Lumps in the anus? Be careful, it could be hemorrhoids!

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Have you ever experienced discomfort or pain around the anus? Or feel a lump around the anus? Or maybe you've seen fresh blood when you defecate? If yes, then you need to be alert. These symptoms could be a sign of hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the anus which often cause discomfort and bleeding when defecating. 

Even though it sounds trivial, hemorrhoids can interfere with daily activities and reduce the quality of life. Come on, get to know more about hemorrhoids, starting from the symptoms, causes, and how to deal with them so that you can immediately get the right treatment.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swelling or widening of the blood vessels at the bottom of the rectum (end of the large intestine) and anus. These enlarged blood vessels can be similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids can occur both inside and outside the anus. Even though hemorrhoids are not a serious and life-threatening disease, they can cause disruption to activities, such as pain when sitting, pain when defecating.

This disease can go away on its own without treatment, but it will be better if given proper treatment. Hemorrhoids can occur in anyone, generally this disease attacks older people and more than half of people over 50 years old. 

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external hemorrhoids. Health experts use a Trusted Source grading system to characterize internal hemorrhoids based on whether they remain in the rectum or protrude from the anus.

Internal Hemorrhoids

This type of hemorrhoid occurs in the anus, specifically at the bottom of the rectum. Because they are located inside, internal hemorrhoids often do not cause pain because there are not many nerves in the area. The most common symptom is bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can become more severe and come out of the anus (prolapse). This condition may be caused by weakening of the muscles around the anus and can be painful. 

Hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids, can be classified based on their severity into several stages. This division is very important to determine appropriate treatment. In general, hemorrhoids are categorized into four stages, each with different symptoms and characteristics.

• Stage I: Hemorrhoids are still in the anus and cannot be seen from the outside.

• Stage II: Hemorrhoids have come out of the anus during defecation but come back in on their own.

• Stage III: The hemorrhoid comes out of the anus and must be pushed back in manually.

• Stage IV: The hemorrhoid has permanently exited the anus and cannot be pushed back in.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids occur around the anus, specifically on the skin around the anal canal. This type of hemorrhoid often feels itchy, painful, and can appear as a blue or red lump. External hemorrhoids can contain blood clots (thrombosis) that cause extreme pain.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, which can affect blood flow and cause blood vessels to swell. Several factors that can increase the risk of hemorrhoids include:

• Straining when defecating

• Lifting heavy objects

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Low fiber diet

• Sitting for long periods of time

Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity. Some common symptoms often experienced by hemorrhoid sufferers include:

• Lumps around the anus: These lumps can feel soft or hard, depending on their size and location.

• Bleeding during bowel movements: The blood that comes out is usually bright red and drips.

• Itching around the anus: This itching feeling is often very annoying and makes you want to keep scratching.

• Pain during defecation: Pain can be mild to severe, depending on the level of inflammation.

• Mucus in the stool: The presence of mucus in the stool can also be a sign of hemorrhoids.

If you experience bleeding or black stools, see a doctor immediately. Bleeding can be caused by conditions other than hemorrhoids and should be evaluated. Also, see a doctor if hemorrhoids do not improve within 1 week of home treatment.

Causes of Hemorrhoids 

Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels around the anus swell, often due to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the area. This pressure can be caused by various factors, such as straining when defecating or constipation. Possible causes and risk factors include:

• Straining when defecating

• Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

• Family history of hemorrhoids

• Engage in heavy lifting or other activities that tire the body

• Obesity

• Having anal intercourse, which can irritate hemorrhoids

• Pregnant (the enlarging uterus presses on the blood vessels in the colon, causing them to bulge)

• Over 50 years old

Understanding the causes of hemorrhoids is essential to preventing and treating this condition. By knowing the cause, You can take effective preventive steps.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids, can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the severity and individual condition. The following are some common treatment methods:

Home Remedies

Home remedies can help relieve mild hemorrhoid symptoms and prevent them from becoming more severe. Some ways that can be done include:

• Increase fiber consumption: Fiber helps soften stool so it is easier to pass and reduces pressure on the anus. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.

• Drink enough water: Water helps soften stools and prevent constipation.

• Cold compress: Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain in hemorrhoids.

• Sitz bath: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help relieve pain and itching.

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods: Spicy and fatty foods can worsen anal irritation.

• Keep the anal area clean: Gently clean the anal area after defecating using warm water and mild soap.

Non-Surgical Treatment

If home remedies are ineffective, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Drugs: Medications such as topical creams or ointments can help relieve symptoms such as pain, itching, and bleeding.

• Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves injecting a chemical into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.

• Rubber ligation: This procedure involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to stop blood flow and cause the hemorrhoid to drain.

• Infrared coagulation: This procedure uses infrared rays to destroy hemorrhoid tissue.

Surgical Treatment

For cases of hemorrhoids that are severe or do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. Some types of surgery that are commonly performed are:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgery involves removing hemorrhoid tissue.

• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: This procedure uses a stapler to remove and repair hemorrhoid tissue.

Alternative Medicine

Some people choose to try alternative treatments to treat hemorrhoids, such as:

• Acupuncture: This needle therapy is believed to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

• Herbal: Several herbal plants such as aloe vera and witch hazel are believed to help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.

If hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve with home treatment or get worse, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will perform a physical examination and may perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Want to consult further regarding hemorrhoid problems? Visit Digestive Center of Premier Jatinegara Hospital. With a team of experts in their fields, we will help overcome digestive problems, including hemorrhoids.

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