Hemorrhoids are a serious condition among older adults. Constipation, straining during bowel movements and prolonged sitting on the toilet all increase pressure on blood vessels in the anus and rectum which cause them to expand and stretch out over time, eventually leading to hemorrhoids forming.
To manage hemorrhoid symptoms, consume foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables; drink plenty of fluids (water or unsweetened juice are ideal) as well as taking fiber supplements or applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointments may help.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Causes
Hemorrhoids are distended blood vessels that form externally (around the anus) or internally (in the lower rectum), typically without pain but often with itching sensation.
Although usually harmless, hemorrhoids may be an indicator of other conditions like constipation and anemia; so if yours have begun itching and itchy rectal discharge make an appointment with a provider who specializes in hemorrhoids; they will ask about your symptoms, past health history, as well as conduct physical exam including digital rectal exam which allows your provider to check whether blocked stools exist as well as condition of anal sphincters which might prolapsed over time.
Hemorrhoids may be brought on by straining to have a bowel movement, placing undue stress on the anal canal and leading to bulging or bursting of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are especially prevalent during pregnancy as their connective tissue weakens further during this period, further aggravating hemorrhoids.
Creams and ointments available over-the-counter can help relieve itching and swelling from hemorrhoids, while taking a warm tub sitz bath regularly will also provide some relief. In addition, fiber supplements like methylcellulose or psyllium can be taken to keep stool soft.
If home treatments don’t seem to help much either, your doctor might suggest rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy which cuts off circulation to hemorrhoids to cause them to shrink away over time.
Symptoms
Hemorrhoids (he-mor-roids) are swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum that resemble varicose veins in appearance. Most people experience hemorrhoids at some point; though not dangerous or deadly, hemorrhoids can be painful and annoying – you may notice pain during bowel movements, notice blood on toilet paper, or notice blood in the toilet bowl.
Hemorrhoids usually result from increased pressure on your anus due to childbirth, straining during bowel movements or constipation which causes normal anal veins and tissues to swell which leads to bleeding during bowel movements causing blood on toilet paper as well as itching in this area – though larger or painful variants exist as well.
Hemorrhoids can be treated using over-the-counter ointments and suppositories that reduce pain, itching, and shrinkage of hemorrhoids. You could also try sitting in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes as part of a sitz bath session; otherwise consult your physician who may need to examine your anus and rectum with either gloves on fingers or proctoscopy examination (digital rectal exam).
Home remedies for hemorrhoids can include creams and sitz baths. You could also try avoiding straining during bowel movements, decreasing stress levels and eating high-fiber foods – as well as drinking plenty of liquids, particularly water!
Treatment
Home treatments usually provide adequate relief from hemorrhoidal discomfort. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Also add whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet for increased fiber to soften stool and prevent constipation.
If symptoms don’t improve within two weeks of home treatments alone, speak to your physician who may want to perform a physical exam and digital rectal exam (DRE), plus flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy in order to rule out other health issues that could cause rectal bleeding like colorectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids form when pressure is placed on veins in the anus or rectum, either by straining during bowel movements, constipation or sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time.
You can prevent hemorrhoids by not straining during bowel movements and eating lots of fiber; sit down regularly on the toilet versus using over-the-counter laxatives; they could all increase pressure in this region.
If nonsurgical treatments don’t help to relieve your symptoms, your doctor might suggest rubber band ligation or injection therapy (sclerotherapy).
Rubber band ligation involves your physician tying off anal blood vessels with rubber bands in order to restrict blood flow to hemorrhoids and shrink them; while in sclerotherapy he injects chemicals directly into blood vessels to cause them to shrink further.
Prevention
Hemorrhoids can often be effectively managed at home. Mild symptoms, like itching and burning sensations in the rectal area, usually go away when simple measures such as using over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppositories are taken; drinking plenty of fluids also helps, while including fiber in your diet or taking fiber supplements can reduce bleeding, itching and swelling in this area.
Hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatments may require medical procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy.
With rubber band ligation, your doctor uses a rubber band to cut off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, forcing it to shrink; with sclerotherapy injection of chemicals into blood vessels in an attempt to eliminate hemorrhoids by breaking them down and shrinking them down further.
In extreme cases, such as extensive hemorrhoids or prolapsing anus hemorrhages, your doctor may advise surgical removal under general anesthesia known as hemorrhoidectomy – this would be considered the last resort option.
Hemorrhoids can be avoided by sitting for shorter periods, not straining when having a bowel movement and eating a diet rich in fiber – including whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nonfat dairy products – that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables as well as nonfat dairy products (the average adult should aim to consume 20 to 30 grams daily).
Be sure to add fiber gradually without experiencing excessive gas. If necessary, over-the-counter fiber supplements like Metamucil or Citrucel might provide more dietary support than just food alone –
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation?
The Connection: Hemorrhoids and Constipation
Hemorrhoids can indeed cause or worsen constipation. Likewise, constipation can be an underlying factor in the development of hemorrhoids. When hemorrhoids are present, they can cause discomfort and make passing stools more challenging.
Some individuals may even avoid bowel movements due to the fear of pain, resulting in stool buildup.
Obstructing the Stool Passageway
In some cases, hemorrhoids obstruct the passageway for stool, further exacerbating constipation. This obstruction can contribute to difficulty in passing stools and may require specific treatment approaches.
Increasing fiber intake, regular exercise, and using hemorrhoidal ointments are common treatment methods. It is crucial for individuals experiencing long-term constipation to seek medical advice from a doctor.
Understanding the Cause and Effect
While hemorrhoids can contribute to constipation, it’s essential to note that they cannot directly cause a blockage leading to constipation. Rather, constipation-induced straining can be a precursor to the development of hemorrhoids.
Thus, by addressing constipation, the likelihood of hemorrhoids can be minimized. Treating constipation effectively can help prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Prevention Tips: Promoting Digestive Health
To prevent both constipation and hemorrhoids, it is recommended to maintain healthy habits. Aim for an easy-to-pass, moist formed stool at least every two to three days. Avoid spending excessive time on the commode, aiming for a duration of less than two minutes.
Straining should also be avoided. Increasing fiber intake in your diet not only aids in preventing constipation and hemorrhoids but also offers additional benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and diverticulosis, and potentially decreasing the risk of colon cancer.
Conclusion: Managing Constipation and Hemorrhoids
In summary, hemorrhoids can contribute to constipation, but they are not the primary cause of blockage-induced constipation. By effectively treating constipation, the risk of hemorrhoids can be mitigated.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial for preventing both conditions. Individuals experiencing long-term constipation or hemorrhoids are advised to seek medical guidance from a doctor for appropriate management.
