Hemorrhoid facts for kids

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are normal parts of your body found inside your anal canal. They are like soft cushions made of blood vessels and connective tissue. These cushions help you control your bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids become a problem when they get swollen or inflamed. This can cause discomfort or other symptoms.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are special blood vessels located in the lower part of your rectum and around your anus. Everyone has them. They help seal the anal canal and support the passage of stool.

Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids

There are two main types of hemorrhoids, depending on where they are located:

• Internal hemorrhoids: These are inside your rectum, above a line called the dentate line. You usually can't feel them. They often cause painless bleeding, especially when you go to the bathroom.
• External hemorrhoids: These are under the skin around your anus, below the dentate line. They can be painful, itchy, or swollen. Sometimes, a blood clot can form inside an external hemorrhoid, making it very painful.

Why Do Hemorrhoids Happen?

Hemorrhoids can become swollen for several reasons. It often involves increased pressure in the veins around the anus.

Common Causes

• Straining during bowel movements: This is a very common cause. If you push too hard when trying to have a bowel movement, it puts pressure on the veins.
• Long periods of sitting: Sitting on the toilet for a long time can also increase pressure.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Both can lead to straining or irritation.
• Pregnancy: The increased pressure from the growing baby and hormonal changes can cause hemorrhoids.
• Obesity: Being overweight can add pressure to the pelvic area.
• Heavy lifting: Activities that involve holding your breath and straining can increase pressure.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on whether they are internal or external.

Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms

• Painless bleeding: You might see bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on your stool. This is often the first sign.
• Protrusion: Sometimes, an internal hemorrhoid can push out of the anus during a bowel movement. It might go back in on its own or need to be gently pushed back.
• Mucus discharge: You might notice some mucus.
• Itching: Irritation can cause itching around the anus.

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms

• Pain: This is a common symptom, especially if a blood clot forms inside the hemorrhoid.
• Swelling: You might feel a lump or swelling around the anus.
• Itching: The skin around external hemorrhoids can become irritated and itchy.
• Discomfort: Sitting or walking can be uncomfortable.

How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?

Most hemorrhoids can be treated with simple changes at home. Sometimes, a doctor's help is needed.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

• Eat more fiber: Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains make stools softer and easier to pass. This reduces straining.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated also helps keep stools soft.
• Avoid straining: Don't push hard during bowel movements.
• Don't sit too long on the toilet: Go when you need to, but don't linger.
• Warm baths: Soaking in a warm bath (a sitz bath) can help relieve pain and itching.
• Over-the-counter creams: Creams or suppositories can help reduce pain, swelling, and itching.

When to See a Doctor

If home remedies don't help, or if you have severe pain or bleeding, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They can suggest other treatments.

• Rubber band ligation: For internal hemorrhoids, a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
• Sclerotherapy: A special solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to make it shrink.
• Surgery: In some cases, especially for very large or painful hemorrhoids, surgery might be needed to remove them.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

Preventing hemorrhoids is often about making healthy lifestyle choices.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat fiber-rich foods regularly.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps keep your bowels moving and reduces pressure.
• Go when you need to: Don't hold back bowel movements.
• Avoid straining: Let your body do the work naturally.

Remember, hemorrhoids are common, and there are many ways to manage and prevent them. If you are concerned, talk to a trusted adult or a doctor.