbing agent.
Wash the affected area gently with warm water and dry gently with a soft towel.
Use ice packs to suppress the swelling.
Sit in a bath of warm water or use moist tissue. Dry toilet paper may scratch and aggravate the problem.
Take painkillers to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Consult a doctor to rule out other possible causes of rectal bleeding.