Letcure 12: Hemorrhoids, Pinworms and Intestinal Gas Flashcards
Rectum
Semipermeable membrane
Dentate Line
- Columnar cells
- Squamous cells
Where you find Sensory pain fibers
Anal Canal
Connects rectum and outside of the body
Perianal area
- Portion of skin surrounding the
anus - Protective barrier
Internal Anal Sphincter is
voluntary
External Anal Sphincter is
involuntary
Anal (or perianal) abscess
Bacterial infection; pus and bacteria collect and obstruct the anal glands
Anal (or perianal) abscess - Signs/Symptoms
- Pain (worsens with sitting and defecation) - perirectal swelling - discharge - fever - chills
Anal fissure
Slit-like ulcer in anal canal from a traumatic tear (e.g passage of stool; anal intercourse)
Anal fissure -Signs and Symptoms
Severe or burning pain during/after defecation, lasting several minutes to hours; anal spasms; blood may be seen on toilet tissue
Anal fistula
Abnormal internal opening that connects with the external opening
Anal fistula- Signs and Symptoms
Chronic, persistent drainage; pain; possible bleeding on defecation; perianal itching; stool seeping through
external opening
Anal neoplasm
Anal cancers
Anal neoplasm- Signs and Symptoms
- Rare and usually asymptomatic
- bleeding
- changes in bowel habits
- anal discharge
- anal mass
- pain
- pruritus
- rash
Pathophysiology of Hemorrhoids
- Defecation = downward pressure on blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissue in anal canal
- Weakening and displacement of tissues
- Blood vessels become inflamed, bleed, and protrude
- Ultimately leads to hemorrhoids
Causes/Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids
- Age (45-65 years at greatest risk)
- Anal intercourse
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Poor bowel habits (i.e. prolonged sitting, straining during defecation)
- Pregnancy
Clinical Presentation for Hemorrhoids
Burning Discomfort Inflammation Irritation Pruritus Swelling
Bleeding Change in bowel pattern Pain Prolapse/Protrusion Seepage Thrombosis
Exclusions to Self-Care: Hemorrhoids
- Age < 12 years
- Diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases associated with
colorectal bleeding
• Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis - Family history of colon cancer
- Potentially serious anorectal disorder
• Abscess, fissure, fistula, malignancy/neoplasm - Severe associated signs/symptoms:
• Black, tarry stools, bleeding, pain, prolapse, seepage, thrombosis
• Burning, discomfort, inflammation, pruritus, swelling - Minor symptoms that do not respond to 7 days of self treatment
Hemorrhoids: Goals of Self-Treatment
- Maintain soft stools and preventing straining during
defecation. - Alleviate and maintain remission of anorectal symptoms.
- Prevent anorectal complications.
- Prevent and manage unwanted effects of medications
Hemorrhoids are:
A. Harmless growths
B. Infected tissue
C. Swollen Veins
C. Swollen Veins
_________ may promote hemorrhoidal bleeding?
A.acetaminophen B.diphenhydramine
C.guaifenesin
D.naproxen
D.naproxen
Aspirin and NSAIDs
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy: Hemorrhoids
Diet
- Increase dietary fiber (25-40 grams per day)
- Increase fluid intake
- Proper Bowel Habits
- Avoid “holding it”
- Avoid sitting on toilet for long periods
- Proper anal hygiene
- Avoidance Measures
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Discontinue aggravating foods/beverages
- Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods
- NSAIDs and Aspirin may promote bleeding
Pharmacologic Therapy
Topical Products § Analgesics § Antipruritics § Astringents § Corticosteroids § Keratolytics § Local anesthetics § Protectants § Vasoconstrictors
Analgesics, Anesthetics, Antipruritics Products and Dosing
Camphor
Juniper Tar
Menthol
- Up to 6times/day
Analgesics, Anesthetics, Antipruritics Purpose
Relief for itching and inflammation
Analgesics, Anesthetics, Antipruritics MOA
Provides a cool, warm, or tingling sensation
Analgesics, Anesthetics, Antipruritics Warnings/Precautions
- Do not use internally
- Use sparingly/ not frequently- in small amounts
Astringents Products and Dosing
Calamine
Witch Hazel
Zinc Oxide
-Up to 6times/day or after each bowel movement
Astringents Purpose
- Promoted coagulation of protein in skin cells to protect underlying tissue
- Dries affected area
Astringents MOA
- Decrease cell volume
Astringents Warnings/Precautions
Zinc oxide: systemic zinc toxicity potential with
overuse (nausea, vomiting, lethargy)
Astringents Adverse Effects
- Witch hazel contains alcohol
• May cause stinging - Contact dermatitis (rare)
Corticosteroids Product and Dosing
Hydrocortisone 1%
Up to 3-4 times/day
Corticosteroids Purpose
Relief of itching and irritation
Corticosteroids MOA
Vasoconstrictor and antipruritic (anti-itch)
Corticosteroids Warnings/Precautions
May mask symptoms of bacterial and fungal infections
Corticosteroids Adverse Effects
Skin atrophy and reactions (rare)
atrophy- wasting away or diminution (reduction)
Corticosteroids PK
- Onset of action: up to 12 hours
- Duration of action: longer lasting than other agent
Keratolytics Product and Dosing
Alcloxa
Resorcinol
Up to 6 times/day
Keratolytics Purpose
Debridement of epidermal surface cells
Keratolytics MOA
Fosters cell turnover and loosens surface cells
Keratolytics Warnins/Precautions
Do not use internally
- May expose underlying tissue
- Systemic absorption
- Exfoliative dermatitis, methemoglobinemia
Keratolytics Notes
Balance between benefits and adverse effects
Local Anesthetics Product and Dosing
Dibucaine-Up to 3/4 times/day
Pramoxine- Up to 5 times/day
Benzocaine, Lidocaine and Tetracaine- Up to 6 times/day
Local Anesthetics Purpose
Temporary relief of external anal symptoms