Haemorrhoids + anal fissures (4.7) Flashcards
What are haemorrhoids? What are the causes?
Swollen veins protruding into anal canal/outside anus
> Common but sensitive complaint
> Can occur at any age (increases with age, pregnancy)
Causes: Anatomical, Physiological, Mechanical
E.g. constipation, straining, pregnancy, childbirth, ageing, obesity, rectal and anal surgery
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids (piles)?
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain (usually dull and gets worse with bowel movement)
- Swelling
- Rectal bleeding (bright red)
- Discomfort
For haemorrhoids;
A) who is the patient
B) what are the symptoms
C) how long
D) action taken
E) medications
F) medical conditions
G) allergies
A)
- Age
- pregnancy status
B)
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Prolapsed haemorrhoid
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation)
- Other symptoms
C)
>3 weeks: refer
D)
- Drugs causing constipation
- Anticoagulants e.g. aspirin, warfarin
Treatment: suppositories only for internal suppositories
What is some self care of haemorhoids?
- Increase dietary fibre
- Drink plenty of water
- Good toilet hygiene
- Avoid straining
- Apply cool compress
- Lift properly
- Exercise
What are the symptoms of anal fissures? What is it caused by?
Tear in the skin of anal canal
Symptoms: sharp or stabbing pain on defecation, bleeding (bright red) –> DIFFERENT FROM HAEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS
Causes: constipation, spraining
