DogAndPanda: hermmorhoids.htm

hermmorhoids.htm

What You Need to Know About

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Hemorrhoids

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What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or around the anus that have become enlarged, swollen or inflamed. More than half the US population will develop hemorrhoids, usually after age 30.

There are two kinds of hemorrhoids-internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum. Usually, you can't feel or see them, unless they protrude 'through the anus, forming a prolapsed/ hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed occasionally and leave small traces of Mood on the toilet paper.

External Hemorrhoid

Internal Hemorrhoid

Perianal Blood Vessel

Externa! Hemorrhoid

Internal Hemorrhoid

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External hemorrhoids are located outside the anus under sensitive skin. They resemble small, soft, skin-toned pads around the anal opening, and can be especially uncomfortable during a bowel movement. If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it may appear blue in color and cause significant pain, itching and inflammation.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are often caused by increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus, resulting from factors including:

■  Chronic diarrhea or constipation that causes straining

■  Pregnancy

■  Sitting or standing for long periods of time

■  Heavy lifting

■  Being overweight/obese

■  Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time (e.g., reading)

■  Family history of hemorrhoids or varicose veins

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What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoidal symptoms may include:

■  Pain and/or itch around the anal area

■  Blood on the toilet tissue (sometimes in toilet bowl)

■  Feeling of pressure around the anus

■  Feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel

■  Tender protrusion from the anus

Hemorrhoidal symptoms are usually not- serious, and with treatment, can resolve in a few days. However, should symptoms such as persistent pain or rectal bleeding occur, see your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions.

How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine the anus and rectum to locate any swellings or abnormalities. Your doctor may decide to do a more thorough examination with an anoscope or proctoscope. These instruments are lighted tubes that allow the doctor to view any internal hemorrhoids.

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Age

19-50 Over 50

How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

The first step in hemorrhoid treatment is usually to make positive lifestyle changes, such as:

■  Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber to make passing stools easier

■  Avoid straining during bowel movements and limit toilette a Lose weight and increase exercise to manage symptoms

and prevent recurrence

Non-Operative Treatments and Office Procedures

If your hemorrhoids do not improve from lifestyle changes, your doctor may advise other treatment options. In general, hemorrhoid treatments are relatively painless, and may include:

■  Sitz baths - relax in a warm tub for about ten minutes to relieve symptoms.

■  Prescription Topical Creams — usually prescribed to deliver prompt relief of pain, itching and/or inflammation.

k Sclerotherapy — a chemical is injected to shrink the hemorrhoid.

■  Rubber Band Ligation — one or two very small rubber bands are tied around the base of a hemorrhoid to cut off circulation to the tissue. Within 7 to 10 days, the hemorrhoid often painlessly falls off.

■  Infrared Light Therapy — a one- or two-second burst of infrared light cuts off circulation to the hemorrhoid with 'the intended goal of destroying it.

■  Laser Therapy — a laser beam is used to vaporize hemorrhoidal tissue.

■  Cryosurgery — the affected tissue is frozen to cut off circulation.

■  Electric Current — a burst of electric current is used to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue.

Operative Hemorrhoidectomy

If other procedures have been unsuccessful in bringing relief, a physician can remove the hemorrhoid in a surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure often involves a one- or two-day hospital stay, as well as a period of inactivity afterward. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to other treatments.

Note: Increase your fiber intake gradually. Eating too much fiber too soon can cause an uncomfortable bloated feeling and abdominal cramps. Increase your fiber intake over several weeks, drinking plenty of water, until you reach the recommended amount.

' U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Ref. 17. Available at >http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/ . Accessed on 1/19/06.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle to Help Avoid Hemorrhoids

1.  Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables (see table below).

2.  Substitute high-fiber foods for foods already in your regular diet. For example, use whole wheat bread instead of white bread, brown rice instead of white rice, and eat raw vegetables and vegetable skins, when possible.

3.  Avoid putting off using the bathroom. Delaying can cause hard stools that require straining to pass.

Drink plenty of water every day. Keeping your body

does not need to reabsorb fluid from the stools.

5.  Wash your bottom with damp, soft toilet tissue and non-perfumed soap after each bowel movement rather than wiping with dry tissue.

6.  Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods^ of time, as this can lead to pressure on the rectal veins.

Recommended Total Daily Fiber Intake*

Men

38 grams/day 30 grams/day

Women

25 grams/day

jld grams/aay 21 grams/day

^KENWOOD THERAPEUTICS

383 Route 46 West • Fairfield, NJ 07004-2402 USA 1-800-929-9300 • www.bradpharm.com

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