Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen blood vessels around the rectum and anus. These blood vessels become inflamed and dilated when excess strain is applied while passing stools. While more common in adults, hemorrhoids in teenagers are also a possibility. Piles can occur either internally or externally and may cause irritation, bleeding, and pain around the anal opening (1). Read this post to know more about the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, home remedies, complications, treatment, and prevention of hemorrhoids in teenagers.
Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Itching near the anus.
Burning sensation while passing bowels.
Blood can be seen on the toilet paper or on the stools after defecation.
Pain near the anal area due to enlarged blood vessels.
Discomfort in sitting for long periods due to soreness near the anal region.
Difficulty in passing bowels, having a feeling of obstruction near the anus.
The pain continues for two to three days, and the enlargement might continue for one or two weeks (2).
Types Of Hemorrhoids
Some of the common observable symptoms of teenage Hemorrhoids include: There are two types of hemorrhoids: Internal: These are present inside the anal canal and are usually painless. However, bleeding is the most prominent symptom. This may further progress into prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, which are characterized by mild pain, fecal incontinence, mucous discharge, and irritation of the skin around the anus. External: When hemorrhoids hang out from the anus, then they are called external hemorrhoids. Based on the severity of the condition, these could be pushed back into the anus with fingers. These are painful and are tender to touch (3). External hemorrhoids could also contain a blood clot, which is known as thrombosed external hemorrhoids. These are itchy and cause swelling and redness after defecation, along with a bluish color appearance around the anus.
Causes Of Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Chronic constipation Habitually sitting on the toilet for a long time Low dietary intake of fiber Less water intake Certain medications Obesity due to poor diet Family history of constipation Chronic diarrhea (4) Smartphone usage while on the toilet (5)
Diagnosis
Your child’s doctor would inquire about the symptoms and medical history of your child and determine the presence of hemorrhoids. Sometimes, anorectoscopy (a tube-like instrument is used to perform a rectal examination) might be required. In some teens, a speculum (duck-billed shaped instrument to examine a closed orifice in the body) examination could also be done. Discomfort and emotional distress from your child’s behavior could also indicate hemorrhoids (4).
Treatment For Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Early identification can help treat hemorrhoids without surgery. Internal and prolapsed hemorrhoids could be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. The doctor would examine your child’s condition and may prescribe the following home care treatments before going for medications or surgery.
Home Care Treatments
Have a regular habit of clearing the bowels every day. Spending less time on the toilet seat. Strictly restricting the habit of using smartphones on the toilet seat. Instruct your child never to hold the urge to defecate as it might flare up the hemorrhoids.
Usually, the pain and bleeding might subside within two to three days when the constipation is treated. Also, the swelling of the hemorrhoids might remain for a week. However, if the above measures are not helpful, and if the pain and bleeding are continuous, then you might have to visit a doctor.
Medications
When the dietary or lifestyle changes fail to relieve constipation, then your child’s doctor might prescribe medications.
Topical ointments containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly could form a film over the hemorrhoids and prevent further tearing and may also soothe the itching.
Using suppositories to provide lubrication to the anal region.
In the case of severe pain, your child’s doctor might prescribe painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen (6).
Laxatives and suppositories can be prescribed to treat constipation.
Surgery
When the above options fail to provide relief, or if the hemorrhoids have been left untreated, then the doctor might prescribe surgery.
Hemorrhoids are removed by surgery if they have become large and external, causing considerable discomfort. Surgery is also preferred in the case of thrombosed hemorrhoids, where the clot is removed to relieve pain.
Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Home remedies for hemorrhoids would be helpful when used along with the home care treatments. These may not be able to cure the hemorrhoids but might help in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
- Sitz baths: These baths are recommended for people who have irritated, bruised, or broken skin in the anal region due to hemorrhoids. The baths help in cleansing, soothing, and increase blood circulation in the anal region, which might help in healing. How to: You can use a sitz bath or your bathtub for this bath. Fill them with warm water and mix baking soda or salt. Make your child sit in it so that their bottom is immersed in the water (in case you are using a bathtub, instruct the child to lean backward so that the water can reach the whole bottom area). You may do it four times a day (7).
- Cold compress: Applying an ice pack on the hemorrhoids provides vasoconstriction and might help in relieving the pain, itching, and inflammation due to hemorrhoids (8). How to: You can soak a washcloth in cold water or apply an ice pack directly on your child’s anal region and leave it for 10 -15 minutes. Repeat this two to three times a day.
- Squatting position: According to a study, the squatting position (keeping the knees close to the chest) while defecating is found to exert less strain on the anorectal canal. It might help reduce the aggravation of hemorrhoids, and eventually might help them heal better (9). How to: Place a small stool in front of the toilet seat and ask your child to place their legs on the stool while sitting on the toilet seat.
- Radish: The juice from this vegetable is said to provide relief from hemorrhoids. How to: Extract the juice of white radish and mix it with honey. Apply this mixture on the hemorrhoids and cover it with a cloth. Remove the cloth after 15 minutes. Repeat this once daily (10).
- Banana: The sap from this plant has astringent properties and might help in relieving the pain caused due to hemorrhoids. Also, consuming the ripe fruit mixed with milk is said to relieve constipation. How to: Extract the sap from a banana tree and apply it directly on the hemorrhoids (11). Mash a ripe banana in a cup of milk and give this drink to your child three to four times a day (10).
- Herbs: Herbal extracts of butcher’s broom, horse chestnut, white hazel are found to be effective in managing hemorrhoids. However, these need proper instructions from herbalists for their usage in children (12).
- Aloe vera gel: In ancient Greek medicine, applying aloe vera gel on hemorrhoids was said to provide a soothing effect (13). How to: Extract aloe vera gel from the plant and apply it on your child’s hemorrhoids and wash it off after 15 minutes. Repeat this two to three times a day.
Complications Of Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Hemorrhoids in teenagers could be treated with some home care tips without any further complications. However, if there is a delay in identification or treating hemorrhoids, it may lead to the below conditions.
Prolonged bleeding might lead to anemia. If there is a blood clot within the hemorrhoids, then it could be extremely painful and might require surgical removal.
Prevention Of Hemorrhoids In Teenagers
Hemorrhoids in teenagers occur mostly due to constipation or poor bathroom habits. You might be able to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids by making the teen eat fiber-rich food and training them to have proper bathroom habits.
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