By M. Ali
From PHN Issue 53, Summer 2023
Dear Prison Health News,
I was wondering if you could do an article on the topic of hemorrhoids. Some points of interest might be:
What causes hemorrhoids?
Is bleeding a common occurrence?
What are the treatments for them?
– Sincerely, Pete B.
Dear Pete B.,
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop inside the rectum and around the anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids, which occur beneath the skin around the anus, and internal hemorrhoids, which occur inside the rectum. The symptoms depend on the type of hemorrhoid.
How common are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very common. They should not be a cause for concern. However, it is important to see a medical professional if the hemorrhoids don’t improve after a week of care.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Some causes include sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, straining during bowel movements, eating a low-fiber diet, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids can more commonly occur in people who are overweight or pregnant.
What are the signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhoids?
Since these are located inside of the rectum, they cannot be felt or seen. However, a doctor can visualize them using a proctoscope or anoscope. Internal hemorrhoids can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements that is seen on toilet paper or in the toilet.
What are the signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids?
These can cause pain, discomfort, itching, or swelling around the anus, as well as bleeding seen on toilet paper or in the toilet.
What are treatment options for hemorrhoids?
Topical hemorrhoid creams; soaking the area with a clean, warm washcloth; and using ice packs can help relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids. Additionally, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can also help with severe pain. Usually, hemorrhoids go away on their own within a week.
How can I prevent hemorrhoids in the future?
Luckily, there are several lifestyle changes you can make that can help prevent future recurrences. Adding fiber to your diet to soften your stools, drinking lots of fluids, exercising, spending less time sitting on the toilet, avoiding straining with bowel movements, and trying to have a bowel movement when you have the urge to rather than holding it can all be beneficial.
What foods have a high fiber content?
Fruits: Raspberries, apples (with skin), bananas, oranges, strawberries
Vegetables: Boiled broccoli, baked potatoes (with skin), raw carrots
Grains: Whole wheat spaghetti, oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread
Legumes/Nuts/Seeds: Lentils (boiled), black beans (boiled), baked beans (canned), almonds, sunflower kernels
Should I be concerned if I see blood with a bowel movement? What are some red flags to look out for?
While some benign conditions like hemorrhoids cause bleeding, there are other causes of rectal bleeding that are concerning. Bleeding can also be a sign of more serious conditions like colon or rectal cancer, which require a colonoscopy for diagnosis. If there is a change in your bowel habits or changes in stool color or consistency along with bleeding, it is recommended you see a medical professional.
Prison Health News 