Haemorrhoids Flashcards
(41 cards)
What are haemorrhoids?
Swellings that develop from the lining of the anus and lower rectum, becoming widened and engorged with blood.
What is a major factor in the development of haemorrhoids?
Pressure in and around the anus.
Where are internal haemorrhoids located?
2-4 cm above the anal opening.
How are internal haemorrhoids graded, state what each grade means
By size and severity, on a scale of 1-4.
Grade1- small swellings on the inside lining of the rectum
Grade 2- larger, partly prolapsed but can spontaneously reduce on their own
Grade 3- internal haemorrhoids that prolapse outside the anus but must be manually pushed back in
Grade 4- internal haemorrhoid that are permanently prolapsed outside of the anus and cannot be manually pushed back in, requires surgery.
What does it mean when an internal haemorrhoid is prolapsed?
It hangs out and may need to be pushed back or will spring back in on its own.
Where do external haemorrhoids develop?
As a small lump on the outside edge of the anus.
What percentage of people in the UK are affected by haemorrhoids?
About 13-36% of people in the UK.
Are haemorrhoids common in children and young people?
No, they are rare in children and people up to age 20.
How does the prevalence of haemorrhoids change with age?
The prevalence of haemorrhoids increases with age.
What age group has the highest prevalence of haemorrhoids?
The highest prevalence is between 45-65 years of age.
What is an anatomical cause for haemorrhoids
Degradation of elastic tissue
What is a physiological cause for haemorrhoids
Pregnancy and labour- pressure of the baby lying above the rectum causing blood vessels in the rectal area to swell.
What is a mechanical cause for haemorrhoids
Constipation- straining on the toilet
What is a symptom of haemorrhoids related to defecation?
Bleeding after defecation: Bright red, painless, with spots on tissue, toilet bowl, or stool.
What does soiling refer to in the context of haemorrhoids?
Faecal or mucus soiling- Hemorrhoids can keep the muscles around your anus from closing completely, which lets small amounts of stool or mucus to leak out.
What type of discharge is associated with haemorrhoids?
Mucus discharge.
What is pruritus ani?
Itching around the anus.
Is pain a common symptom of haemorrhoids?
Pain is not common, unless there’s prolapse and strangulation (internal) or thrombosis (external); not necessarily related to defecation.
What does incomplete evacuation refer to?
Feeling that the bowel has not been fully emptied. This can be a symptom of haemorrhoids
What is an anal fissure and what are the associated symptoms?
An anal fissure is a tear or open sore (ulcer) that develops in the lining of the large intestine, near the anus. Symptoms include Intense pain on defecation and bright red blood.
What is ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease, and what are their symptoms?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that cause inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
Ulcerative colitis is limited to inflammation in the large intestine whereas Crohn’s disease is inflammation anywhere in the GI tract, from the mouth to anus.
Symptoms include: Watery bloody stools, fever, and abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue
What indicates upper GI bleeds?
Possible NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use, erosion of stomach wall or upper intestine, and tarry (black, sticky consistency)stools.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Long-term change in bowel habit and rectal bleeding.
What symptoms are associated with irritable bowel syndrome ?
Lower abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation.
