A Delicate Issue: Hemorrhoids. Symptoms and Causes

Ogden Nash once said: “Those who work sedentary earn more than those who work standing up”. However, many people from the first category have to spend more money on the treatment of hemorrhoids they have developed as a result of their sedentary work.

What is Hemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoid (from the Greek haima ''blood'' and roe ''flow'') is one of the most widespread diseases of the rectum, which is caused by varicose veins and venous nodules in the bottom part of the rectum. Typical symptoms of this disease are periodic bleeding from your rectum, nodes dropping out, inflammation, and pain. Statistically, one out of seven people in the world suffers from this disease during their lifetime.

Types of Hemorrhoids (External, Internal, and Mixed)

There are three types of hemorrhoids:

• External: the hemorrhoid is located near the anus, which feels like compaction under the skin and makes the skin in the area more sensitive.

• Internal: hemorrhoid does not protrude, but as illness progress, the nodes can drop out from the anus. Varicose veins are located in the submucosal layer of the intestine. It usually does not cause any discomfort.

• Combined: hemorrhoidal cones are coming from both inside and outside the rectum. 

In most cases, the development of hemorrhoids is genetically influenced.

Causes that Trigger Hemorrhoids

Causes that provoke hemorrhoids:

• Impaired stool (constipation, diarrhea).

• Frequent use of laxatives, and enemas.

• Anal sex.

• Obesity.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Physically demanding work.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Alcohol and fatty spicy food.

• Stress.

Symptoms and Treatment

If you have noticed traces of blood in your stool, are experiencing itching, pain, or discomfort in the anus, have hemorrhoids protruding, or feel painful lumps near the anal opening, you should seek immediate attention from a proctologist. Do not attempt self-treatment. The choice of suppositories, ointments, and other remedies should be determined by a doctor, not the Internet.