Many people in our society have often reported to hospitals and other health units complaining of pains and swellings in the anus. Since the anus is one of the active parts of the body when it is infected, this calls for urgent attention.

Most of these people suffer from either anal fissures or Haemorrhoids. While fissures can pass without treatment, haemorrhoid is a disease of surgical emergency and in most cases requires surgical removal.

Haemorrhoids are cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels at the junction of the rectum and the anus. The rectum is the part next to the anus in the digestive tract.

Constipation is the major cause of Haemorrhoids in our society. This is due to the increased strain during bowel movements. Diarrhoea may also lead to haemorrhoids. This can also occur in women who are menstruating.

Hypertension particularly portal hypertension can also cause haemorrhoids because of the connections between the portal vein and the vena cava in the rectum wall known as porto-caval anastomoses.

Other factors such as obesity can be a factor because of the increase in rectal vein pressure. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause haemorrhoids. Poor muscle tone or poor posture could also result in too much pressure on the rectal veins leading to this condition.

Pregnancy may lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so haemorrhoids are sometimes associated with pregnancy.

Symptoms

Although many people have haemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal haemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, and/or in the toilet bowl.

However, an internal haemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a Protruding Haemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external haemorrhoids may include a painful swelling and a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms.

Also to mention is that insufficient liquid can cause a hard stool or even chronic constipation, which can lead to haemorrhoid irritation.

An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of dairy products such as cheese can cause irritation.

Reducing such consumption can bring relief to the person who has developed this problem. Vitamin E deficiency is also a common cause.

Symptoms associated with rectal cancer, anal fissure, anal abscess, anal fistula, Perianal hematoma, and other diseases may be similar to those produced by hemorrhoids and may be reduced by the topical analgesic methods described above.

For this reason, it is a good idea to consult with a physician when these symptoms are encountered, particularly for the first time, and periodically should the problem continue.

Prevention

Prevention of haemorrhoids includes drinking more fluids, eating more dietary fibre such as fruits, vegetables and cereals high in fibre. It is advisable to feed on a variety of fruits; eating fruit helps avoid conditions that lead to haemorrhoids.

Other important factors to consider include; exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time.

Haemorrhoid sufferers should avoid using laxatives and should strictly limit time straining during bowel movement. Wearing tight clothing and underwear will also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the region and promote haemorrhoid development.

Some sufferers report a more comfortable experience without underwear or wearing only very lightweight underwear. Women who notice that they have painful stools around the time of menstruation would be well advised to begin taking extra dietary fibre and fluids a couple days prior to that time.

Fluids emitted by the intestinal tract may contain irritants that may increase the fissures associated with haemorrhoids. Washing the anus with cool water and soap may reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may remove irritating fluid.

It is worth to mention that many people do not get a sufficient supply of dietary fibre and small changes in a person’s daily diet can help tremendously in both prevention and treatment of haemorrhoids.

Treatment

Tretments for haemorrhoids vary in their cost, risk, and effectiveness. Different cultures and individuals approach treatment differently.

For many people, haemorrhoids are mild and temporary conditions that heal spontaneously or by the same measures recommended for prevention.

There is no medicine that will cure haemorrhoids but treatments such as extendable showerhead, cold compress, and topical analgesics such as Nupercainal can also provide temporary relief.

In the case of external haemorrhoids with a visible lump, the condition can be improved with a warm bath causing the vessels around the rectal region to be relaxed.

In Rwanda, most of these haemorrhoids are surgically removed. Consistent use of medicated creams during the early stages of a haemorrhoid flare-up will also provide relief and may stave off further development and irritation. However, creams containing steroid preparations weaken the skin and may contribute to further flare-ups.

Contact: josephmunich06@yahoo.co.uk