Causes of Hemorrhoids

The veins around the anus tend to stretch due to pressure and can become inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be formed by increased pressure in the lower rectum, caused by:

• Carry heavy things frequently

• Be pregnant

• Eat a low-fiber diet

• Obesity

• Making an effort when emptying the intestines

• Sitting for a long time

• Have chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Having anal sex
  
  

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

The signs of hemorrhoids differ depending on the type of hemorrhoid. 

• Sore pain in the anal area 
• Swelling around the anus 
• Bleeding 
  
  

• Bleeding during bowel movements 
• Pain and irritation 
  

Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when blood accumulates in external hemorrhoids, forming a clot:

• Intense pain 

• Inflammation 

• A hard lump near the anus
  
  

Risk factors of hemorrhoids

• Age, as you get older, the probability of suffering from Hemorrhoids increases

• Pregnancy, as the weight of the baby, puts pressure on the anal area
  
  

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids

The Proctologist will perform a physical exam, check your abdomen, and ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.

Following are some of the possible tests to perform:

• Anoscopy, check the anal canal and rectum

• A digital exam, a gloved finger, and lubrication will be inserted into the rectum to detect something unusual

• Visual inspection, using an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope, the Proctologist will examine the lower part of the colon
  
  

A Colonoscopy may be done if the doctor notices any risk of colorectal cancer or if your signs and symptoms show that you may have another digestive system condition.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids 

Following are some home remedies, in case the pain caused by the hemorrhoid is mild. 

• Eat foods high in fiber 

• Apply over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, ointments 

• Over-the-counter pads 

• Take a soak in a tub of a sitz bath of warm water for 10–15 minutes two or three times a day

• Take pain relievers by mouth 

Hemorrhoid symptoms usually go away after a week. In case the symptoms persist, or you are bleeding, see your doctor.

Procedures for Thrombosed Hemorrhoids 

The Proctologist can remove hemorrhoids, under local anesthesia, the procedure is usually more efficient if it is done within 72 hours after a clot has appeared. 

Minimally invasive procedures 

In case the bleeding continues, and you have pain or discomfort, the general surgeon may use one of the following methods:

• Elastic band ligation

• Injection (sclerotherapy) 

• Coagulation (infrared, laser or bipolar) 
  
  

Surgical procedures 

In case the other methods described above have not been successful, your general surgeon may recommend one of the following:

• Removal of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy) 

• Stapling hemorrhoids
  
  

¿When do you have to see a doctor?

If you present any of the mentioned symptoms or to detect another abnormal sign, make your appointment with the general surgeon.

When consulting your surgeon, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.

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