Hemorrhoid

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Hemorrhoids
Classification and external resources
Classical appearance of a hostile Hemorrhoid.
ICD-10	I84.
ICD-9	455
DiseasesDB	10036
MedlinePlus	000292
eMedicine	med/2821  emerg/242

Hemorrhoids
Classification and external resources
Schematic demonstrating the anatomy of hemorrhoids.
ICD-10	I84.
ICD-9	455
DiseasesDB	10036
MedlinePlus	000292
eMedicine	med/2821  emerg/242

Hemorrhoids (AmE), haemorrhoids (BrE), emerods, or piles are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. The anatomical term "hemorrhoids" technically refers to "'Cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels at the junction of the rectum and the anus."^[1] However, the term is popularly used to refer to varicosities of the hemorrhoid tissue. Perianal hematoma are sometimes misdiagnosed and mislabeled as hemorrhoids, when in fact they have different causes and treatments.^[2].

Contents 1 Causes 1.1 Symptoms 1.2 Food 2 Types of hemorrhoids 2.1 By degree of prolapse 3 Prevention 3.1 Use of squat toilets 4 Examination 5 Treatments 5.1 Surgical and non-medicinal treatments 5.2 Natural treatments 5.3 Diseases with similar symptoms 5.4 Hemorrhoids in popular culture 6 References 7 See also 8 External links

[edit] Causes

Sitting for long periods of time can start the hemorrhoidic process.

Increased straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or diarrhea may lead to hemorrhoids.^[3] It is thus a common condition due to constipation caused by water retention in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome or menstruation.

Hypertension, particularly portal hypertension, can also cause hemorrhoids because of the connections between the portal vein and the vena cava which occur in the rectal wall—known as portocaval anastomoses.^[4]

Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins.

Pregnancy may lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so hemorrhoids are often associated with pregnancy.^{[citation needed]}

Cigarette smoking during bowel movements, may worsen hemorrhoid, may lead to severe internal bleeding of veins inside rectum area. Both can cause diarrhea. Note that caffeine ingestion increases blood pressure transiently, but is not thought to cause chronic hypertension. Alcohol can also cause alcoholic liver disease leading to portal hypertension.

[edit] Symptoms

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, anal melanoma or irritation and itching, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, and hemorroidial radiation, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoidial radiation is bright red blood covering the feces (hematochezia), on toilet paper, and/or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious circle of symptoms. Draining anal mucus, produced by the dentate line may also cause itching.

[edit] Food

Insufficient liquid can cause a hard stool, or even chronic constipation, which can lead to hemorrhoidal radiation. An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of dairy products, such as yogurt, can cause radiation; reducing such consumption can bring relief. Vitamin E deficiency is also a common cause. Eating spicy food does not cause hemorrhoids, though spicy foods may aggravate the condition.

[edit] Types of hemorrhoids

• (I84.3-I84.5) External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). Specifically they are varicosities of the veins draining the territory of the inferior rectal arteries, which are branches of the pudendal artery. They are sometimes painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. Itching, although often thought to be a symptom of external hemorrhoids, is more commonly due to skin irritation.
  • (I84.3) External hemorrhoids are prone to thrombosis: if the vein ruptures and/or a blood clot develops, the hemorrhoid becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid.^[5]
• (I84.0-I84.2) Internal hemorrhoids are those that occur inside the rectum. Specifically they are varicosities of veins draining the territory of branches of the superior rectal arteries. As this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated.
• (I84.1) Untreated internal hemorrhoids can lead to two severe forms of hemorrhoids: prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids:
  • Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that are so distended that they are pushed outside the anus.
  • If the anal sphincter muscle goes into spasm and traps a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside the anal opening, the supply of blood is cut off, and the hemorrhoid becomes a strangulated hemorrhoid.

[edit] By degree of prolapse

The most common grading system was developed by Banov:^[6][7]

• Grading of Internal Hemorrhoids
  • Grade I: The hemorrhoids do not prolapse.
  • Grade II: The hemorrhoids prolapse upon defecation but spontaneously reduce.
  • Grade III: The hemorrhoids prolapse upon defecation, but must be manually reduced.
  • Grade IV: The hemorrhoids are prolapsed and cannot be manually reduced.

[edit] Prevention

Prevention of hemorrhoids includes drinking more fluids, eating more dietary fiber (such as fruits, vegetables and cereals high in fiber), exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time. Hemorrhoid sufferers should avoid using laxatives and should strictly limit time straining during bowel movement. Wearing tight clothing and underwear will also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the region and promote hemorrhoid development. Some sufferers report a more comfortable experience without underwear or wearing only very lightweight underwear.

Women who notice they have painful stools around the time of menstruation would be well-advised to begin taking extra dietary fiber and fluids a couple days prior to that time.

Fluids emitted by the intestinal tract may contain irritants that may increase the fissures associated with hemorrhoids. Washing the anus with cool water and soap may reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may remove irritating fluid.

Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor may also prove helpful.

Many people do not get a sufficient supply of dietary fiber (20 to 25 grams daily) and small changes in a person's daily diet can help tremendously in both prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.

[edit] Use of squat toilets

Based on their very low incidence in the developing world, where people squat for bodily functions, hemorrhoids have been attributed to the use of the "sitting" toilet.^[8][9] Dr. Berko Sikirov published a study in 1987 testing this hypothesis by having hemorrhoid sufferers convert to squat toilets.^[10] Eighteen of the 20 patients were completely relieved of their symptoms (pain and bleeding) with no recurrence, even 30 months after completion of the study. This chart summarizes the results. This study was undertaken in a very small number of people, when compared to the numbers involved in recognized high-quality trials. Therefore, the results, while highly suggestive, cannot be assumed to provide a firm conclusion.

No follow-up studies have ever been published. The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons is silent regarding the therapeutic value of squatting.

[edit] Examination

After visual examination of the anus and surrounding area for external or prolapsed hemorrhoids, a doctor may conduct a digital examination. In addition to probing for hemorrhoidal bulges, a doctor may also look for indications of rectal tumor or polyp, enlarged prostate and abscesses.

Visual confirmation of hemorrhoids can be done by doing an anoscopy, using a medical device called an anoscope. This device is basically a hollow tube with a light attached at one end that allows the doctor to see the internal hemorrhoids, as well as polyps in the rectum.

If warranted, more detailed examinations, such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy can be performed. In sigmoidoscopy, the last 60 cm of the colon and rectum are examined whereas in colonoscopy the entire large bowel (colon) is examined.

A pathologist will look for dilated vascular spaces which exhibit thrombosis and recanalization.

[edit] Treatments

Treatments for hemorrhoids vary in their cost, risk, and effectiveness. Different cultures and individuals approach treatment differently. Some of the treatments used are listed here in increasing order of intrusiveness and cost.

For many people, hemorrhoids are mild and temporary conditions that heal spontaneously or by the same measures recommended for prevention. There is no medicine that will cure hemorrhoids but local treatments such as warm sitz baths, using a bidet, extendable showerhead, cold compress, or topical analgesic (such as Nupercainal), can also provide temporary relief.

Especially in the case of external hemorrhoids with a visible lump of small size, the condition can be improved with warm bath causing the vessels around the rectal region to be relaxed. Consistent use of medicated creams ( Polysporin Fast Healing Ointment ) during the early stages of a hemorrhoid flare-up will also provide relief and may stave off further development and irritation. However, creams containing steroid preparations weaken the skin and may contribute to further flare-ups. Keep the area clean and dry, with some lubrication provided by hemorrhoidal creams or a lubricant. Ointment or suppositories such as Proctosedyl^[11][12] and Faktu^[13] can also relieve the symptoms.

[edit] Surgical and non-medicinal treatments

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Some people require the following medical treatments for chronic or severe hemorrhoids:

• Rubber band ligation
  Sometimes called Baron ligation. Elastic bands are applied onto an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.^[14] Within several days, the withered hemorrhoid is sloughed off during normal bowel movement.
• Hemorrhoidolysis/Galvanic Electrotherapy
  Desiccation of the hemorrhoid by electrical current.
• Sclerotherapy (injection therapy)
  Sclerosant or hardening agent is injected into hemorrhoids. This causes the vein walls to collapse and the hemorrhoids to shrivel up.
• Cryosurgery
  A frozen tip of a cryoprobe is used to destroy hemorrhoidal tissues.^[15] Rarely used anymore because of side effects.
• Laser, infrared or BICAP coagulation
  Laser, infrared beam, or electricity is used to cauterize the affected tissues. Lasers are now much less popular. Infrared coagulation has been studied in comparison with RBL and found to be as effective in hemorrhoids up to grade III. These are the most readily available non-surgical procedures in the US.
• Hemorrhoidectomy
  A true surgical procedure to excise and remove hemorrhoids. Has possible correlation with incontinence issues later in life; in addition, many patients complain that pain during recovery is severe. For this reason is often now recommended only for severe (grade IV) hemorrhoids.
• Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
  Also called the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, it is designed to resect soft tissue proximal to the dentate line, which disrupts the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. It is generally less painful than complete removal of hemorrhoids and also allows for faster recovery times. It's meant for hemorrhoids that fall out or bleed and is not helpful for painful outside conditions.
• Enema
  This practice is used to clean the rectum. While it is a simple procedure, it can be complicated by hemorrhoids, so in such cases, it should be done by a doctor. In an enema, water is injected into the rectum and then flushed out, cleaning the area.
• Doppler Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
  The only evidence-based surgery for all grades of hemorrhoids. It does not involve cutting tissues or even a stay at the hospital; patients are usually back to work on the same day. It is the best treatment for bleeding piles, as the bleeding stops immediately. ^[16]
• HAL-RAR[1]
  To date, Doppler Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation was indicated in management of Grade II & Grade III Hemorrhoids but with the availability of HAL Recto Anal Repair Management of prolapsing hemorrhoids without excision is also possible.
• Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD-HP)
  THD-HP is a minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidal prolapse. THD uses an ultrasound doppler to accurately locate the arterial blood inflow. With simple suture, these arteries are “tied off” and the prolapsed tissue is sutured back to anatomical position without excision of tissue. THD is performed above the nerve bundles, or dentate line. Because of this, there is very little pain. THD is typically performed in an out-patient setting and return to normal activities is within a few days.
• Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids
  (or PPH) Using a hemorrhoidal circular stapler device, the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids procedure essentially "lifts up," or repositions the mucosa, or anal canal tissue, and reduces blood flow to the internal hemorrhoids. These internal hemorrhoids then typically shrink within four to six weeks after the procedure. The PPH procedure results in less pain than traditional hemorrhoidectomy procedures because it is performed above the area where a person would feel pain, or dentate line inside the anal canal. The advantage is that this hemorrhoid treatment method affects few nerve endings, while traditional hemorrhoidectomy procedures are performed below the dentate line, affecting many sensitive nerve endings.

• Radiofrequency Coagulation

[edit] Natural treatments

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Some people claim to have successfully applied natural procedures for treatment or reversal of chronic conditions. These procedures largely echo the prevention measures. However, self-care measures, including herbal or "natural" remedies, should not be undertaken without medical consent to avoid possible drug interactions. They include:

• Topical application of natural astringents and soothing agents, such as Witch hazel (astringent), Cranesbill, Aloe vera, and honey.
• Eating fiber-rich bulking agents such as plantain and Psyllium seed husks to help create a softer stool that is easier to pass, to lessen the irritation of existing hemorrhoids.
• Using the squatting position for bowel movements.^[17]
• For sufferers of hemorrhoids caused by poor vein circulation (coupled with varicose veins in lower extremities and/or varicocele), sleeping overnight with raised legs helps reduce or completely eliminate especially external hemorrhoids.
• Placing an ice pack to an external hemorrhoid should relieve itching and swelling. Leave the ice pack on the hemorrhoid for 15 to 20 minutes.

The combination of internal and external remedies is particularly recommended, e.g., Witch-hazel suppositories combined with frequent cups of strong chamomile tea.^[18]

Dietary supplements can help treat and prevent many complications of hemorrhoids, and natural botanicals such as Butchers Broom, Horse-chestnut, Hem-eez and bioflavonoids can be an effective addition to hemorrhoid treatment.^[19]

Butcher's Broom extract, or Ruscus aculeatus, contains ruscogenins that have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor effects that help tighten and strengthen veins. Butcher's Broom has traditionally been used to treat venous problems including hemorrhoids and varicose veins.^[20][21][22]

Horse-chestnut extract, or Aesculus hippocastanum, contains a saponin known as aescin, that has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and venotonic actions. Aescin improves tone in vein walls, thereby strengthening the support structure of the vein. Double blind studies have shown that supplementation with Horse-chestnut helps relieve the pain and swelling associated with chronic venous insufficiency.^[23][24]

Bilberry extract, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is an anthocyanoside bioflavonoid. Supplementation with this potent flavonoid protects and maintains venous strength and function.^[20][25]

[edit] Diseases with similar symptoms

Symptoms associated with rectal cancer, anal fissure, anal abscess, anal fistula, perianal hematoma, and other diseases may be similar to those produced by hemorrhoids and may be reduced by the topical analgesic methods described above. For this reason, it is a good idea to consult with a physician when these symptoms are encountered, particularly for the first time, and periodically should the problem continue. In the US, colonoscopy is recommended as a general diagnostic for those over age 50 (40 with family history of bowel cancers).

[edit] Hemorrhoids in popular culture

• George Brett of the Kansas City Royals famously had to leave game 2 of the 1980 World Series due to extreme pain from hemorrhoids, but returned in game 3 following a procedure to relieve the pain. In 1981 he missed 2 weeks of spring training having the hemorrhoids removed. ^[26]
• Michael Scott, a main character in NBC's 'The Office,' proclaims that he has hemorrhoids when he is alone in the woods.
• American film director Kevin Smith mentions that he frequently gets hemorrhoids during the third installment of his An Evening With Kevin Smith question and answer series. ^[27]

[edit] References

27.Patience Paradox http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0002/ai_2603000202

[edit] See also

• Anal fissure
• Anal fistula
• Perianal hematoma
• Proctoscopy
• Anal abscess

[edit] External links

• Hemorrhoid at the Open Directory Project
• Detailed review of Haemorrhoids, from the UK National Health Service
• Hemorrhoids, from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse of NIH

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