Hemorrhoids or piles are a fairly common disorder, but few people try to treat them, as it causes them a lot of embarrassment. However, you must consult a doctor if you suffer from this condition so that they can check you and, in this way, receive the indicated treatment to eliminate it.
Hemorrhoids can develop in anyone, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, but you are more likely to develop piles if you are over 30 years of age. This is the name given to lumps that appear on the edge of the anus due to the dilation of the veins in the area and the congestion of the blood. They are initially located inside, called internal hemorrhoids, but later, they can become external, called hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids.
If you ask yourself, are hemorrhoids dangerous? At FastlyHealwe want you to know that they are not, but they can if they are not treated well. In addition, we provide you with all the information about this pathology so that you can answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
Causes of hemorrhoids
The most common causes for which you can develop hemorrhoids are:
- Pregnancy: it is frequent and widespread for this alteration to appear if you are pregnant, mainly in the last weeks, because it increases the pressure caused by the uterus on the hemorrhoidal veins.
- Constipation: when you suffer from constipation, with very compact and hard stools, the veins in the area are squeezed, causing hemorrhoids. Although it is also possible that it happens to you in the opposite case, from excessive diarrhea, due to irritation.
- Overweight: Excess body weight can also cause this alteration since fat could press on the veins.
- Diets: if you are one of the people who are on diets with a low fiber intake, you are more prone to suffer from hemorrhoids because many diets of this type result in constipation. We invite you to read our article in which we explain how a good diet for hemorrhoids should be.
- Bad posture: spending many hours in the same position, whether standing or sitting, can cause hemorrhoids.
- Menstruation: You are also more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids during the female period.
Main symptoms of hemorrhoids
Generally, if you have mild piles, they are usually asymptomatic; however, the primary symptomatology of this pathology is:
- Pain: While internal hemorrhoids do not usually cause you an ailment, external ones do. When this intense pain remains for a few days, it could be a hemorrhoid thrombosis, so that it can cause you significant discomfort with a simple rub, and you must consult your doctor.
- Bleeding: being a person who suffers from hemorrhoids, you can bleed when defecating. It is usually light bleeding, and you detect it a little in the stool and stains on the toilet paper. If the blood is abundant, you should not hesitate to visit a specialist as soon as possible.
- Secretion: A mucus secretion comes from the anal mucosa itself, which is normal if you have internal hemorrhoids. This can cause skin irritation, itching in the area, or a burning sensation.
- Inflammation: when it comes to more advanced hemorrhoids, some lumps may appear in the area due to inflammation, which is usually outside the anus and cannot be reintroduced. This is called a hemorrhoidal prolapse. The severity of piles is diagnosed by a doctor depending on your symptoms.
Hemorrhoid treatments
To treat hemorrhoids, it is usually recommended that you do 3 or 4 sitz baths of warm-cool water a day. On the other hand, you can apply cryo-compresses or ice to the place of the disorder, mainly to relieve symptoms such as pain or itching.
In addition, there are numerous anti-hemorrhoidal creams that you could use since they work as a local pain reliever and improve the condition very quickly. However, you also have the option of consuming pain relievers orally. Some natural remedies are recommended as an accompaniment to your treatment, such as infusions with unique plants for this disorder, such as chamomile and calendula.
On the other hand, if you suffer from internal bleeding hemorrhoids or those that are very annoying, you could use elastic bands to strangle the hemorrhoids until they fall, although it can cause pain and bleeding mainly in the first days.
Also, thickening piles with laser or infrared light makes them shrink and disappear from your body over time. There is also the possibility of using liquid nitrogen to freeze the hemorrhoids and eliminate them. The sclerosing injections are given at the site to heal the hemorrhoids and ease the symptoms.
For large internal hemorrhoids that cause a lot of discomforts and do not respond to other treatments, there is a possibility that you will undergo a hemorrhoidectomy, that is, surgical removal.
Although it is the most effective method for getting rid of piles, it is not usually used unless you do not respond to any other treatment since the operation can have some risks. For example, clots form in your legs or a narrowing of the anus called anal stenosis.
The following article delves into the different hemorrhoid treatments depending on each type.
Can hemorrhoids be prevented?
If possible, you can improve symptoms or prevent hemorrhoids by correcting the causes that trigger them. If the disorder appears due to eating, you should replace your current diet with one rich in fiber, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Also, it is recommended that you drink 1 or 2 liters of water per day to avoid constipation. You should reduce salt consumption and moderate the intake of spices, garlic, vinegar, chili, onion, coffee, and fats.
On the other hand, practicing non-excessive sports regularly, such as walking or swimming, can help you considerably because it tones the muscles, improves circulation, and benefits intestinal transit. This dramatically reduces your chances of suffering from hemorrhoids.
Nor should you stay in the same position for many hours; if you work seated, it is essential that from time to time, you get up and walk a little or, if the opposite is the case, you sit between times.
Also, avoid making efforts when defecating or demanding a lot of force, such as lifting heavy objects. You have to maintain the appropriate weight corresponding to your height and gender, and do not wear very tight clothing in the area.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Are hemorrhoids dangerous? We recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.