User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hemorrhoid
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hemorrhoids, also spelled haemorrhoids, are vascular structures in the anal canal.[2] In their normal state, they are cushions that help with stool control.[2] They become a disease when swollen or inflamed; the unqualified term "hemorrhoid" is often used to refer to the disease.[8] The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type present.[3] Internal hemorrhoids often result in painless, bright red rectal bleeding when defecating.[2] External hemorrhoids often result in pain and swelling in the area of the anus.[3] If bleeding occurs it is usually darker.[3] Symptoms frequently get better after a few days.[5] A skin tag may remain after the healing of an external hemorrhoid.[3]
Hemorrhoids | |
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Other names | Haemorrhoids, piles,[1] hemorrhoidal disease[2] |
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Diagram demonstrating the anatomy of both internal and external hemorrhoids | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | General surgery |
Symptoms | Internal: Painless, bright red rectal bleeding[2] External: Pain and swelling around the anus[3] |
Usual onset | 45–65 years of age[4] |
Duration | Few days[5] |
Causes | Unknown[3] |
Risk factors | Constipation, diarrhea, sitting on the toilet for a long time, pregnancy[5] |
Diagnostic method | Examination, rule out serious causes[6][5] |
Treatment | Increased fiber, drinking fluids, NSAIDs, rest, surgery[1][7] |
Frequency | 50–66% at some time[1][5] |
While the exact cause of hemorrhoids remains unknown, a number of factors which increase pressure in the abdomen are believed to be involved.[3] This may include constipation, diarrhea and sitting on the toilet for a long time.[5] Hemorrhoids are also more common during pregnancy.[5] Diagnosis is made by looking at the area.[5] Many people incorrectly refer to any symptom occurring around the anal area as "hemorrhoids" and serious causes of the symptoms should be ruled out.[6] Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is reasonable to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious causes.[9]
Often, no specific treatment is needed.[9] Initial measures consist of increasing fiber intake, drinking fluids to maintain hydration, NSAIDs to help with pain, and rest.[1] Medicated creams may be applied to the area, but their effectiveness is poorly supported by evidence.[9] A number of minor procedures may be performed if symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative management.[7] Surgery is reserved for those who fail to improve following these measures.[7]
Approximately 50% to 66% of people have problems with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.[1][5] Males and females are both affected with about equal frequency.[1] Hemorrhoids affect people most often between 45 and 65 years of age,[4] and is more common among the wealthy.[3] Outcomes are usually good.[5][9] The first known mention of the disease is from a 1700 BCE Egyptian papyrus.[10]