What are haemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids comprise of clusters of small blood vessels and connective tissues in the anal canal. They are classified into internal and external according to their position. They generally cause symptoms when they are enlarged or inflamed.

What are the causes?

The main causes of haemorrhoid include:

• Chronic constipation and straining - may be due to unhealthy eating habit such as lack of intake of dietary fibre from fruits and vegetables
• Prolonged sitting
• Advanced age

These factors either impede blood circulation around the anal area or weaken the surrounding tissues, resulting in blood vessel engorgement and swelling and protrusion of vascular tissue.

Some inflammatory bowel diseases are also associated with haemorrhoid.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of internal haemorrhoid include:

• Blood in stool
• Itchy anus
• Anal pain if there is strangulation of haemorrhoid

The symptoms of external haemorrhoid include:

• Anal bleeding
• Anal pain

How to prevent haemorrhoid?

It is most important to adapt a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and cereals, coupled with ample intake of fluid will soften the stool and help you to keep regular bowel habits. Taking regular physical exercise can facilitate blood circulation in the body. If you used to sit for prolonged period during work, you may stand up or walk around while you have breaks

For disturbing symptoms, there are medical and surgical treatments.

Medical treatments include increasing dietary fibre and liquid intake, toilet retraining and topical medications such as suppositories and cream. They aim to resolve the symptoms associated with less severe haemorrhoid.

Surgical treatments include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy and surgical excision. Surgical excision is reserved for patients with more severe haemorrhoid or those whose symptoms are not relieved by more conservative treatments.

The doctor will assess the severity and recommend the most appropriate mode of treatment according to the patient's disease and other associated condition.

What to do if I have haemorrhoid?

If you have constipation and symptoms of haemorrhoid, you can try to improve your dietary habit by taking in more fruits and vegetables, and by drinking more water. Avoid persistent straining and prolonged sitting that can lead to enlargement of haemorrhoid. Bathing in tubs with warm water helps ease anal pain. Applying ice pack can also help relieve pain and swelling in severe case.

Having blood in stool may mean diseases other than haemorrhoid. It is always wise to consult your doctor if you have blood-stained stool or suspect that you have haemorrhoid.