12 Mar 09 HAEMORRHOIDS AND OTHER RECTAL TROUBLES
Haemorrhoids, or piles, are enlarged, dilated veins situated inside or just outside the rectum. They cause itching, discomfort, and pain, and are frequently accompanied by bleeding.
Aside from the fact that they are a nuisance, there are two important reasons for seeing a doctor promptly if you think you have haemorrhoids. The first is that they may be caused by something potentially serious. Usually, the cause is a local one, such as the hard, dry stools and straining that accompany constipation; this irritates the veins and slows the flow of blood. In pregnancy, the enlarged uterus sometimes presses on the veins. However, the pressure can be caused by a disease in the liver or even the heart, or by a locally situated tumour or cancer.
The other reason for seeing a doctor promptly is that haemorrhoids should be treated before they cause serious complications.
For emergency treatment of painful haemorrhoids, apply very cold water on cleansing tissues or a cloth directly to the anal area. Continue for five to ten minutes, until the pain is allayed.
A hot bath morning and night may also bring relief. A soothing rectal suppository is worth trying, but regular use of suppositories or ointments may prove irritating after a few days.
Rectal fissures
A rectal fissure—that is, a tear in the surface of the rectum— may accompany haemorrhoids. It is extremely painful. It may be caused by the straining and irritation resulting from constipation. If it does not heal promptly, see your doctor without delay.
For emergency treatment, apply a soothing preparation, containing a local anaesthetic, which your pharmacist can provide.
Pruritus ani (anal itching)
This is a frequent and very bothersome condition. It can be caused by worms and allergies, contact with irritating chemicals, and in many other ways. Sometimes emotional factors are responsible. Be sure to give your doctor a chance to help you, because pruritus ani can result in infections or even interfere with your general health by disturbing your sleep or by making you tense.
Anal fistula
Anal fistula is a most annoying ailment. Because of some disease condition, an opening develops inside the anal canal or rectum, and a small tunnel forms, which leads out to the skin or adjacent organs. Such a fistulous tract will permit the passage of faecal matter. This in itself is unpleasant and painful because of the associated irritation and infection. In addition, the fistula may be the result of tuberculosis, actinomycosis, or other serious disease that also can destroy tissue. Sometimes, a rectal fistula results from an injury that may tear the rectal and anal tissues.
When there is a discharge of any sort from the skin near the anal area, it should be mentioned to your doctor. It may be the beginning of an anal fistula, and exact diagnosis is required to establish the cause. On that basis, the doctor decides between medical and surgical therapy.
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