What to know about hemorrhoids — the ailment Maraji battled

Gloria Olouruntobi, the Nigerian comedian popularly known as Maraji, recently spoke of how she battled hemorrhoids.

The 24-year-old revealed that she had struggled with the ailment since age 12.

Hemorrhoid isn’t a commonly discussed topic among people but it is very common in both men and women.

Research has estimated that about half of adults older than 50 years of age have hemorrhoids.

WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum that cause discomfort and bleeding.

Hemorrhoids are of two types.

For internal hemorrhoids, the swollen veins form in the lining of the anus and the lower rectum in this case.

Internal hemorrhoids can be the hardest to treat, most uncomfortable, and also cause internal bleeding.

On the other hand, in external hemorrhoids, swollen and inflamed veins form under the skin around the anus.

This type is much easier to treat and prevent.

WHAT CAUSES HEMORRHOIDS?

This disease can be caused by the following:

• Straining when using the toilet
• Genetics: developing hemorrhoids can be hereditary
• Sitting for too long, especially in the toilet
• Anal sexual intercourse
• Chronic constipation and diarrhea
• Lifting heavy objects repeatedly
• Eating foods low in fiber
• Age: people older than 50 years are more prone
• Pregnancy: it enlarges the uterus which further presses on the veins

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS?

Hemorrhoids symptoms are unpleasant and can be sometimes embarrassing. They include:

• Bloodstain in feces
• Bleeding
• Discomfort, pain, or aches during a bowel movement or when sitting
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Lumps and swelling in the anus
• Sore in the anus

HOW CAN HEMORRHOIDS BE PREVENTED?

Basically, the prevention for developing hemorrhoids is by keeping feces soft. The following can however be done when you;

• Eat foods rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drink plenty of water
• Watch your body weight
• Don’t overstrain when using the toilet
• Exercise regularly

In the worst case of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy is done.

It is a surgical procedure to remove external or internal hemorrhoids that are severe.