What do Hemorrhoids look like? It all depends on the type of hemorrhoid. What hemorrhoids look like also depends largely on the current stage your hemorrhoids are in.  Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that populate in and around the anus. These blood vessels can stretch under pressure. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Common factors that can cause hemorrhoids are, straining to move a bowel, sitting too long on the toilet, diet, lack of exercise and very little fresh air. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal hemorrhoid) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoid).

Although many people have hemorrhoids not all experience symptoms. The most common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool or inside the toilet or blood on the toilet paper after wiping.

However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body making it more irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. In addition, excessive straining, rubbing or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining of mucus may also be the cause of additional itching.

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and woman. More than half of the adult population will have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common with pregnant woman when the pressure of the fetus is on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes that  cause  hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most woman, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.  Please refer to some of the other articles on H.I.C. if you wish to view more images of what hemorrhoids look like.

written by,

David Gilbert

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Hemorrhoidolysis is a non-invasive procedure in which the hemorrhoid is shrunk using an electrical current that is manually applied to the actual site of inflammation, using a tool that is known as an electrode, or small probe.  The electrode transmits a low-grade electrical current onto the hemorrhoid itself, which in turn causes a chemical reaction in the tissue.  It is believed that the tissue at the inflamed site that undergoes this chemical reaction causes hemorrhoidal tissue to shrink, eventually alleviating both the hemorrhoids and its symptoms.  The procedure is also called Galvanic Electrotherapy, or the Ultroid method.

Hemorrhoidolysis is a relatively new modality of treatment for hemorrhoids that is most successful for resolving internal hemorrhoids.  Typically the procedure is painless and can be preformed without anesthesia in a very short period of time within a doctor’s office.  Since complications are virtually non-existent (there are rarely reported side effects such as bleeding or swelling), Hemorrhoidolysis is frequently performed on an outpatient basis, with the individual usually being be able to return to work or home the same day.

Hemorrhoidolysis is most commonly employed for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids.  The theory upon which electrotherapy is based has a long history of successful use by sports doctors and physical therapists for treating soft-tissue conditions such as muscle spasms or atrophy.  Typically the doctor is able to manually treat one hemorrhoid at a time, over what averages out to be three to four visits.  Because the procedure is non-invasive and produces so few complications, it is particularly popular amongst patients who wish to avoid the possible side-effects and recovery time associated with other remedies such as Rubber Band Ligation.  It should be noted that long-term resolution of one’s hemorrhoids and its symptoms also depends upon certain lifestyle changes that demand alterations to diet, exercise, and bowel habits.  Given the procedure’s rate of success treating milder cases of internal hemorrhoids, doctors and patients will likely continue turning to Hemorrhoidolysis.

David Gilbert received his BA from U.C.L.A. He is currently doing graduate work in psychology at California Graduate Institute, in Los Angeles, CA. Throughout his career in the mental health field he has worked clinically with several populations, and also contributed to academic works whose topics address both health and mental health issues.

© Hemorrhoid Information Center

Have you wanted to eat more often than a normal person would do?  Are you always thirsty?  Do you feel like you are urinating more than a litre every time to you go to the bathroom? Do you always feel tired more than the usual?  If the answers to these questions are “yes”, then maybe it is time to visit your doctor because you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

What is Diabetes Mellitus ?

Diabetes mellitus or simply known as diabetes is a disease in the metabolism wherein the blood contains sugar that is either higher or lower than normal levels.  In the old days, they correlated the disease with “sweet urine” and muscle wasting or muscle loss.  “Sweet urine” is when there is too much glucose or sugar in the blood, the glucose goes into the urine.Blood sugar is controlled by insulin.  Insulin is a type of hormone that is produced by the pancreas.  The pancreas is the gland organ which is long and irregularly shaped that is located behind the stomach.   The body is made up of different kinds of cells.  The cells needs glucose to produce energy.  In order for the glucose to go inside the cell, the insulin secreted by the pancreas acts as a key.  When insulin secretion is defective, the insulin stays in the blood.  This is why there is a high level of sugar in the blood which is termed as hyperglycemia.  When there is too much insulin in the blood, it is termed as hypoglycemia.

Complication of Diabetes

Having diabetes can lead to many complications such as blindness, kidney failure and damages to the nerve.  Arteries will harden and it makes it narrow for the blood to pass which can lead to heart diseases such as coronary heart disease and strokes.  Diabetes is one of the leading cause of death in the world.  In the United States, it ranks third after heart related diseases and cancer.

Types and Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

The cause of diabetes is associated with the absence or insufficient secretion of insulin, or the production of insulin that are already ineffective, or it can also be the defective cells which can no longer use insulin properly.  When this happens, the cells of the muscle and fats will later reject the insulin.  This is what they call “insulin resistance.”There are two types of diabetes mellitus, called the Type I or the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus and the Type II otherwise known as the Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).  In Type I, the pancreas goes into a process of destroying itself  making insulin production inefficient.  In this type of diabetes, you must continually inject insulin in order to survive and maintain blood sugar.

In type II diabetes, otherwise known also as adult onset diabetes mellitus, you’s body is still capable of producing insulin.  However, it is no longer enough for the body’s needs especially if the body is already rejecting the insulin most especially in the fat and muscle cells.With type II diabetes, it occurs to people who are past their 30 years of age and today, there are already patients who are only in their teenage years.  They may be the result of poor eating habits, obesity or excessive body weight, and lack of exercise.

How will you know if you have diabetes?

In evaluating a person if he or she has Diabetes Mellitus, there are symptoms that can be seen.

♦ Dehydration, which means there is the increased thirst and water drinking (Polydipsia).  This happens because of the too much sugar in the blood leading to a high urine output (Polyuria).

♦ Unexplainable weight loss because the inability of the insulin to do its function will affect the protein, fat and carbohydrate consumption of the body.

♦ Patients will want to eat as often as he likes (Polyphagia).

♦ Complaints of being too tired, nausea and vomiting.

♦ Blurring of vision because of inconsistent blood sugar levels.  When there is too much of the blood glucose, it can lead to coma or death.

In the laboratory test, there are number of procedures done and they are

• FBS procedure or the Fasting Blood Sugar test to diagnose the disease.  You will fast for at least 8 hours overnight.  After that, in the morning, a blood is drawn for the test.  In normal fasting, the level should be lesser that 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).  When the level is more that 126 mg/dl on two or more occasions, this means that you has diabetes.
• Random blood glucose test.  The blood can be drawn anytime without fasting.  When the level of the blood sugar is at 200 mg/dl or more, this indicates that you have diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test used to diagnose type II diabetes.  You will also fast overnight of at least 8 hours but not more than 16 hour.  After the fasting stage then tested.  After testing, You will be given 75 grams of glucose, then the test is done again.  Normally a person with normal blood glucose is is with lesser than 140 mg/dl after 2 hours.  If on two or more occasions, it is higher than 200 mg/dl, then you have diabetes.
• At home, there is the blood sugar testing kit.  You will prick the fingertip using a lancing device.  The blood is applied to a glucometer and the value is read.  The normal range is between 70 to 120 mg/dl before meals and below 140 mg/dl after eating.

When you have diabetes, it is best to know which kind of test you are using and to know the values by heart to know if your blood sugar level is within the normal level or not because it is impossible that you can go into comatose.

How do you manage diabetes?

In managing diabetes, it requires a lot of sacrifice, especially in religiously following a medication regimen and keeping a quality diabetic diet.In nutrition, you are provided with a diabetic exchange list. You can ask for this list from your health care provider.  The foods on the list are in amounts that contain equal caloric number and protein, fat, and carbohydrates in grams.In terms of insulin management, you are taught how to monitor blood sugar levels and how to self inject insulin.  You must know what are oral hypoglycemic agents to improve the tissue response to insulin.  There is what they call the Sick Day Rules.  This is the process that is used by diabetics to manage their insulin levels.  The rules are:

♦ The insulin ordered, either oral or inject able must be followed.

♦ Blood glucose and urine ketones are to be checked every three to four hours.

♦ When the glucose levels change from the normal levels, it needs consultation to the physician.

♦ If there is sickness, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult the physician.

Skin and foot care is to be observed.  You must inspect your feet daily.  Most patients who have lost their feet or legs are those that already have had injuries but failed to notice them.  Injuries can cause infection.  People with diabetes have a hard time recovering from wounds and injuries.  You are advised to wear well-fitting shoes.  It is wise to always buy shoes in the late afternoon rather than in the morning and break them in slowly. Avoid walking without comfortable foot wear.  Feet heating pads are not to be used because this will lead to wounds and injuries.  The toenails should be trimmed always in a straight across manner.  The corners should not be rounded.

Exercise is an essential part of the therapeutic regimen for people with diabetes. When you exercise, the blood sugar level goes down.  However, a medical advise should be done first because too much exercise may lower the sugar below normal levels leading to hypoglycemia.  The diabetic should practice foot care and must not exercise in an environment that is too hot or cold.

Diabetes is a lifetime disease but it can be controlled and managed.  There is no cure that can bring the insulin levels and blood sugar levels back the way it used to be without the use of medications and proper diet.  So it is wise that when you have diabetes, you have to be concerned with your health to avoid devastating complications later on.

written by, Ronald Uy

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Diabetes Milletus. Retrieved Sept 1, 2009 from Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org

Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved Sept 1, 2009 from About.com: http://diabetes.about.com

Diabetes. Retrieved Sept 2, 2009 from Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Warning Signs of Hemorrhoids are usually characterized by the variety of hemorrhoid that is developing.  Hemorrhoids manifest as either internal hemorrhoids, or external hemorrhoids, with each scenario presenting a particular set of symptoms and remedies.  Also known as piles or emerods, hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anus enlarge and breach the anal wall

Hemorrhoids develop on a continuum of severity, and can manifest in distinct ways.  Each variety of the condition has its own symptoms and respective treatments, and each condition is subject to similar preventative measures.  The purpose of this article is to acquaint you with five warning signs that frequently indicate you may have developed a hemorrhoidal condition, in addition to what are the general causes and symptoms, and standard treatment options associated with resolving hemorrhoidal flair-ups.

Hemorrhoids occur when excessive pressure is exerted on the veins of the anus during bowel movements.  In the course of healthy digestive functions, the tissue that forms the anal wall acts as a receptacle for blood during bowel movements, which assists the body to regulate the flow of fecal matter.  Over-straining can cause veins to stay enlarged, which may result in an eventual tear in the anal wall, leading to the formation of the hemorrhoid.  Other conditions such as chronic diarrhea or the attendant pressure on the pelvic region women experience during pregnancy can also contribute to the formation hemorrhoids.

•Bleeding during bowel movements and residual blood deposited on toilet paper after wiping the anus.

•Itching, burning, rectal discomfort, and pain associated with cleaning the infected area.

•Blood on the surface of the stool, mucosal residue on toilet paper following wiping.

•The sensation of fullness after having had a bowel movement.

•Severe pain if the hemorrhoid is bulging and subsequently squeezed by the anal muscles.

Hemorrhoids are typically treated first with some course of home hemorrhoid treatment.  There are a number of strategies designed to address hemorrhoidal flair-ups, starting with changes to one’s diet.  Increasing the amount of fiber in one’s diet, with either dietary fiber or bulk fiber, is the first course of action typically suggested, which also includes increasing the amount of water one consumes as well as taking in greater quantities of fruits, grains, and vegetables.  Using stool softeners to achieve easier bowel movements and applying ointments to reduce the itching associated with hemorrhoids are also common recommendations, in addition to bathing in warm water three times a day, which helps to retard symptoms such as swelling and burning.  In the event one’s hemorrhoids are of a more severe degree, a doctor’s intervention might be required.  In the event one’s condition does not respond to the remedies suggested, discuss with a doctor what other courses of action are available and best suited to your situation.

In the event one is experiencing any or all of these symptoms there is a likelihood that hemorrhoids have developed.  However, do not assume that hemorrhoids are present, and if possible consult with a doctor to ensure the symptoms are not the result of another condition or disorder, some of which present symptoms similar to hemorrhoidal symptoms.  Depending on the kind on hemorrhoids one has, its severity and the attending symptoms, a treatment plan will likely be created to help address the specific situation.  Baring in mind the importance of prevention through both dietary changes and alterations to lifestyle, being well informed is the most efficient means to properly responding to the Warning Signs of Hemorrhoids.

David Gilbert received his BA from U.C.L.A. He is currently doing graduate work in psychology at the California Graduate Institute, LA ,CA. Throughout his career in the mental health field he has worked clinically with several populations, and also contributed to academic works whose topics address both health and mental health issues

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

references

[i] MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hemorrhoid surgery – series: Normal anatomy

Mayo Clinic. Causes of Hemorrhoids. – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemorrhoids/DS00096/DSECTION=3.

[iii] Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/AN01720.

Dietary fiber or roughage is defined as a complex carbohydrate which comes from plants, and it cannot be broken down by the enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. Since it remains in this indigestible state, fiber absorbs water, creating bulk and speeds the process by which waste is eliminated from the body. Dietary fiber has so many beneficial factors associated with it that everyone should be aware how it can help you lead a healthier life.

Types of Dietary Fiber:

• Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, and it helps move food through the digestive tract. Whole wheat flour, cereals, pastas, seeds, nuts, green beans, cauliflower, tomatoes, flax seeds, and potato skins contain insoluble fiber.
• Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gelatinous-like material which lowers blood cholesterol and glucose levels. You can find soluble fiber in oats, barley, carrots, broccoli, artichokes, fruits, and berries.

Health benefits of Fiber:

• Relieves and prevents constipation. Fiber shortens the transit time of material in the digestive system by absorbing water into the stool, which increases bulk and softens the waste helping it speed along. Constipation and the straining to have a bowel movement are often the causes of hemorrhoids.

• Reduces cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoproteins, the bad cholesterol, are reduced by soluble fiber. This lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases associated with heart attacks and strokes by preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries.
• Reduces the risk of digestive conditions. Hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diverticulosis (a disease where small pouches develop in the intestinal walls) are less likely to occur because with fiber the intestinal contractions do not have to work as hard to move the stool along.
• Regulates blood sugar levels. The absorption of sugar is slowed by soluble fiber which helps prevent type 2 diabetes from forming, and it helps maintain more stable blood sugar levels in those that have diabetes.
• Colorectal cancers may be reduced. Studies are inconclusive but some have shown a reduced number of colorectal cancers in people who eat a high-fiber diet.
• A weight-loss aid. Fiber creates a sense of fullness because high-fiber food is chewed longer and creates more bulk in the stomach. It curbs the tendency to overeat at mealtime, and usually high-fiber food contains fewer calories.

Recommended daily amounts of dietary fiber needed by adults according to the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine:

Adding more dietary fiber to your meals is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself. If you have hemorrhoids, fiber can work to aid your digestive system in healing and eliminating  them. If you want even more information read Fruit and Fiber which is another great H.I.C. article.

Joy Seeman, H.I.C  Staff  Writer

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Infrared Coagulation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. Infrared Coagulation is known as a fixative treatment, and is similar to other fixative treatments such as Rubber Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy, in that its objective is it reduce hemorrhoidal symptoms by eliminating hemorrhoids through obstruction of blood-flow to the infected region. Individuals can suffer from a variety of hemorrhoids, each case presenting its own symptoms and necessitating different courses of treatment. It is necessary to educate yourself and consult with your physician to decide on the proper intervention that will address your specific needs. This article will provide for you basic information specifically about Infrared Coagulation.

Infrared Coagulation is one of the most commonly prescribed procedures used to treat certain smaller, internal hemorrhoids. Like its sister fixative procedures, Infrared Coagulation is non-surgical and can be performed on a same-day basis in a doctor’s office. Because the side-effects, risks, and recovery time are so reduced, and because it boasts such a high success rate, it is favored amongst both doctors and patients.

Infrared Coagulation consists of inserting a small instrument into the anus that acts as a probe. Upon contact with the hemorrhoid, the probe emits a burst of infrared light directly onto the infected tissue for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds. Exposing the hemorrhoid to the infrared light causes the hemorrhoidal vein to coagulate, or scar, which reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoid, eventually causing it shrivel, harden, and fall off. The scarring also acts as a prophylactic between the hemorrhoid and the anus and protects against further re-inflammation.

Infrared Coagulation does not cause discomfort, and unlike other fixative treatments such as Rubber Band Ligation or Sclerotherapy, does not typically require the use of anesthetics. Frequently, what the patient does experience during Infrared Coagulation is a momentary sensation of heat, which though frequently uncomfortable is rarely reported to actually be painful. The recovery time is relatively short, and typically patients can return to their regular activities the same day. As with most procedures performed to the rectal area, activities that require heavy lifting or straining should be avoided. Typically the procedure must be repeated approximately every 12 to 14 days, and only one hemorrhoid at a time may be treated per session.

Infrared Coagulation has an excellent success rate for small to medium internal hemorrhoids, and it is reported that with proper changes to diet, exercise, and bowel habits, symptoms do not return. It is not uncommon to experience slight bleeding from the anus for about 7 to 10 days, after which time the hemorrhoid falls off. Patients are often advised to use mild or over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol to reduce discomfort; consult with your physician before using NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or aspirin prior to, or just after, undergoing Infrared Coagulation, because of the risk of excessive bleeding clotting that can arise as a secondary complication, depending on your personal medical history. It is also common for doctors to prescribe stool softeners after Infrared Coagulation, to assist with easier bowel movement and thus ensure straining does not occur.

Infrared Coagulation’s success depends on both your doctor’s knowledge and skill, in addition to the necessary changes to your lifestyle that you are willing to make. Although Infrared Coagulation can be costly, it less costly than surgical procedures and less costly still than the certain consequences you will experience letting your hemorrhoidal condition go untreated. Whatever course of action you decide upon be sure to properly arm yourself with all of the information at your disposal, to ensure the correct intervention for yourself is in fact Infrared Coagulation.

written by David Gilbert

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

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