Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles are swelling containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the rectum and anus.

Definition

An abnormal mass of dilated and engorged blood vessels either internally in the anal canal or externally around the anus

Causes

•               Straining during bowel movements

•               Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet

•               Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

•               Obesity

•               Pregnancy

Types

•               Internal haemorrhoids - inside the rectum.

•               External haemorrhoids - around the anus.

Symptoms

•               Painless bleeding during bowel movements

•               Itching or irritation in anal region

•               Pain or discomfort

•               Swelling around the anus

Diagnosis

•               Digital rectal examination - to detect the unusual growths.

•               Inspection - examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum with proctoscope

•               Colonoscopy to examine the entire colon

Management

•               Home remedies

•               Eat high-fibre foods (fruits, vegetables and whole grains.)

•               Increase fluid intake

•               Use topical ointment

•               Sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day.

•               Keep the anal area clean.

•               Apply ice packs or cold compresses on anus to relieve swelling and pain

Medical management

•               Lidocaine that can relieve pain and itching

•               Sclerotherapy - injecting a chemical solution into the haemorrhoid to shrink it.

Surgical management

•               Rubber band ligation. placing one or two tiny rubber bands around the base of haemorrhoid to cut off its circulation.

•               Haemorrhoidectomy

•               Haemorrhoids stapling - Surgical staples block the blood flow to haemorrhoids

Nursing management

•               Educate to take plenty of water.

•               Care of drainage tubes

Complications

•               Anemia.

•               Strangulated hemorrhoid.

•               Infection

•               Anal fistula

Prevention

•               Eat high fibre foods.

•               Drink plenty of fluids.

•               Don't strain when trying to pass a stool

•               Defecate as soon as the feeling of urge occurs

•               Exercise.

•               Avoid long periods of sitting Obesity