It's important to know, the causes of hemorrhoids are very annoying

Hemorrhoids, or what is better known as the medical term hemorrhoids, is a common condition in which the blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum swell and become inflamed. Although harmless, hemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort for sufferers. 

Hemorrhoids occur when pressure in the blood vessels around the anus increases, causing the blood vessels to swell and widen. Several factors that can cause this increase in pressure include:

• Chronic Constipation: When a person is constipated, they tend to strain harder during bowel movements. This excessive pressure can cause swelling of the blood vessels around the anus.
• Prolonged Diarrhea: Frequent and prolonged diarrhea can also put excessive pressure on the anal area, which in turn can lead to hemorrhoids.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. In addition, hormonal changes can also weaken blood vessel walls, making pregnant women more susceptible to hemorrhoids.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts additional pressure on the blood vessels in the anal area, which can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.
• Sitting for a Long Time: Sitting for a long time, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the blood vessels in the anal area, which can ultimately lead to hemorrhoids.
• Lack of Fiber Intake: A diet low in fiber can cause stools to become hard and difficult to pass, thereby increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity. The following are some common symptoms often experienced by hemorrhoid sufferers:

1. Bleeding: One of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids is bleeding during bowel movements. Blood is usually bright red and visible in stool or toilet tissue.
2. Itching and Irritation: Hemorrhoids often cause itching and irritation around the anus.
3. Pain or Discomfort: Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, but inflamed external hemorrhoids can cause pain, especially when sitting.
4. Lump Around Anus: External hemorrhoids can cause the formation of a lump or swelling around the anus that can be felt with the hand.
5. Swelling: In more severe cases, hemorrhoids can cause significant swelling in the area around the anus.

Treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the severity and type. The following are several treatment methods that can be used:

1. Lifestyle Changes: The first step in treating hemorrhoids is to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly. Avoiding sitting for too long can also help reduce pressure on the anal area.
2. Use of Creams and Ointments: There are various types of creams and ointments available in pharmacies to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, such as pain, itching, and swelling. These creams usually contain active ingredients such as hydrocortisone or local anesthetics.
3. Laxatives: If hemorrhoids are caused by constipation, your doctor may prescribe a laxative to help soften stools and make bowel movements easier.
4. Non-Invasive Medical Procedures: For more severe cases of hemorrhoids, some non-invasive medical procedures may be performed, such as rubber band ligation (banding) or sclerotherapy. Rubber band ligation involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, so the hemorrhoid will shrink and disappear. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into hemorrhoids to shrink them.
5. Surgery: In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove hemorrhoids. This procedure is known as a hemorrhoidectomy and is usually performed on patients who have large hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments.

Prevention is the best way to avoid the development of hemorrhoids. Some steps you can take to prevent hemorrhoids include:

1. Consume High Fiber Foods: Eating foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can help keep stools soft and easy to pass, thereby reducing the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids.
2. Drink Enough Water: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day can help improve your digestive system and prevent constipation.
3. Avoid Pushing Too Hard: Do not push too hard when defecating, as this can increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus and cause hemorrhoids.
4. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on blood vessels in the pelvic area and rectum.
5. Avoid Sitting for Too Long: If your job requires sitting for long periods, make sure to get up and walk around occasionally to reduce pressure on the anal area.
6. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Maintaining an ideal body weight can reduce pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic and anal areas, thereby reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a common and often harmless condition, but they can cause significant discomfort. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment and prevention, Hermina Friends can take the right steps to treat and prevent hemorrhoids. If you experience severe or recurring hemorrhoid symptoms, you should consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment. RSU Hermina Purwokerto has general surgery specialists that Hermina Friends can consult. 

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2. Call Call Center 1500488
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4. Via the Mobile JKN application

Reference :

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
2. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. (2019). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/hemorrhoids
3. WebMD. (2020). Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Hemorrhoids: Overview. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15101-hemorrhoids
6. MedlinePlus. (2022). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/hemorrhoids.html