Hemorrhoids and anal fissure
What is the rectum?
The rectum is the last few inches of the large intestine. The rectum is connected to the anal canal, which leads the fecal matter out of the body. The opening is called the anus. Problems in this part of the body are common, but people are often embarrassed to seek help. Common symptoms may include bleeding, pain and itching. When symptoms are persistent, it is important to have an evaluation by a doctor.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels (veins) in the anal canal. When those blood vessels become swollen or dilated, symptoms may develop. Many people have hemorrhoids, but have no symptoms.
What are the different types of hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are dilated veins covered by the skin near the anal opening. They may be felt as bumps or lumps near the outside of the anus, and become painful when they are swollen with blood.
Internal hemorrhoids are dilated veins that form inside the rectum and above the anal opening, and are therefore “internal”. However, in some situations they may enlarge and protrude (prolapse) out of the anus.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids may be present and cause no symptoms. When they cause symptoms, the most common are pain, itching, pressure and bleeding; they can often be felt as a bulge in the skin near the anal opening.
Internal hemorrhoids may be present and cause no symptoms. When they cause symptoms, the most common are painless rectal bleeding, which usually is seen as bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. It is important to know that just a few drops of blood in toilet water can change the color of the water dramatically.
How do hemorrhoids occur?
Hemorrhoids may develop as a result of repeated straining to have a bowel movement, sometimes as a result of longstanding constipation. They are also seen commonly in any condition that leads to increased pressure inside the abdomen. Examples would include pregnancy and lifting heavy weights.
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
Hemorrhoids are suspected when they produce the characteristic symptoms listed above. External hemorrhoids may occasionally be seen on visual examination of the anus. A full exam usually includes a digital rectal exam, where the doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may be identified on external exam if they protrude with straining or may be detected during a check with a flexible or rigid tube with a light and a camera that is inserted in order for the doctor to see the inside of the anal canal and lower rectum. The rigid tube is called an anoscope and the flexible tube is a sigmoidoscope.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Most hemorrhoids resolve spontaneously, or with simple measures. These measures include avoidance of straining, and treatment of hard stools or constipation with increased fluids, addition of increased fiber in the diet and stool softeners or lubricants. There are over the counter or prescription creams and suppositories that may be helpful to improve symptoms of itching. Some people find cleaning the anal region with a moist towel after a bowel movement to be soothing.
In some circumstances, hemorrhoids that do not resolve or bleed repeatedly need other type of treatment. These include:
- Rubber bands: Bands are placed around the hemorrhoid and they clot and eventually form a scar.
- Injection sclerotherapy: A chemical is injected directly into the hemorrhoid to make it clot
- Infrared coagulation: Heat is used to destroy a hemorrhoid
- Surgery: Removal of the dilated, stretched veins.
Fissures
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal. It often occurs after the passage of a hard bowel movement.
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
An anal fissure typically causes pain, especially with a bowel movement. Sometimes, bleeding occurs as well.
How is an anal fissure diagnosed?
An anal fissure can be seen by a doctor on a visual exam of the anal region. If the fissure is touched, it will usually be painful. Sometimes an anoscope (see above) is used to look inside the anal canal a very short distance to see how far the tear extends.
Can anal fissures be prevented?
Since anal fissures often result from the passage of hard bowel movements, keeping the stools soft and bulky (with fiber supplements) may help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
How are anal fissures treated?
Most anal fissures will heal on their own within a few weeks if the stools are kept soft (possibly with stool softeners, and fiber supplements) and the area is not repeatedly re-injured.
Other measures may include:
- Sitz baths: These will soothe the affected area with water
- Medicated creams and/or suppositories to relieve pain and inflammation
- Occasionally, the use of nitroglycerine or diltiazem ointment applied to the area will be necessary
- Occasionally, injection of botulinum toxin, Botox®, may be helpful
- Surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist. The operation involves partially cutting a muscle that regulates the passage of stool out of the rectum. Cutting this muscle relieves pressure on the skin near the fissure, and allows the fissure to heal.
10 Tips on Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or at the anus (external hemorrhoids).
- Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
- Bright red rectal bleeding
- Staining of undergarments with mucus
- Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea
- Difficulty with hygiene
- Hemorrhoids are caused by:
- Straining
- Work strain (lifting, etc.)
- Straining while defecating
- Chronic constipation
- Passing hard, dry, small stools
- Laxative abuse
- Do not assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.
- To prevent or manage hemorrhoids, increase your fiber and fluid intake. Consider adding a fiber supplement.
- Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the toilet for a long time.
- Clean the external rectal area gently with soap and water following stool evacuation.
- Try a topical cream or sitz baths to reduce inflammation.
- See your doctor if you don’t improve.
