Hemorrhoids are dilated and inflamed veins in the anus region, which can cause symptoms such as itching, anal pain, difficulty in evacuating and the presence of blood in the stool.
Normally, hemorrhoids are related to factors such as a diet poor in fiber, constipation, excessive straining when having a bowel movement, obesity or pregnancy and can be external or internal.
Hemorrhoids are quite uncomfortable and, therefore, it is important that a proctologist or gastroenterologist is consulted so that treatment options can be indicated to help alleviate discomfort, such as the use of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory ointments, or even surgery in the most serious cases. .
Watch the following video and learn more about hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoid symptoms
The main symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
- Bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping;
- Blood in the stool;
- Itching in the anus;
- Difficulty defecating;
- Whitish mucus exits the anus;
- Anal dor.
Furthermore, when the hemorrhoid is external, it is also possible to feel a protrusion in the anus or the presence of an anal fissure, a small wound in the anus similar to a cut, which causes pain and burning when defecating. Know how to identify all the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Read too: Anal fissure: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of hemorrhoids is made by a proctologist or gastroenterologist through the evaluation of symptoms, health history, and proctological examination, evaluating the anal and perianal region. Discover the main proctological exams.
Make an appointment with the proctologist in the region closest to you:
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In addition, the doctor can perform a digital examination of the anal region, to assess the tone of the anal muscles and rule out other situations, such as a tumor or anal stenosis.
Some imaging tests may also be requested by the doctor, such as anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, especially in cases of bleeding, to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, and exclude other diseases that can cause bleeding, such as tumor, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Types of hemorrhoids
The main types of hemorrhoids are:
1. External hemorrhoid
External hemorrhoids are dilated veins under the skin, around the anus, and are located on the outside of the anus, may have excess skin associated with them, and generally look like hard lumps and cause itching, pain and discomfort, and in some cases, bleeding. .
2. Internal hemorrhoid
Internal hemorrhoids appear in the internal part of the anal canal, in the rectum, and cannot be seen on the external part, although they can protrude outside the anus in some cases and, generally, do not cause pain, but can cause bleeding.
3. Mixed hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids can also be mixed, which is when the hemorrhoid can project into the internal part of the anus or the external part, that is, the hemorrhoid has characteristics of an internal and external hemorrhoid at the same time.
4. Prolapsed hemorrhoid
Prolapsed hemorrhoid is the most serious form of internal hemorrhoid, which occurs when the hemorrhoid protrudes out of the anus, especially after a bowel movement, and may retract naturally into the anus or be necessary to manually push it in.
Furthermore, this type of hemorrhoid remains prolapsed, that is, projected outwards when the anal sphincter strangles the hemorrhoid, making it impossible for it to return naturally to the inside of the anus or when it is not possible to manually push it back in.
This type of hemorrhoid can bleed, contain mucus, and cause severe pain or discomfort.
5. Thrombosed hemorrhoid
Thrombosed hemorrhoid, also known as hemorrhoidal thrombosis, is when a clot forms inside the internal or external hemorrhoid, causing swelling in the anal tissues and intense pain.
The type of hemorrhoid is identified by the proctologist through diagnostic tests, allowing the most appropriate treatment to be indicated.
Possible causes
The main causes of hemorrhoids are:
- Excessive effort when evacuating;
- Sitting on the toilet for a long time
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea;
- Diet low in fiber;
- Obesity or overweight;
- Lift heavy objects regularly.
Furthermore, the appearance of hemorrhoids can also be favored by other situations, such as genetic predisposition or pregnancy, for example. Learn about other causes of hemorrhoids.
Is hemorrhoids common during pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids can appear more easily during pregnancy due to the woman’s increased weight and the pressure exerted on the pelvic region, as well as increased blood circulation in the body.
The symptoms of hemorrhoids in pregnancy are the same as those present in non-pregnant women. However, it is important that hemorrhoids are evaluated and treated according to your doctor’s instructions.
How the treatment is carried out
Hemorrhoids can be cured and treatment must be carried out under the guidance of a proctologist or gastroenterologist, to reduce inflammation and dilation of the veins in the anus region and alleviate symptoms.
The main treatments for hemorrhoids are:
1. Hemorrhoid ointments
Ointments for hemorrhoids, such as Hemovirtus, Proctosan or Proctyl, can be recommended by a proctologist or gastroenterologist, as they have vasoconstrictive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. Discover the main ointments for hemorrhoids.
The type of ointment should always be advised by the doctor according to the type of hemorrhoid, whether internal or external.
Read too: 9 treatment options for internal hemorrhoids
2. Pills for hemorrhoids
Other remedies for hemorrhoids that may be recommended by your doctor are anti-inflammatories or analgesics, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help relieve swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
In addition, medications such as diosmin and hesperidin may also be indicated, as they improve blood circulation and protect the veins.
3. Sitz baths
Sitz baths with warm water are a form of natural treatment that can help relieve hemorrhoid pain, as they increase blood circulation to the area, accelerating healing and relieving irritation. See other natural ways to relieve hemorrhoid pain.
Read too: 7 ways to relieve hemorrhoid pain
4. Surgery for hemorrhoids
When the hemorrhoid does not disappear with any of these treatments or appears again, the doctor may recommend hemorrhoid surgery using different techniques, such as elastic ligation or hemorrhoidectomy, for example. See the main types of hemorrhoid surgery and what recovery is like.
Home treatment
Home treatment for hemorrhoids can be done with simple measures, such as avoiding straining when you have hemorrhoid symptoms, not using toilet paper and washing the anal area after having a bowel movement.
Furthermore, it is important to increase water consumption and have a diet rich in fiber. See how to eat a diet rich in fiber.
These home treatments can complement the treatment recommended by your doctor, reducing symptoms, speeding up recovery and preventing the hemorrhoid from reappearing.
How to prevent
To prevent hemorrhoids, it is recommended:
- Do not strain too hard to evacuate and do not sit on the toilet for too long;
- Evacuate whenever you feel like it;
- Don’t lift weights, don’t make efforts or do weight training;
- Avoid using toilet paper, washing the area with soap and water or using wet wipes when you are not at home;
- Have a diet rich in fiber;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
In addition, it is recommended to practice physical activities regularly, as they help promote bowel movements and avoid constipation.
