The human body is complex, and every part plays an important role. One such area that sometimes causes discomfort or pain is the anal region, particularly due to conditions like hemorrhoids. This article explains hemorrhoids in detail, focusing on the anal longitudinal folds, the anatomy of the area, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and more. Whether you’re looking for information for yourself or someone you care about, this guide will help you understand the condition better in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Anal longitudinal folds refer to the natural folds or ridges inside the anal canal. They are part of the normal structure of the anus, helping with its flexibility during bowel movements. These folds, combined with the surrounding muscles and tissues, contribute to the efficient passage of stool. Sometimes, these folds are mistaken for hemorrhoids or other medical issues, but they are generally harmless.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus). Hemorrhoids often result from straining during bowel movements, increased pressure on the veins, or even genetic factors. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding, and sometimes they can protrude from the anus.
Anatomy of the Anal Area
- Structure: The anal canal is the last part of the digestive tract. It is surrounded by muscles (the anal sphincters) that help control bowel movements. The lining of the anal canal has folds, called anal columns, and between these folds, there are small depressions known as anal sinuses.
- Blood Supply: The blood supply to the anus and rectum comes from arteries like the superior, middle, and inferior rectal arteries. Hemorrhoids occur when veins, especially in the rectal area, become swollen or inflamed.
- Nerve Supply: The anus has a rich nerve supply, primarily from the pudendal nerve. This nerve helps control the muscles in the area and provides sensation. This explains why hemorrhoids can be very painful in some cases.
Types of Hemorrhoids
- Internal Hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum, these are usually painless but can cause bleeding during bowel movements. You may not feel them because they are in an area with fewer pain-sensing nerves.
- External Hemorrhoids: Found under the skin around the anus, these are more likely to cause pain, itching, and swelling. If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it can become very painful and is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Sitting for long periods on the toilet
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Low-fiber diet
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Anal intercourse
- Persistent coughing
- Liver disease causing increased abdominal pressure
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Poor bathroom habits (e.g., delaying bowel movements)
- Dehydration
- Varicose veins in the rectum
- Rectal infections
- Prolonged sitting at work or travel
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- Rectal pain
- Itching around the anus
- Swelling near the anus
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- A lump near the anus
- Discomfort while sitting
- Irritation or burning sensation
- Protrusion of hemorrhoids (prolapse)
- Difficulty cleaning the area
- Mucus discharge
- Throbbing pain
- Sudden sharp pain (from thrombosed hemorrhoids)
- Feeling of fullness in the rectum
- Tenderness when sitting
- Redness or inflammation around the anus
- Rectal pressure
- Straining to pass stools
- Pain during bowel movements
- Leakage of feces
- Sensitivity in the anal area
Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids
Doctors use various tests and exams to diagnose hemorrhoids:
- Physical examination (external inspection of the anal area)
- Digital rectal exam (using a gloved finger to check inside the rectum)
- Anoscopy (inserting a small tube to examine the anal canal)
- Proctoscopy (a more thorough examination of the rectum)
- Sigmoidoscopy (to view the lower part of the colon and rectum)
- Colonoscopy (for a full view of the colon and rectum)
- Stool test (to check for blood in stool)
- Ultrasound (for detailed images of the rectal area)
- MRI (in rare cases to rule out other conditions)
- CT scan (to identify complications)
- Doppler examination (to assess blood flow in the veins)
- Barium enema (to check the colon and rectum via X-ray)
- Complete blood count (CBC) (to check for anemia from blood loss)
- Liver function tests (to rule out liver disease)
- Thrombosis screening (for blood clots in the veins)
- CT colonography (a virtual colonoscopy)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (to detect issues in the sigmoid colon)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (for internal imaging)
- Pelvic floor muscle exam (for issues related to constipation)
- Biopsy (in rare cases to rule out cancer)
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Hemorrhoids
- Increase fiber intake (to soften stools)
- Drink more water (to prevent constipation)
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Use a sitz bath (soaking the anal area in warm water)
- Cold compresses (to reduce swelling)
- Witch hazel wipes (to soothe irritation)
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Use soft toilet paper
- Avoid alcohol (which can worsen symptoms)
- Use unscented, gentle soaps
- Practice good hygiene (clean the area regularly)
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Try yoga or stretching (to improve circulation)
- Kegel exercises (to strengthen the pelvic floor)
- Use a pillow when sitting
- Don’t delay bathroom visits
- Use stool softeners (if necessary)
- Avoid spicy foods
- Lose weight (if overweight)
- Use moist towelettes (instead of dry toilet paper)
- Wear cotton underwear (for breathability)
- Avoid tight clothing
- Limit caffeine intake
- Rest more if pregnant
- Elevate your legs while sitting
- Use aloe vera gel (for its soothing properties)
- Try coconut oil (as a natural anti-inflammatory)
- Apply a topical cream (like zinc oxide)
- Avoid anal intercourse (until symptoms improve)
- Avoid straining during exercise
Medications for Hemorrhoids
- Topical creams (like Preparation H)
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Lidocaine ointments (for pain relief)
- Witch hazel pads
- Stool softeners (e.g., docusate)
- Fiber supplements (like psyllium husk)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen)
- Oral pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen)
- Corticosteroid suppositories
- Anesthetic creams
- Astringent wipes
- Vasoconstrictors (to reduce swelling)
- Phlebotonic medications (like diosmin)
- Antispasmodic drugs
- Hemorrhoid suppositories (for internal hemorrhoids)
- Numbing gels (for external use)
- Antihistamines (for itching relief)
- Antibiotics (in case of infection)
- Laxatives (to ease bowel movements)
- Venotonic drugs (to strengthen vein walls)
Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of hemorrhoids)
- Rubber band ligation (tying off hemorrhoids to shrink them)
- Sclerotherapy (injecting a solution to shrink hemorrhoids)
- Infrared coagulation (using heat to shrink hemorrhoids)
- Laser treatment (to remove hemorrhoids)
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (stapling hemorrhoids back into place)
- Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation (to cut off blood flow)
- Cryotherapy (freezing hemorrhoids to remove them)
- Thrombectomy (removing a blood clot from a hemorrhoid)
- Anal dilation (widening the anal canal to reduce pressure)
Prevention of Hemorrhoids
- Eat a high-fiber diet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Don’t ignore the urge to go to the bathroom
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take breaks from sitting
- Avoid prolonged standing
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if:
- You notice blood in your stool.
- The pain becomes severe.
- Home treatments aren’t helping.
- Hemorrhoids persist for more than a week.
- You have difficulty passing stools.
- You feel a lump that won’t go away.
- There is significant swelling.
- You experience leakage of stool.
- You develop a fever (possible sign of infection).
- Hemorrhoids protrude and don’t go back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can hemorrhoids go away on their own? Yes, mild cases often resolve with home treatment.
- Are hemorrhoids dangerous? They’re usually not, but persistent bleeding should be checked by a doctor.
- What foods help prevent hemorrhoids? High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Does sitting cause hemorrhoids? Sitting for long periods can increase the risk.
- Can you exercise with hemorrhoids? Yes, but avoid straining and heavy lifting.
- Do hemorrhoids always bleed? No, some hemorrhoids are painless and don’t bleed.
- Can hemorrhoids turn into cancer? No, but other conditions can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms, so a doctor’s diagnosis is important.
- Is surgery always needed for hemorrhoids? No, many cases can be treated without surgery.
- How long does it take for hemorrhoids to heal? Mild cases can improve within a week, but severe cases may take longer.
- What’s the best treatment for hemorrhoids? A combination of dietary changes, topical treatments, and lifestyle adjustments usually works best.
- Can hemorrhoids come back after treatment? Yes, especially if lifestyle changes aren’t made.
- Is it normal for hemorrhoids to hurt after bowel movements? Yes, pain is common due to irritation.
- Can pregnancy cause hemorrhoids? Yes, due to increased pressure on the pelvic area.
- What are thrombosed hemorrhoids? These are hemorrhoids with a blood clot, causing severe pain.
- How do I know if I have hemorrhoids or something else? A doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids with an exam.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids, though uncomfortable, are a common condition that can often be treated at home with simple lifestyle changes. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments can help manage this condition effectively. Always consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Prevention, including diet and exercise, plays a key role in avoiding future occurrences.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.