HEMORRHOIDS

Hemorrhoids Wellness Protocols >>  

Haemorrhoids (British English), Hemorrhoids (American English) also known as emeroids or piles are a swelling and inflamation of the veins of the rectum. Hemorroids can develop from two different places: either internal rectal veins which can become swollen and will form internal hemorrhoids. But, as the internal structure of the rectum has few pain receptors these cannot generally be seen or felt. External rectal veins can also swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.

As the image above demonstrates, there can be several categories of hemorrhoids:

• External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside of the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). They are sometimes painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. Itching, although often thought to be a symptom from external hemorrhoids, is more commonly due to skin irritation. These occur in a vein of the inferior rectal plexus, below the pectinate line and covered with modified anal skin.
• Internal hemorrhoids are those that occur inside the rectum. As this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated. These generally occur in a vein of the superior rectal plexus, originating above the pectinate line and covered by mucous membrane. Untreated internal hemorrhoids can lead to two severe forms of hemorrhoids: prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids:
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that are so distended that they descend below the pectinate line and are pushed outside the anus.
• If the anal sphincter muscle goes into spasm and traps a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside the anal opening, the supply of blood is cut off, and the hemorrhoid becomes a strangulated hemorrhoid.
• A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a hemorrhoid containing clotted blood.

Causes

The causes of hemorrhoids are many and varous and include genetic predisposition (weak rectal vein walls and/or valves), straining during bowel movements and pregnancy. It is though that the latter two causes lead to increased pressure in the hemorrhoid veins, thus causing them to swell. It is also though that too much pressure on the rectal veins due to poor muscle tone or poor posture. Liver disease can also cause increased pressure in the veins and also cause hemorrhoids. Anal sex can also stress the anus particularly if too little lubricant is used and cause rectal wall strain. Hemorrhoids are also linked to sitting for prolonged periods of time. Additional factors that can influence the course of hemorrhoids (mostly by increasing rectal vein pressure), especially for those with a genetic predisposition, are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Constipation, chronic diarrhea, poor bathroom habits, pregnancy, postponing bowel movements, and fiber-deprived diet may be associated with bowel movement and straining, but not all of these have been conclusively proved to cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years. Using a squat toilet has been hypothesised to reduce straining and therefore reduce the occurrence of hemorrhoids. However, the medical research into this subject is scarce, and there has been no definite proof for this hypothesis. It is true that hemorrhoids are very rare in nations where people squat to defecate but this epidemiological argument doesn’t necessarily prove a causal relationship as there may be unresolved genetic factors at play. Dehydration can cause a hard stool or chronic constipation which can lead to hemorrhoidal irritation. An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of milk products such as cheese, can cause irritation and a reduction of consumption can bring relief. Vitamin E deficiency is also a common cause. Western diets may also have a part to play in that excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption can cause diarrhea which in turn can cause hemorrhoidal irritation.

Disclaimer: These Wellness Protocols are not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.