www.womanthismonth.com 55 December 2014 showcase CLEARING CANALS What is it? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal which stretch due to increased pressure. What causes it? It is due to persistent diarrhea and constipation as well as sitting on the toilet and straining for a long time. Obesity, pregnancy and hereditary history could all contribute too. Long-term heart and liver disease, colon or other anal cancers could also be a cause. Common symptoms? Pain in the anal region, itching, bulging and swelling, bleeding from anal canal, discomfort during the passing of stool. There are other conditions with similar symptoms such as anal fissure and anal fistula which should not to be confused with Hemorrhoids. How to treat it? Early cases can be treated with simple changes in diet and toilet habits. For small to medium hemorrhoids, fixative procedures like tying the hemorrhoids with rubber bands or using heat or laser can be done to create a scar. For large and lymphomatic hemorrhoids, surgical removal or stampled hemorrhoidectomy can be done – which is a day care procedure with minimal pain and scarring. Preventing It: n Avoid constipation by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as plenty of fluids in your diet n Exercise everyday n Take fiber supplements if needed n Avoid prolonged sitting or standing n If you are pregnant, it is preferred that you sleep on your sides. Dr Neetha Ravi is a specialist general surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital, specialising in hemorrhoids and breast surgery. For more details and information please call 17 246-800. Although a sensitive subject, hemorrhoids are a prevalent condition in the Middle East. Royal Bahrain Hospital give us information on how we can prevent from getting them. • Consultation & Examination • Digital Rectal Examination • Proctoscopy Tel: +973 1724 6800 | Toll Free 8000 1090 | www.royalbahrainhospital.com Department of General Surgery • Weight Loss (Bariatric) • Breast Cancer • Gall bladder • Varicose Vein • Diabetic Foot Care • Hernia • Intestinal diseases valid from 1st to 31st Jan 2015
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==