What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are normal vascular structures in the anal canal, which help with stool control. Composed of blood vessels and connective tissue, they act as "cushions". Although most people think haemorrhoids are abnormal, everyone has them, and the haemorrhoidal cushions remain unnoticed. However, if they become enlarged and inflamed, they are considered a health problem.

A rich network of arteries descends from the rectum to the anal canal. This network supplies arterial blood to haemorrhoidal blood vessels and passes through the haemorrhoidal cushions. This is why bleeding from haemorrhoids is bright red (arterial blood) rather than dark red (venous blood), and why haemorrhoidal bleeding can be severe.

The anal veins drain blood away from the anal canal and the haemorrhoids in two directions. The first direction is upwards into the rectum (the last part of the large intestine leading to the anus), and the second direction is downwards, beneath the skin surrounding the anus.

The type of haemorrhoid depends on where it originates:

• Internal haemorrhoids originate at the top (rectal side) of the anal canal
• External haemorrhoids originate at the lower end of the anal canal near the anus

A prolapsed haemorrhoid occurs when an internal haemorrhoid continues enlarging until it bulges into the anal canal, occasionally protruding from the anus. A prolapsed haemorrhoid can be pushed back inside with a finger, but it prolapses again with the next bowel movement.

What are inflamed haemorrhoid symptoms?

The anal canal contains two types of nerves, the visceral nerves (rectal side) and somatic nerves (near the anus). Visceral nerves are like the nerves of the intestines and do not sense pain, only pressure. Somatic nerves are like the nerves of the skin and can sense pain. Therefore, internal haemorrhoids, which are closer to the rectum, are usually painless.

Haemorrhoids are exposed to stools as they pass through the anal canal. When stools are hard, this exposure may cause bleeding, and sometimes pain, and if stools leak onto the anal skin, this may cause itchiness. The pulled rectal lining also secretes mucous, which moistens the anus and surrounding skin, and this constant moisture may cause increased anal itchiness.

Most people notice internal haemorrhoids when they see drops of blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper, whereas external haemorrhoids can be felt when people wipe themselves after a bowel movement. If blood clots inside the haemorrhoid (thrombosis), the person feels tenderness, burning, itching or pain.

Haemorrhoid symptoms often only last a few days, but consult your doctor if symptoms persist or if you have severe pain or bleeding.

What causes haemorrhoids?

Internal haemorrhoids form when blood vessels of the anal cushions swell. This causes the supporting haemorrhoidal tissue to increase until the tissues and blood vessels protrude into the anal canal. It is still unclear why haemorrhoids enlarge, as although there are several causes, the reason for the swelling is unknown.

Causes include:

• Insufficient dietary fibre intake
• Prolonged sitting
• Obesity
• Chronic straining to have a bowel movement
• Pregnancy

Haemorrhoids appear equally in men and women, although they are most common in those between 45 and 65 years of age.

How can I reduce haemorrhoid outbreaks?

• Eat high-fibre foods
• Increase your fluid intake
• Avoid straining or holding your breath when trying to pass a stool
• Go to the toilet as soon as you need to
• Exercise
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting

User guide

Haemorrhoid Control is designed for the relief of inflammation, pain, itching and redness associated with hemorrhoids.

Directions for use

Dab 2-3 drops of oil to treatment area 2-3 times a day, and apply daily until the haemorrhoids are gone.