Hemorrhoid Bleed

Many people are still wondering what are the possible causes of a thrombosed hemorrhoids. Medical practioners may also have different opinions on the particular treatment and aprroaches in dealing with the condition. The available treatment varies from the traditional surgical procedures to taking medications or by simply using some herbal preparations. New surgical treatments that uses new devices are also gaining popularity but more studies are still needed if they are really the most appropriate treatment for thrombosed hemorrhoids.

What are thrombosed hemorrhoids? According to doctors, most of us have hemorrhoids but it becomes a problem when some undesirable symptoms began to happen. Basically, hemorrhoids are classified into 2 categories. It can be an internal hemorrhoid or an external one. Thrombosed hemorroids are external hemorrhoids which are already considered as a chronic condition. It occurs when blood clots develop inside the hemorrhoid itself. The hemorrhoid may become very tender and it may prohibit regular bowel movements. Some people with thrombosed hemorrhoids may experience discomfort while sitting or walking. Other symptoms may include itching and too much pain. Thrombosed hemroids may also crack and bleed.

In a study in 2005, a group of doctors consolidated the different causes of thrombosed hemorrhoids. They have reduced the list to 38 which was consolidated from various journals, textbooks and almost 200 research papers which spanned from 1958 to 2004. They also added the result of their study of 148 individuals suffering from hemorrhoids. This group was composed of men and women from 16 to 80 years old and 72 of them have thrombosed hemorrhoids. The study aimed to examine the development of certain factors over a future period of time.

Based on the findings of O. Gebbensleben, Y. Hilger & H. Rohde which was published in The Internet Journal of Gastroenterology, the 38 etiological factors can be divided in 2 categories. Some of the factors included in the first category were diarrhea, hard bowels, use of laxatives, straining at defecation, spicy meals, lifting heavy loads, coughing, sitting on cold surface and prior anal surgery.

The second category were age, pregnancy, alcohol intake, sports, frequency of shower use, ano receptive sex, use of dry toilet paper only and use of soaps and gel after defecation.

The result showed that only 3 factors were found to contribute higher risk of having thrombosed hemorrhoids. These are the use of excessive physical effort, individuals at the age of 46 or younger and use of dry toilet paper combined with wet cleaning methods after defecation. It was also noted that there was less occurence of thrombosed hemroids to people who cleans their genital area before sleep at least once weekly. The use of shower and use of bathtub also lessen the possibility of getting thrombosed hemorrhoids.

The researchers both agree that there should be further research that must be conducted on the risks factors of thrombosed hemroids. They suggest that future studies should include other factors when establishing best therapeutic practice (surgical and other alternative method of treatment), causes (etiology) and prevention (prophylaxis).