Hemorrhoids: Overview of Definition, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Hemorrhoids, as a common anorectal disease, trouble many patients. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the basic definition, causes, development process, diagnosis and treatment methods of hemorrhoids from a professional perspective to help you better understand this disease.

1. Basic definition and characteristics of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as hemorrhoids, refer to one or more soft veins formed by varicose veins in the venous plexus at the bottom of the anus and rectum and anal mucosa. When these veins are stimulated, inflammation, thrombosis, or connective tissue hyperplasia may occur, leading to pain, bleeding and other symptoms. The main characteristics of hemorrhoids include:

1. Blood in the stool: Bright red blood may appear during defecation. In mild cases, the toilet paper may be stained with blood. In severe cases, dripping or spurting bleeding may occur.

2. Prolapse: As the disease progresses, the hemorrhoid tumor may gradually increase in size and prolapse outside the anus during defecation. In mild cases, it can be retracted by itself, while in severe cases, manual repositioning is required.

3. Pain: When hemorrhoids become inflamed, thrombosed or incarcerated, patients may experience anal pain.

4. Itching: Hemorrhoids may cause an increase in anal secretions, irritating the perianal skin and causing itching.

2. The causes and development process of hemorrhoids

There are many causes of hemorrhoids, including the following:

1. Poor living habits: long periods of sitting, standing, squatting, and lack of exercise lead to obstruction of venous return in the anorectum.

2. Improper diet: Excessive intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods can lead to intestinal congestion and inflammation, and aggravate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

3. Poor defecation habits: Squatting on the toilet for a long time and straining to defecate will increase pressure on the anus and rectum.

4. Genetic factors: Some patients have family genetic tendencies.

The development process of hemorrhoid tumors can generally be divided into four stages: initial stage, first stage, second stage and third stage. In the early stage, hemorrhoid tumors are small and have mild symptoms. As the disease progresses, hemorrhoid tumors gradually increase in size and symptoms worsen, and prolapse and pain may occur. If not treated in time, hemorrhoid tumors may develop into stage three hemorrhoid tumors, seriously affecting the patient’s quality of life.

3. Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment Methods of Hemorrhoids

The diagnosis of hemorrhoids is mainly based on the patient’s symptoms, signs and anorectal examination. The doctor will comprehensively understand the patient’s condition by asking for medical history, observing the appearance of the anus, and performing digital anal examination to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment methods for hemorrhoids mainly include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is suitable for patients with initial and first-stage hemorrhoid tumors, and mainly includes improving living habits, adjusting diet, and drug treatment. Patients should avoid sitting, standing, and squatting for long periods of time, and increase the amount of exercise; maintain a light diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and eat less spicy, greasy, and irritating foods; and use topical or oral drugs to relieve symptoms under the guidance of a doctor.

Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with stage II and III hemorrhoids, especially those with severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. There are many surgical methods, such as hemorrhoidectomy, stapled suprahemorrhoidal mucosal circumcision, etc. The specific choice should be based on the patient’s condition and doctor’s recommendations.

In short, hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease, and patients should seek medical treatment in time. By improving living habits, adjusting diet, medication or surgery, most patients can achieve good results. At the same time, patients should maintain a positive attitude and cooperate with doctors’ treatment. They believe that with joint efforts, they will be able to defeat the disease.