Stock photo. Posed by model.
Haemorrhoids, often a taboo subject, are more common than one would think. Haemorrhoids affect ¼ adults approximately and appear to be distributed evenly across both males and females.
50% of adults above 50 suffer from haemorrhoids1. But truth is it affects adults from all ages and haemorrhoids and anal discomforts are more common than what we think. Pregnant women and women after giving birth are at higher risk due to hormonal changes and increased intra-abdominal pressure2.
Everyone has haemorrhoidal cushions. The haemorrhoidal cushions swell to ensure proper closure of the anus. These cushions, however, can cause a problem when they enlarge. This occurs when the blood vessels in the haemorrhoidal tissue swell due to excessive pressure exerted on weakened tissue. Haemorrhoids create a problem when the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. This may result from straining to move stool3.
1 Brown SR. Haemorrhoids: an update on management. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2017;8(10):141-147.
2 Abramowitz L, Sobhani I, Benifla JL, Vuagnat A, Daraï E, Mignon M, et al. Anal fissure and thrombosed external hemorrhoids before and after delivery. Dis Colon Rectum. 2002;45(5):650–5.
3 Abramowitz, L. (2010) The Diagnosis and Management of Haemorrhoidal Disease from a Global Perspective. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Volume 31, Supplement 1. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04278.x
There are two common types of haemorrhoids, internal haemorrhoids, which are located inside the anus and external haemorrhoids those that protrude outside the anus. Internal haemorrhoids usually cause less pain and many people do not even know that they have them.
External haemorrhoids cause more noticeable problems for sufferers.
Haemorrhoids are usually quite uncomfortable but are not dangerous or life threatening. Haemorrhoidial symptoms can disappear after a few days but can eventually return, often worse. Living a healthy lifestyle with balances diet, enough water in-take and regular exercise prevent piles and anal discomforts.