Wait. Everyone Has Hemorrhoids? (Yep, Even You)

This is great!! -- Dr. Dale

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Everyone Has Hemorrhoids (Yes, Even You)

http://gizmodo.com/everyone-has-hemorrhoids-yes-even-you-1563334066

Scott - TodayIFoundOut.com

Much like bathroom-humor at the dinner table, hemorrhoids can be a taboo subject. The truth is, everyone has them.

Their job is to protect your anal sphincter muscles (the ones that open and close your anus) and to help keep your anus closed when you have moments of increased abdominal pressure, like when you're coughing. They become a problem for us when they become inflamed. Once this happens they're known as piles. Popular culture has led to "hemorrhoids" and "piles" to be interchangeable in common vernacular. By the age of 50, about half of the US population will have dealt with these inflamed itchy protrusions from your anus. Because most people with piles get curious about why their butt itches, let's take a closer look at what they are, what causes them to become inflamed, and how we can prevent that from happening.

Your anus is controlled by one of the many sphincter muscles within the body. Sphincters are muscles that form like a doughnut around the many openings within the body, like the entrance and exit of your stomach. Those would be the lower esophageal sphincter and pylori sphincter respectively. When sphincters relax, they allow the entrance or release of liquids and solids. Normally sphincters are constricted which keeps those liquids and solids from leaving their respective positions within the body. No one likes the acid from your stomach coming back up and making your chest feel like it's on fire!

As mentioned before, your anal sphincter is cushioned by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids themselves are made up of what are known as modified squamous epithelium. These highly vascular cushions reside along the anal canal in three main areas- the left, right and back of the canal. They are made up of elastic connective tissue and smooth muscles. Many of them do not contain muscular walls like arteries and veins do. Because of this, they are technically known as sinusoids (a small blood vessel like a capillary) and can swell up due to blood not being able to leave.

When you're relaxed, they provide about 15-20% of the pressure keeping your anal canal closed. When you have an increase in abdominal pressure, like when sneezing, the blood going back to your heart through your inferior vena cava is reduced. This causes these vascular cushions to swell up with blood pushing on your sphincter, and thus, help prevent the infamous anal-leakage. It's also thought that hemorrhoids are responsible for helping us determine the exact content of what's coming out, like gas versus a solid bowel movement.

When your hemorrhoids begin to swell up chronically, they begin to cause problems. This is when they become known as piles. Once they are piles, they can cause symptoms like hard lumps that can be painful and itchy, the feeling like you still have to go to the bathroom after you've already gone, and mucous discharge or bright red blood while defecating.

Anything that causes an increase in your abdominal pressure can cause your hemorrhoids to become chronically inflamed. Thus, there risk factors for piles- things like being pregnant, chronic constipation, lifting heavy weights, straining when passing stool, being obese, and increasing age. Some studies have even suggested the tendency to develop piles is inherited.

You have two types of piles, internal and external. A line known as the dentate line is what differentiates them. Located below the dentate line is external piles. These are covered by a type of skin called Anoderm that contain nerve fibers, specifically fibers connected to the pudendal nerve. The cause of the itchy pain is revealed!

Internal hemorrhoids are broken down in to 4 classifications. 1st degree protrude only into the anal canal. 2nd degree protrude outside the canal but go back in spontaneously. 3rd degree require you to push them back in manually, and 4th degree don't go back in to your canal no matter what you do.

The treatment for your piles depends on severity. If only minor, your doctor may choose to simply treat the symptoms, administering things like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, laxatives if constipated, pain medication and anti-itch creams, as well as advising you to attempt not to strain while on the toilet, and to use simple pads to help with irritation.

If your pile is more cumbersome, your doctor can choose to remove or reduce the pile. They can do this in a variety of ways. Banding involves placing an elastic band around the base, cutting off blood-flow to the pile. After a few days, it will die and simply fall off. They can inject medications into the pile causing it to shrink, known as sclerotherapy. Surgery is also an option. They can remove the pile (hemorrhoidectomy), or staple shut the blood-flow to the pile itself.

In the end (pun intended) we all have hemorrhoids. Scratch your bums with pride knowing that 50% of us will have theirs inflame by the time we're 50. Let's just hope it's only a minor inflammation, because no one wants a Doctor cutting anything off down there!

The Link Between Hemorrhoids and Chronic Constipation

Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many potential causes of hemorrhoids, one of the most significant risk factors is chronic constipation. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between hemorrhoids and chronic constipation, and discuss what you can do to prevent and manage these conditions.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. They can be either internal (located inside the rectum) or external (located around the anus). While hemorrhoids are not usually dangerous, they can be very uncomfortable and can interfere with daily activities.

What Is Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation is a condition in which a person experiences infrequent bowel movements (typically less than three per week) or difficulty passing stools for an extended period of time. This can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, as well as a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.

Chronic constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Low-fiber diet

2. Dehydration

3. Lack of physical activity

4. Certain medications (such as opioids or antidepressants)

5. Medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome)

How Chronic Constipation Contributes to Hemorrhoids

When a person is chronically constipated, they may strain excessively during bowel movements in an attempt to pass hard, dry stools. This straining can put increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell and become inflamed.

Over time, this repeated straining and pressure can weaken the walls of the veins, making them more susceptible to bulging or prolapsing (protruding from the anus). This is how chronic constipation can contribute to the development of both internal and external hemorrhoids.

In addition to straining, chronic constipation can also cause hemorrhoids by:

1. Prolonging the amount of time that stool remains in contact with the rectal wall, irritating the tissue and promoting inflammation

2. Causing the formation of hard, compacted stool that can scrape and damage the delicate tissue of the anus and rectum

3. Leading to a cycle of pain and avoidance, where the discomfort of passing hard stools causes a person to put off going to the bathroom, further exacerbating constipation and hemorrhoid symptoms

Preventing Hemorrhoids by Managing Chronic Constipation

If you suffer from chronic constipation, taking steps to manage this condition can help reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids or exacerbating existing hemorrhoid symptoms. Some strategies for managing chronic constipation include:

1. Increasing fiber intake: Aim to consume at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

2. Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day to help keep stools soft and easy to pass.

3. Exercising regularly: Physical activity helps promote regular bowel movements and can prevent constipation.

4. Using the bathroom when the urge strikes: Don't put off going to the bathroom when you feel the need to have a bowel movement.

5. Avoiding straining: When having a bowel movement, try to relax and let it happen naturally, without pushing or straining.

6. Considering over-the-counter or prescription medications: In some cases, fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives may be recommended to help manage chronic constipation.

Treating Hemorrhoids Caused by Chronic Constipation

If you do develop hemorrhoids as a result of chronic constipation, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms and promote healing:

1. Sitz baths: Soaking the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help soothe pain and inflammation.

2. Topical medications: Over-the-counter creams or suppositories containing ingredients like witch hazel or hydrocortisone can help relieve itching, pain, and swelling.

3. Lifestyle changes: Adopting the same strategies used to prevent hemorrhoids, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, can also help treat existing hemorrhoids.

4. Minimally invasive procedures: In some cases, procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy may be recommended to remove or shrink hemorrhoids.

PARTNERING WITH YOUR DOCTOR TO MANAGE CHRONIC CONSTIPATION AND HEMORRHOIDS

If you're struggling with chronic constipation and hemorrhoids, it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan. This may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards finding relief from chronic constipation and hemorrhoids. As a gastroenterologist with expertise in these conditions, I can provide the personalized care and support you need to achieve lasting symptom control and improved quality of life.

Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence with chronic constipation and hemorrhoids. By seeking professional help and making simple changes to your daily habits, you can effectively manage these conditions and reclaim your comfort and well-being.

Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Pregnancy is a time of many physical changes, and for some women, one of those changes may be the development of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. While hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy, there are steps that expectant mothers can take to manage and prevent this condition. In this blog post, we'll explore the link between hemorrhoids and pregnancy and provide some practical tips for expectant mothers.

Why Are Hemorrhoids Common During Pregnancy?

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women. There are several reasons why expectant mothers may be more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids:

1. Increased pressure on the pelvic veins: As the uterus grows during pregnancy, it puts increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, which can cause them to swell and become inflamed.

2. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, can cause the walls of the veins to relax and become more susceptible to swelling.

3. Constipation: Many pregnant women experience constipation due to hormonal changes and the pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines. Straining during bowel movements can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

4. Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, the body's blood volume increases to support the growing fetus, which can put additional pressure on the veins and contribute to hemorrhoid development.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

The symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are similar to those experienced by non-pregnant individuals and may include:

1. Itching or irritation in the anal area

2. Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements

3. Swelling or lumps near the anus

4. Bleeding during bowel movements

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. While hemorrhoids are usually not a serious condition, bleeding during pregnancy should always be evaluated to rule out other potential causes.

Preventing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

While it may not be possible to completely prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy, there are several steps that expectant mothers can take to reduce their risk:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help keep stools soft and prevent constipation.

2. Eat a high-fiber diet: Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.

3. Exercise regularly: Engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can help promote healthy bowel function and reduce pressure on the pelvic veins.

4. Avoid straining during bowel movements: Try to relax and allow bowel movements to occur naturally, without straining or pushing.

5. Use the bathroom when needed: Don't delay bowel movements when the urge strikes, as this can contribute to constipation and straining.

Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

If you do develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, there are several strategies that can help manage symptoms and promote healing:

1. Sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help soothe discomfort and promote healing.

2. Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the anal area can help reduce swelling and numb pain.

3. Hemorrhoid creams or suppositories: Over-the-counter creams or suppositories containing ingredients like witch hazel or hydrocortisone can help relieve itching and inflammation.

4. Gentle cleansing: Using moist wipes or cotton balls soaked in warm water to gently clean the anal area after bowel movements can help prevent irritation.

5. Elevating the feet: Putting your feet up on a stool or box when sitting on the toilet can help reduce straining and pressure on the pelvic veins.

   It's important to note that while these strategies can be helpful for managing hemorrhoid symptoms, it's always best to discuss any concerns or persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized recommendations and ensure that your symptoms are properly evaluated and treated.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER FROM HEMORRHOIDS DURING PREGNANCY

While hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms and promote comfort. By staying hydrated, eating a high-fiber diet, exercising regularly, and practicing gentle self-care techniques, you can help alleviate the discomfort of hemorrhoids and focus on the joys of your pregnancy journey.

If you're experiencing persistent or severe hemorrhoid symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Contact me today to schedule an appointment and discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Remember, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is an important part of taking care of your growing baby. By prioritizing your own health and comfort, you can help ensure a positive and healthy pregnancy experience.