A delicate problem: haemorrhoid

    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 haemorrhoids they have developed as a result of their sedentary work.

    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.

    There are three types of hemorrhoids:

• external: the haemorrhoid is located near the anus, which feels like compaction under the skin and makes the skin in the area more sensitive;
• internal: haemorrhoid 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 haemorrhoids is genetically influenced.

    Causes that provoke haemorrhoids:

• 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.

    If you notice traces of blood in your feces, if you are bothered by itching, pain, or discomfort in your anus, if hemorrhoidal cones are dropped out, or if there is a painful lump in the anal area, you should visit a proctologist.