Do you also suffer from hemorrhoids? Let's talk about everything in simple terms!

Do you also feel pain and discomfort when you go to the toilet? Maybe you've seen a little blood on the toilet paper or in the commode. It's a bit embarrassing and scary to talk about things like this with anyone, right? But this is actually a common health problem that many people have. Today we're talking about hemorrhoids, or 'piles' as some call them. Don't be afraid, this is not a dangerous disease. Let's talk about this clearly, as if we were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what are hemorrhoids?

We all have blood vessels (blood vessels) in and around our anus and rectum. These act like a cushion. But for some reason, when these blood vessels are put under too much pressure, they swell, become large, and bulge like a balloon. We call these swollen blood vessels hemorrhoids.

Imagine that some people's legs have swollen, blue-colored blood vessels that look like they're knotted together? That's exactly what happens in the anus. We're all born with these blood vessels, but they only bother us when they swell.

What are the main types of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be divided into several main types based on where they occur. Knowing this will help you understand which type you have.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of hemorrhoid you have.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Because these are internal, they are often painless. Some people don't even know they have them. The main symptom is painless bleeding with the stool .

• When you wipe it with toilet paper, you can see light red blood .
• There may be drops of blood in the toilet bowl.
• There may be blood on the outside of the stool.

External Hemorrhoids

Since these are outdoors, the symptoms are a little more severe.

• Itching and inflammation around the anus.
• Pain and discomfort when sitting, especially on a hard surface.
• A painful lump or swelling around the anus.
• There may be some bleeding when you wipe.

If it is a thrombosed hemorrhoid, these symptoms can come on suddenly and very severely.

Why do we get hemorrhoids? What are the main causes?

As we discussed earlier, the main cause is the increased pressure on the blood vessels around the anus and rectum. There are several reasons for this pressure to occur.

• Straining during bowel movements: When we are constipated, we have to strain a lot to pass stool. This straining puts a lot of pressure on the blood vessels.
• Sitting on the toilet for a long time: Some people take newspapers and phones and go to the toilet and sit for 15-20 minutes. When they sit like this, the blood vessels around the anus fill with blood and the pressure increases.
• Prolonged constipation or diarrhea: Both of these conditions can damage the tissues around the anus.
• Weight Lifting: When we lift heavy objects or lift weights at the gym, we hold our breath and push hard. This also increases blood pressure.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the weight of the baby and hormonal changes increase pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. This is why many mothers experience this condition.
• Obesity: Increased body weight can also put pressure on these blood vessels.
• Eating a diet low in fiber: Constipation is more likely to occur when you eat a diet low in fiber. It is important to include foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.

How do you know for sure if you have hemorrhoids? (Diagnosis)

When you go to see a doctor, he will ask you about your symptoms and then do a physical examination.

• External examination: External hemorrhoids can be identified by a doctor just by looking at them.
• Digital rectal exam: To check for internal hemorrhoids, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. This can help detect any unusual lumps or bumps inside.
• Anoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy: Sometimes, especially if there is bleeding, your doctor may recommend inserting a small tube (scope) with a camera attached to it to further investigate the cause. These tests allow you to see inside the rectum and lower part of the colon.

Don't be afraid of these tests. Although they may feel a little uncomfortable, they are not painful.

What are the home remedies for hemorrhoids?

In most cases, minor hemorrhoids can be controlled within a week or two with simple home remedies.

• Eat fiber-rich foods: Eat more fruits like cola, spinach, vegetables, papaya, and bananas . These soften the stool and help it pass more easily. If necessary, you can also take fiber supplements as per your doctor's advice.
• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will also soften your stool.
• Take a sitz bath: This is very simple. Fill a large basin with lukewarm water (not hot enough to burn your skin) and soak in it for 10-15 minutes . Doing this two or three times a day will greatly reduce the pain, itching, and swelling.
• Painkillers and ointments: As per the doctor's advice, you can take something like paracetamol for pain. You can also use creams or suppositories that reduce pain and itching. These may contain things like `(lidocaine)` and `(hydrocortisone)`. However, it is safest to seek medical advice before using any medicine.
• Change your toilet habits: Don't hold back when you have to go to the toilet, go to the toilet quickly. And avoid straining.
• Keep it clean: After defecating, don't wipe hard with rough toilet paper. If possible, rinse with water. Or, wipe with a damp cloth or wet wipes.

When is medical treatment needed?

If home treatments don't help after a week or two, or if the pain is severe or the bleeding doesn't stop, you should definitely see a doctor. The doctor will assess your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Here are some of the commonly used treatments:

• Rubber band ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid. This stops the blood flow to it, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off with the stool within a few days.
• Sclerotherapy: An injection containing a chemical substance is injected into the hemorrhoid. This causes the blood vessels to shrink.
• Other methods: There are methods to shrink hemorrhoids using heat or electricity (Infrared coagulation, Electrocoagulation).
• Surgery: For hemorrhoids that are very large, painful, or that do not respond to other treatments, a surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the hemorrhoid completely.

How to prevent hemorrhoids from recurring?

After treatment and recovery, it's important to prevent this condition from recurring. There are several things you can do to help.

• Make fiber-rich foods a habit: Include legumes, vegetables, and fruits in your daily meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise: Even simple exercise like walking daily can help with bowel function.
• Don't stay in the toilet too long.
• Control your weight: If you are overweight, try to lose some weight.
• Don't control the urge to defecate.