Over 80% of global population experiences hemorrhoids. But when must you see a doctor?
There is a condition that affects more than 80 percent of the world's population at some point in their lives. It is hemorrhoids, often incorrectly referred to as the anal disease.
"People say they ‘have anal diseases’ if their anus swells and protrudes, causing pain and bleeding, due to hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, anal ichthyosis, prolapse, and abscesses. However, the correct medical term is ‘hemorrhoids,’” said Professor Han Jeong-hee of the Department of Coloproctological Surgery at Pusan National University Hospital, on the YouTube channel named after the hospital.
"Hemorrhoids is very common, occurring in people aged 45-65 with a prevalence of more than 50 percent in people 50 years and older, according to the Korean Society of Coloproctology's hemorrhoid treatment recommendations," Professor Han said. "The prevalence is similar in men and women, but in women, the frequency may increase after pregnancy and delivery."
What is the tissue that protrudes from the anus during hemorrhoids?
"It's a tissue called the anal cushion, made up of submucosal blood vessels, smooth muscle, elastic and connective tissue that resides within the anal canal," Han said. "The anal cushion helps prevent fecal incontinence, but due to repeated bowel movements, excessive straining, and prolonged use of the restroom, the anal cushion becomes compressed and congested, causing swelling and bulging, which is commonly referred to as hemorrhoids."
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding, a protruding anus, and a sensation of something being touched, but sometimes they can be accompanied by severe pain or fecal incontinence. If you have more than one symptom on the hemorrhoid self-test and are experiencing discomfort, you’d better see a proctologist.
A hemorrhoid self-test
1. The anus bleeds with bowel movements.
2. The area around the anus is swollen and painful.
3. The anus pops out and you feel something when you have a bowel movement.
4. Stools leak slightly and there is a discharge.
5. Have itching around the anus, which worsens at night.
Treatment for hemorrhoids usually starts with conservative treatments, such as medications and sitz baths for hemorrhoids of 1-2 degrees (early stages) and surgical treatment is considered for hemorrhoids of 3-4 degrees. When you have surgery, the wound heals within a week or more, and most wounds heal within a month or so. To speed up wound healing, you should clean the wound and use sitz baths.
Hemorrhoids can sometimes be a sign of colon cancer.
"Hemorrhoids are mostly benign and can come and go. They can be well controlled without recurrence with proper treatment and lifestyle modification," Professor Han said. "In rare cases, however, hemorrhoids can occur in conjunction with malignant tumors of the anus and rectum. So, if you suspect symptoms, we recommend that you visit a proctologist.
Because it is an anal disease, many patients hide their symptoms and feel ashamed and reluctant to seek treatment, making it even less likely for them to visit a doctor," Han said. "Hemorrhoids can be diagnosed and managed well enough to improve symptoms, and it is better to diagnose it early and manage the disease properly than to let it become chronic and cause poor outcomes."