Hemorrhoids: Symptoms of hemorrhoids, People at risk, Risk Factors, Prevention of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anal area (anus and rectum) and the surrounding tissue, a phenomenon similar to varicose veins that can appear on the legs.

Produced by dilatations whose size varies from one individual to another, the hemorrhoids may be internal (inside the anus) or external depending on their location. They are normal anatomical structures and are of a pathological when moving towards a hemorrhoidal disease.

When it creates a stasis in these veins, a thrombus (blood clot) can form and cause inflammation and pain with discomfort in the bowel. Hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding or local pruritus (itching).

Examination of the anus to determine the size and position of hemorrhoids and helps eliminate other causes of bleeding or pain locales (anal fissure, anal prolapse, cancer ...). Anal prolapse itself may be the cause of hemorrhoidal complications. Indeed, hemorrhoids output at the same time as the prolapse after defecation suffer friction may lead to their ignition and their bleeding.

In case of bleeding in a patient over 40 years, another cause must be sought (polyp or tumor) by a short or colonoscopy colorectal scanner.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids


* A burning sensation, itching or discomfort in the anal area.
* A slight bleeding and pain when defecating.
* The presence of protuberances sensitive anus for external hemorrhoids.
* The feeling that the inside of the rectum is swollen for internal hemorrhoids.
* A seepage of mucus through the rectum.

People at risk


* Those with a close relative suffers from hemorrhoids.
* Pregnant women.
* Women who gave birth by vaginal delivery.

Risk Factors


* Suffer from constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis.
* Being overweight.
* Sitting on the long toilet seat.
* Be required to frequently lift heavy objects.
* Practicing anal intercourse.

Prevention of hemorrhoids


Basic preventive measures
Food

* Gradually increase the amount of fiber in their diet. This is the best prevention possible. Fruits and vegetables, cereals and whole grain breads are excellent sources of fiber. It is better to integrate them gradually into the diet. Fibers soften the stool and increase their volume, thus facilitating their expulsion smoothly.
Note. Be patient: improvement occurs within a few weeks.
* Drinking enough water and other liquids during the day.
* Take time to eat in the morning. The intestine has the reflex to empty after eating, especially after breakfast.

Regular exercise

* Twenty minutes of walking per day at a good pace can stimulate intestinal transit.
* Do not sit for long hours. If you can not otherwise stand on occasion, for a minute or two.
* Maintain a healthy weight. The healthy weight is determined by body mass index (BMI). To calculate yours, do our test.

Intestinal health

* Go to the bathroom regularly. Do not delay the time to defecate if the need arises. Longer we wait, the more the stool becomes dry and hard. At the time of defecation, avoid forcing holding its breath.
* Do not sit on the seat of the toilet longer than necessary (not to read). In this position, the muscles of the anus are released, causing an influx of blood.


Measures to prevent recurrence

* If necessary, take fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil ®, Fibropur ®, Prodiem ®, etc..) Or other fibers (Fibramax ®). Make sure to drink plenty to avoid obstruction of the digestive tract. They are widely available through chemists. They can be taken long term without problems.
* Avoid taking other types of laxatives as additional fiber.