Hemorrhoids Symptoms Causes and Prevention

Hemorrhoids are the swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are a part of the normal anatomy of the anal canal and they are the cushions of submucosal tissue containing venules, arterioles, smooth muscles. Here is a detailed insight on Hemorrhoids Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.

“There is a great chance of having hemorrhoids if bleeding during defecation.”

The hemorrhoids become symptomatic only when the veins inside the cushions get engorged causing prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue through the anal canal.

Hemorrhoids are also known as “Piles” and are the most common causes of rectal bleeding.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

Individuals affected with hemorrhoids usually experience the following signs and symptoms:

Bright red, painless bleeding while passing stool
Mucosal Discharge
Anemia
Prolapse of the mucosal tissue: In 1st-degree hemorrhoids, there is no prolapse, in 2nd degree, there is prolapse that reduces spontaneously, in 3rd-degree prolapse has to be reduced manually while in 4th-degree hemorrhoids remain prolapsed permanently.
Pain and sensation of burning around the anal region
Inflammation around the anus

Hemorrhoids can get thrombosed by the formation of a blood clot and produce the following symptoms:

Severe Pain
Swelling around the anus
Inflammation
Formation of a lump in the anal region

Types of Hemorrhoids:

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids
External Hemorrhoids
Thrombose Hemorrhoids

1.Internal Hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids are located higher up in the rectum and usually cannot be seen or located by the patient. They are less painful and are divided into four degrees:

1st Degree:

These hemorrhoids only bleed. No prolapse occurs.

2nd Degree:

Prolapse of anal mucosa occurs that reduces spontaneously.

3rd Degree:

Prolapse is present but the hemorrhoids need to be reduced manually.

4th Degree:

Prolapse is seen but is irreducible or strangulated.

2.External Hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids are located in the lower anal region, under the skin around the lower anus. These hemorrhoids are extremely painful and may present with bleeding, itching, and swelling.

3. Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

External Hemorrhoids can get thrombosed by the formation of blood clots inside them, turning them blue or purple. Thrombosed hemorrhoids produce the following symptoms:

Blue or purplish discoloration of hemorrhoids
Severe pain
Itching
Bleeding

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The hemorrhoids become symptomatic when excessive straining, increased abdominal pressure, and hard stools cause engorgement of veins and cause prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue through the anal canal. Following factors can cause hemorrhoids through increased pressure in the abdomen and anal canal:

Straining while passing the stool
Sitting for a longer time on the toilet
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Obesity
Pregnancy
Anal intercourse
low-fiber diet
Regular heavy lifting

Complications of Hemorrhoids

Just like all other clinical conditions, hemorrhoids can also present with the following complications:

Strangulation
Thrombosis
Ulceration
Gangrene
Fibrosis
Suppuration

Which Foods Help Fight Against Hemorrhoids?

Where hemorrhoids can be extremely unpleasant and painful, fortunately, some “high fiber” foods like the following can help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids:

Legumes:

Legumes like beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and chickpea are edible seeds and loaded with fiber. Legumes increase the bulk of stools, decreasing straining during defecation, and easing the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Whole Grains:

Whole grains are rich with fiber goodness. They improve digestion and help relieve pain and discomfort associate with hemorrhoids. Whole grains include wheat flour, bread, barley, corn, spelt, quinoa, brown rice, whole rye, and oats.

Artichokes:

Artichokes are rich in fiber that helps feed the good bacteria in the gut. Artichokes can help prevent hemorrhoids and alleviate its symptoms by keeping your gut healthy.

Broccoli:

Broccoli has high fiber content and increases gut immunity. The fiber goodness of broccoli helps diversify a guy’s microbiome and prevent hemorrhoids.

Root Vegetables:

Root vegetables that help prevent hemorrhoids include sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, rutabagas, carrots, and potatoes. The resistant starch in root vegetables remain undigested and increases the bulk of your stools, feeds gut-friendly bacteria, and helps prevent piles.

Squash:

Different varieties of squash include yellow squash, zucchini, acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin. Eating squash increases your gut motility preventing constipation and piles.

Bell Peppers:

Bell peppers are very hydrating with a high fiber content (93%). These help easy passage of stools, prevent straining and the development of hemorrhoids.

Celery:

Just like bell peppers, celery is very hydrating and helps soften the stool. Soft stool prevents excessive straining during defecation and the formation of hemorrhoids. An 11–12-inch of celery contains approximately 1gm fiber and 95% water content.

Cucumbers and Melons:

Cucumbers and melons have rich amounts of wat rans fiber that help increase stool bulk and improve gut motility, preventing straining and hemorrhoids.

Pears:

Peels of pears have a high fiber content that helps soften stool and prevent risk factors for the development of piles. 1 medium-sized pear contains almost 6gms fiber.

Apples:

Just like pears, apples also contain a good amount of fiber. One medium-sized apple contains almost 5gm fiber. The fiber in apples bulk up stools, reduce straining, and prevent piles.

Raspberries:

1 cup of raspberries is a source of 8 grams fiber, is rightly called the “powerhouse pack of fiber”. The fiber richness of raspberries helps soften stool and reduce straining.

Bananas:

Insoluble starch and pectin in bananas are extremely beneficial for alleviating symptoms of hemorrhoids. One medium-sized banana contains approximately 3 grams of fiber. Insoluble starch in bananas is good for the gut-friendly bacteria and overall gut health.

Fluids:

Keeping yourself hydrated is the secret to soft stools and less straining. Drinking at least 8 ounces of water daily helps prevent constipation, straining, and the development of hemorrhoids.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?

Following lifestyle and diet changes can help prevent hemorrhoids:

Eat high fiber foods
Drinking plenty of fluids
Prevent straining during defecation
Consider taking fiber supplements
Exercise regularly
Do not hold up! Defecate as soon as you feel the urge
Prevent the development of chronic constipation

Having complete knowledge of hemorrhoids and necessary lifestyle modifications can help alleviate its symptoms and prevent the development of piles. We hope this article on Hemorrhoids Symptoms Causes and Prevention was helpful to you all. With these tips, piles are no longer difficult to deal with!