The anal longitudinal folds, commonly known as piles or hemorrhoids, are natural structures in the anal canal. These folds can become swollen and cause discomfort or pain when they become inflamed or enlarged, leading to a condition commonly known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids affect many people worldwide, and they can range from mildly annoying to seriously painful.
Anatomy of Anal Longitudinal Folds
The anal canal, located at the lower end of the digestive system, has several structures, including the anal longitudinal folds (piles). These folds are part of the normal lining of the anal canal and are involved in the smooth passage of stool. Hemorrhoids, which result from inflamed or enlarged veins in these folds, can be internal (inside the anal canal) or external (around the anus).
Structure of Anal Longitudinal Folds:
- Tissue Composition: These folds are made of soft tissue lined by mucous membranes. The tissues include blood vessels, muscles, and connective tissue.
- Location: They line the inside of the anal canal, extending upward towards the rectum.
- Size: Normally, the folds are small and not noticeable. However, when they become enlarged, they form hemorrhoids, which can protrude from the anus.
- Blood Supply: The anal folds receive blood from the hemorrhoidal arteries and veins. When these blood vessels become swollen, hemorrhoids develop.
- Nerve Supply: The anal canal is supplied by nerves from the rectal and perianal area, which can cause significant pain when the hemorrhoids become irritated or inflamed.
Types of Hemorrhoids (Piles)
There are different types of hemorrhoids based on their location and severity:
- Internal Hemorrhoids: Located inside the anal canal, these hemorrhoids are typically not visible from the outside. They may not cause pain but can cause bleeding during bowel movements.
- External Hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus and are often painful. They can cause swelling, itching, and discomfort.
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids: A blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid, causing intense pain and swelling.
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoids: These internal hemorrhoids have fallen outside the anus and may need to be pushed back in manually.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
There are many causes that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. These factors put pressure on the veins in the anal area, causing swelling and inflammation. Some common causes include:
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods (especially on the toilet)
- Obesity
- Pregnancy (pressure on the veins during childbirth)
- Low-fiber diet
- Aging (weakening of the tissues in the anal area)
- Heavy lifting
- Prolonged sitting (e.g., desk jobs)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Anal intercourse
- Genetic predisposition
- Liver disease (can cause pressure on the blood vessels)
- Lack of hydration (dehydration can harden stool)
- Frequent use of laxatives
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
- Poor bathroom hygiene
- Overuse of enemas
- Rectal surgery or injury
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary depending on the type and severity. Here are common symptoms:
- Rectal Bleeding: Bright red blood during or after a bowel movement.
- Itching: Persistent itching in and around the anus.
- Pain or Discomfort: Especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
- Swelling: Noticeable lumps or swelling around the anus.
- Protruding Hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus.
- Irritation: Anus feels irritated or sensitive.
- Mucus Discharge: Clear or whitish mucus on toilet paper.
- Difficulty Passing Stool: A feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Thrombosis: A painful, hard lump around the anus due to a blood clot.
- Fecal Leakage: Slight leakage of stool.
- Burning Sensation: A burning feeling in the rectal area.
- Fullness: A feeling of fullness in the rectal area.
- Pain during Movement: Pain increases during walking or standing.
- Visible Lumps: External hemorrhoids may be felt or seen as lumps.
- Tenderness: Tenderness in the anal region.
- Sensation of Foreign Object: A feeling of something being stuck in the anus.
- Blood in Stool: Blood on stool, toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.
- Anal Spasms: Muscle spasms in the anal area.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stool due to fear of pain.
- Bowel Urgency: A need to have bowel movements even without stool.
Diagnostic Tests for Hemorrhoids
Diagnosing hemorrhoids involves a physical examination and sometimes additional tests to rule out other conditions. Here are common diagnostic methods:
- Visual Inspection: The doctor examines the area around the anus.
- Digital Rectal Exam: A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel for lumps or swelling.
- Anoscopy: A small tube with a light is inserted into the rectum to view the anal canal.
- Proctoscopy: A more in-depth look into the rectum using a longer scope.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure to examine the lower part of the colon using a flexible tube with a camera.
- Colonoscopy: Used to examine the entire colon and rectum.
- CT Scan: A detailed imaging test to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging to detect deeper issues.
- Ultrasound: Used for imaging internal hemorrhoids.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: Combines ultrasound with an endoscope to examine the rectal area.
- Stool Tests: To rule out infections or other conditions.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia due to chronic blood loss.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test: To detect hidden blood in the stool.
- Barium Enema X-ray: To view the entire colon and rectum.
- Pelvic Floor Testing: To check for muscle or nerve issues.
- Manometry: Measures pressure in the anal sphincter.
- Defecography: X-ray while the patient defecates to assess function.
- Biopsy: Rarely, a tissue sample may be taken to rule out cancer.
- Liver Function Tests: To assess for liver-related causes.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible tube used to examine the lower part of the large intestine.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Hemorrhoids
Managing hemorrhoids often involves lifestyle changes and home remedies. These are non-drug treatments that can alleviate symptoms:
- High-Fiber Diet: Eating more fiber to soften stools.
- Increased Water Intake: Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water.
- Avoid Straining: Minimizing straining during bowel movements.
- Proper Toilet Habits: Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity to improve digestion.
- Cold Compress: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Stool Softeners: Natural stool softeners like psyllium husk.
- Witch Hazel: Applying witch hazel to soothe irritation.
- Elevating Legs While Defecating: Using a stool to raise legs.
- Good Hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean and dry.
- Avoiding Tight Clothing: Wearing loose-fitting clothes.
- Reducing Time on Toilet: Limiting time sitting on the toilet.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic muscles.
- Avoiding Heavy Lifting: Reducing strain on the body.
- Using Cushions: Sitting on cushions to relieve pressure.
- Aloe Vera: Applying aloe vera gel to reduce pain.
- Coconut Oil: Using coconut oil for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Resting: Taking time to rest and avoid aggravating hemorrhoids.
- Avoiding Caffeine and Alcohol: These can lead to dehydration.
- Losing Weight: Weight loss can relieve pressure on the veins.
- Squatting Position: Using a squatting position while defecating.
- Breathing Techniques: Avoid holding breath during bowel movements.
- Mindful Eating: Eating slowly to aid digestion.
- Frequent Breaks: Taking regular breaks from sitting.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Using correct lifting methods.
- Chamomile Tea Compress: Soaking chamomile in water and applying it as a compress.
- Calendula Ointment: A natural remedy to soothe irritation.
- Avoiding Spicy Foods: Reducing irritation by avoiding spicy foods.
- Epsom Salt Baths: Adding Epsom salt to a warm bath to soothe symptoms.
Medications (Drugs) for Hemorrhoids
Pharmacological treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications to alleviate symptoms:
- Topical Creams: Creams like hydrocortisone for inflammation.
- Suppositories: Medications inserted into the rectum to reduce swelling.
- Oral Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Laxatives: Help to prevent constipation.
- Stool Softeners: Medications like docusate to ease bowel movements.
- Astringents: Witch hazel-based products to soothe irritation.
- Vasoconstrictors: Medications to reduce blood vessel swelling.
- Local Anesthetics: Creams with lidocaine to numb the area.
- Corticosteroids: Stronger anti-inflammatory creams or suppositories.
- Flavonoid Supplements: Supplements to strengthen blood vessels.
- Oral Venotonics: Medications to reduce blood vessel swelling.
- Antibiotics: In cases of infection or abscesses.
- Nitroglycerin Cream: Reduces anal sphincter pressure.
- Benzocaine Ointments: Numbing agents to ease pain.
- Fiber Supplements: Like psyllium to help with regular bowel movements.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Some products include aloe to reduce irritation.
- Antihistamines: Used to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Zinc Oxide Cream: Forms a protective barrier.
- Oral Steroids: For severe inflammation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Gels: Non-steroidal gels to reduce pain.
Surgeries for Hemorrhoids
For more severe or persistent cases of hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be required:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Complete removal of the hemorrhoids.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Hemorrhoids are stapled back into place.
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Rubber Band Ligation: Elastic bands are placed around the hemorrhoids to cut off the blood supply.
- Laser Surgery: Lasers are used to remove or shrink hemorrhoids.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the hemorrhoids to remove them.
- Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: Cutting off blood flow to the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared Coagulation: Using infrared light to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: Reducing the anal sphincter muscle pressure.
- Hemorrhoidopexy: Repositioning the hemorrhoid tissue.
Prevention of Hemorrhoids
Preventing hemorrhoids involves lifestyle changes and healthy habits. Here are some tips:
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don’t sit for long periods.
- Use proper lifting techniques.
- Take breaks from sitting.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Practice good hygiene.
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.