Hemorrhoids are relatively rare in children. However, it's possible for a child to experience them. Are there any differences in symptoms and treatment? Let's discuss this further.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a condition characterized by dilated veins in the rectum and anus. This condition is often caused by increased pressure in the area, which can lead to prolapse of the veins and their protrusion through the anus.
Causes of hemorrhoids in children
Although this condition is quite rare in children, children with risk factors such as increased pressure on the rectum and veins can develop hemorrhoids. The most common cause of hemorrhoids in children is constipation.
However, chronic diarrhea that lasts for a long time, or even frequent episodes of acute diarrhea, can also increase a child's risk of developing hemorrhoids. Furthermore, sitting for too long on the toilet during bowel movements can also increase a child's risk of developing hemorrhoids due to the prolonged increased pressure on the rectum and anus.
What are the symptoms in children?
Actually, there is no significant difference between the symptoms of hemorrhoids in children and adults. Hemorrhoids in children can also be classified as internal hemorrhoids, or in medical terms, internal hemorrhoids, and external hemorrhoids, or in medical terms, external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids can be divided into several stages as follows:
- Grade 1: No lump is palpable around the anus. However, it can be felt during an examination of the inner surface of the rectum.
- Grade 2: A lump is palpable around the anus, especially after a bowel movement. However, the lump can return on its own.
- Grade 3: A lump is palpable around the anus, but it can be pushed back in with manual pressure.
- Grade 4: A lump is palpable around the anus, but it cannot be pushed back in even with manual pressure. In addition to a palpable lump around the anus, hemorrhoids may be accompanied by bloody stools. Bright red blood may appear as a line on the surface of the stool or drip at the end of a bowel movement. In addition, it can also be accompanied by pain, discomfort, itching and even burning in the area around the anus.
How to overcome it
Unlike cases of hemorrhoids in adults, which often require intervention or surgery, hemorrhoids in children can usually be treated with education, improved diet, and oral or topical medications.
Education
It's important to teach children not to sit on the toilet for too long, especially when defecating. This reduces the amount of time the rectum and anus experience significant pressure, which can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids developing and worsening.
Furthermore, it's important to encourage children to engage in activities such as light exercise and other similar activities to reduce the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids. When a child already has hemorrhoids, soaking the anal area in warm water can help reduce pain and discomfort. Cold compresses can also help relieve pain and help stop bleeding.Selain itu, penting untuk mengajak anak beraktivitas seperti olahraga ringan dan kegiatan lain yang serupa sehingga dapat menurunkan risiko sembelit dan ambeien. Ketika anak sudah mengalami ambeien, rendam area anus dengan air hangat dapat membantu mengurangi gejala nyeri dan tidak nyaman pada area sekitar anus. Kompres dingin juga dapat membantu meredakan keluhan nyeri dan membantu menghentikan perdarahan.
Improved diet
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial, even from an early age. Consume a balanced diet, especially one high in fiber, to help with hemorrhoids. Fiber can be obtained from vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grains. Furthermore, it's important to maintain adequate daily fluid intake to help reduce the risk of constipation, which can trigger hemorrhoids.
Oral and topical medications
For constipation that doesn't improve with dietary changes, oral laxatives are usually prescribed to help soften stool and reduce pressure on the rectum and anus. Additionally, topical ointments can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation around the anus.
However, if symptoms persist with the above therapies, your doctor may consider further management, including surgery, if necessary.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene
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