What are Hemorrhoids?
A: Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in the anal canal.
In their normal state, they are what?
A: Cushions that help with stool control.
They become a disease when what?
A: Swollen or inflamed; the unqualified term "hemorrhoid" is often used to
refer to the disease.
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on what?
A: The type of hemorrhoids present.
Internal hemorrhoids often result in what?
A: Painless, bright red rectal bleeding when defecating.
External hemorrhoids often result in what?
A: Pain and swelling in the area of the anus.
If bleeding occurs, it is usually what?
A: Darker.
Symptoms frequently get better after how long?
A: A few days.
A skin tag may remain after what?
A: After the healing of an external hemorrhoid.
While the exact cause of hemorrhoids remains unknown, a
number of factors that do what are believed to be involved?
A: Increase pressure in the abdomen.
This may include what?
A: Constipation, diarrhea, and sitting on the toilet for long periods.
Hemorrhoids are also more common during what?
A: Pregnancy.
How is diagnosis made?
A: By looking at the area.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is reasonable to do what?
A: To confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious causes.
Initial measures consist of what?
A: Increasing fiber intake, drinking fluids to maintain hydration, NSAIDs to
help with pain, and rest.
Medicated creams may be applied to the area, but their
effectiveness is what?
A: Poorly supported by evidence.
A number of minor procedures may be performed if
symptoms are what?
A: Severe or do not improve with conservative management.
What percentage of people have problems with
hemorrhoids at some point in their lives?
A: Approximately 50% to 66%.
Hemorrhoids affect people most often between what ages?
A: 45 and 65 years of age.
They are more common among whom?
A: The wealthy.
The first known mention of the disease is from what?
A: A 1700 BC Egyptian papyrus.
In about 40% of people with pathological hemorrhoids,
there are no what?
A: No significant symptoms.
Internal and external hemorrhoids may present
differently; however, many people may have what?
A: A combination of the two.
Bleeding enough to cause anemia is what?
A: Rare, and life-threatening bleeding is even more uncommon.
Many people feel what when facing the problem?
A: Embarrassed and often seek medical care only when the case is advanced.
If not thrombosed, external hemorrhoids may do what?
A: Cause few problems.
However, when thrombosed, hemorrhoids may be what?
A: Very painful.
Nevertheless, this pain typically resolves in how long?
A: Two to three days.
The swelling may, however, take how long to disappear?
A: Few weeks.
If hemorrhoids are large and cause issues with hygiene,
they may produce what?
A: Irritation of the surrounding skin, and thus itchiness around the anus.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks what?
A: The transmission of nerve messages before reaching the central nervous
system.
As a result, the patient does not feel what?
A: Any pain.
In addition, this drug is what?
A: Anti-inflammatory and is effective in treating hemorrhoids.
Lidocaine is not recommended if you are what?
A: Pregnant or have a local allergy.
