What are hemorrhoids
Let’s say right away that we all have hemorrhoids. They are not a disease, as is commonly thought, but a part of our body: veins with a bearing morphology, which are found in the final part of the rectum. A bit like for the tonsils, these vascular cushions play their important role: they participate in the exchange of blood and swell and deflate when necessary to contribute to the continence function of the stool. As long as they stay as they are, they don’t worry, but when things change, that’s when we start talking about “hemorrhoid problems”. Hemorrhoids and vascular thrombosis
As mentioned, things change when the pads begin to swell beyond measure, also giving rise to varicose veins that can become very painful and bleed. What usually occurs is a true vascular thrombosis . Internal Hemorrhoids and External Hemorrhoids
There are mainly two types of hemorrhoids
- Internal hemorrhoids
- External hemorrhoids
The former are located above the anal sphincters, while the latter are formed at the height of the sphincters (see figure).
Hemorrhoids, symptoms, causes and treatments The causes of hemorrhoids
Statistics show that the hemorrhoid problem affects about 10% of the population. The most affected, in general, are men. The triggers can be different, however one of the main ones is age : in many cases, they usually arise naturally after the age of 50. But there are other causes that contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids as a disorder. Between these,
- constipation
- obesity
- an improper diet (heavy, spicy foods, alcohol, etc.)
- high blood pressure
- a slowing of circulation
- the familiarity
- genetic factors
- the sedentary
External causes can also be pregnancy and childbirth . In some cases they can be a symptom of the presence of a tumor . Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Symptoms vary according to the “severity” of the problem and the location.
- Pain: particularly when running out of body or when sitting down. More frequent with external hemorrhoids.
- Bleeding: discharge of bright red or dark red blood, depending on the location or origin. It happens more often with internal hemorrhoids.
- Itching: often accompanied by irritation, and is more typical of internal hemorrhoids.
- Sense of fullness or urge to defecate: hemorrhoids can give a feeling of fullness in the anal region, as if you were going to go to the body, while in reality it is only the result of the swelling of the pads. You may also feel a sensation of pressure, burning, itching, pain.
- Bleeding: in more serious cases, bleeding can occur even at different times of the day, and not necessarily when sitting on the toilet.
- No symptoms: they are called “blind hemorrhoids”, and they are the ones you have but don’t feel.
The diagnosis of hemorrhoids
To diagnose the presence of a hemorrhoid disorder, there are specific diagnostic tests.
- Colonoscopy
- L’anoscopia
- Rectoscopy
The first examination takes place by means of a colonoscope . A probe is used that explores the inner walls of the colon.
The second involves the analysis of the anal tissue, endoscopically , in order to exclude the possible presence of other pathologies.
The third involves an examination of the rectal canal by means of a rectoscope (or proctoscope), which is introduced into the rectum. Prevention of hemorrhoids
Although with age they often occur naturally, hemorrhoids can also be prevented.
A correct lifestyle is the first defense weapon. But in particular it is good to avoid
- The smoke
- The alcohol
- An improper diet: junk food, very spicy, fatty, heavy and so on
- the sedentary
- Lo stress
- Avoid running into episodes (or prolonged periods) of constipation, taking care of the health of the intestine: eat better, take more fiber, regulate the intestinal bacterial flora
Hemorrhoid Remedies and Cures
There are several methods of hemorrhoid treatment. Treatments that change depending on the type and stage in which you are. To understand which treatment is best suited to your case it is better not to rely on do-it-yourself, but it is good to consult an expert doctor. Traditional care
- Ointments . There are several ointments or creams for external use that can treat the presence of external type hemorrhoids in the initial stage.
- Cauterization. In more advanced cases, electrical cauterization is often carried out.
- Surgery. In more serious cases, surgery is often the solution. In this case it is possible to proceed with the surgical technique called “elastic ligation”, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. In severe cases, surgery can often be the only solution.
- Laser therapy. Through the use of a laser beam it is possible to intervene in treating hemorrhoids in an advanced stage.
- Cryotherapy. Also called “cold cure”, it is a method often used for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Natural Cures for Hemorrhoids
Natural cures are applied in most cases with early stage hemorrhoids or for prevention. Medicinal herbs. One of the most commonly used treatments is that using herbs and plants. Among the best known are the remedies based on
- Horse chestnut: (the most used is the bud extract), it is believed to have soothing properties of symptoms, in particular burning, pain and itching. In addition, the horse chestnut has vasoconstrictive properties and against edema.
- Cypress: thanks to its antioxidant properties and promoting blood circulation, it is often used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and also varices.
- Helichrysum: has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is also active against edema.
- Aloe vera: the gel has soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing and refreshing properties.
- Red vine: has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is tonic, vasoprotective and supports the circulatory system.
- Centella asiatica: has a marked phlebotonic activity. Maintains the structure and tone of the blood vessel walls. Promotes proper peripheral circulation.
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