…dangers, treatment, prevention
A man undergoes hemorrhoid surgery and vows never to take his phone to the toilet again.
Turns out, those endless scrolling sessions on the toilet were his biggest mistake. But there’s more to his story.
In this thread, we’re learning what really causes hemorrhoids and, most importantly, how you can avoid them.
WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?
They’re swollen veins in the rectum or around the anus that can cause serious discomfort;pain, bleeding, and relentless itching.
For some, it’s mild and resolves with home care.
But for others, medical procedures are the only solution.
Here’s everything you need to know about hemorrhoids: symptoms, types, causes, and prevention.
SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS
-Itching or irritation: Persistent, uncomfortable itching around the anal area.
-Pain: Sharp or sore pain, especially during bowel movements.
-Bleeding: Blood in your stool or on the toilet paper after wiping.
-Lumps: External hemorrhoids may appear as visible lumps around the anus.
-Fecal leakage: Severe cases may lead to unintentional leakage.
-Swelling: You are likely to observe that your veins are inflamed around that region
TYPES OF HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids aren’t one-size-fits-all, they usually come in different forms:
1• Internal Hemorrhoids; Found inside the rectum, these usually don’t cause pain because of the lack of pain-sensing nerves. But they can cause:
– Bleeding
-Prolapse (when they push out of the anus
2• External Hemorrhoids; These are located under the skin around the anus and can cause significant discomfort due to the abundance of pain-sensing nerves. Symptoms include:
-Pain
-Itching
-Bleeding
-Swelling
3• Thrombosed Hemorrhoids; The most painful type. These occur when a blood clot forms inside a hemorrhoid, leading to:
-Severe pain
-Hard lumps near the anus
-Increased swelling and bleeding
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Why do hemorrhoids happen? It’s all about pressure.
When the veins in your rectum or anus are overworked, they swell.
Here are some common triggers:
-Straining during bowel movements: A common result of constipation.
-Chronic diarrhea: Frequent bowel movements increase pressure on veins.
-Sitting for long periods: Especially on the toilet (put that phone away!).
-Anal intercourse: Direct pressure on the veins can lead to hemorrhoids.
-Obesity: Excess weight adds strain.
-Pregnancy: The growing uterus
increases pressure on the veins.
-Aging: As we age, tissues supporting rectal veins weaken over time.
-Low-fiber diets: Leads to constipation and straining.
-Heavy lifting: Straining during physical activity adds unnecessary pressure.
WHAT HAPPENS IF HEMORRHOIDS ARE IGNORED?
Leaving hemorrhoids untreated can lead to serious complications:
-Anemia: Chronic blood loss may lead to low red blood cell count.
-Fissures and fistulas: Tears or abnormal connections in the anal region.
-Thrombosed hemorrhoids: Blood clots that can cause intensified pain and swelling
-Prolapse: Persistent hemorrhoids that stretch and bulge outside the anus.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Hemorrhoids can be managed with the right approach:
1• Home remedies:
-Stay hydrated.
-Increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
-Use over-the-counter creams and ointments.
-Take warm sitz baths for relief.
2• Medical intervention: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.
PREVENTION IS KEY
Avoiding hemorrhoids is all about reducing strain and pressure:
-Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
-Eat fiber-rich foods for smoother digestion.
-Stay hydrated to keep stools soft.
-Avoid prolonged sitting (especially in the toilet).
-Maintain a healthy weight.
What to Do If You Have Hemorrhoids?
If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, these tips can help you find relief and prevent them from worsening:
-Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
-Avoid straining: Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, and don’t linger; leave your phone outside to avoid extended sitting!
-Boost your fiber intake: Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to soften stools and reduce strain during bowel movements.
-Try over-the-counter remedies: Hemorrhoid creams, ointments, and suppositories can provide much-needed relief from pain and irritation.
-Take sitz baths: Soak in warm water for 10–15 minutes a few times daily to ease swelling and discomfort.
-Maintain a healthy weight: Shedding excess pounds reduces pressure on your veins and lowers the risk of flare-ups.
The pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids is not something you want to experience.
Take steps to protect yourself.
Did you learn from this post?
Learning Never Ends
©Pharm.Unique
