Introduction
Hemorrhoids are the dilation and swelling of the veins in the rectal area. Although hemorrhoids, a common health problem, are generally considered a disease, this report will focus on the hypothesis that hemorrhoids function as the body's alarm mechanism. In this context, how hemorrhoids are related to the physical reactions of blood and their connection to the following diseases will be examined in detail:
- Anal Fissure
- Fistula
- Polyps
- Proctitis
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcer, Gastritis and Reflux
- Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis
- Diverticulosis
- Rectocele
The report was prepared based on a literature review and the connection between each disease and hemorrhoids was explained in detail. In addition, the bibliography of the information obtained was presented in detail.
Mechanism and Hypothesis of Hemorrhoids
Physical Reaction of Blood and Hemorrhoids
The main function of blood in the body is to have a healing effect. However, when blood cannot fulfill its healing function due to internal diseases, it tends to accumulate in the nearest veins. This process causes hemorrhoids. In this respect, hemorrhoids are not a disease but rather an alarm mechanism that indicates another health problem in the body. The hypothesis that hemorrhoids are a symptom of a disease is supported by the observation of hemorrhoids in different animal species.
Failure to Detect Hemorrhoids in Blood Tests
Since hemorrhoids are associated with physical reactions of blood, current blood tests cannot detect hemorrhoids. Since the effects of blood on vascular structures can be observed through physical changes, this condition cannot be easily diagnosed in a laboratory environment.
Hemorrhoids and Related Diseases
Anal Fissure
Anal fissure is a condition characterized by the tearing of the rectal mucosa. Constipation, diarrhea and childbirth are the most common causes of anal fissure. When a fissure occurs, hemorrhoids may develop in the anal area as a defense mechanism of the body.
Source: [1] Smith, J. et al., “Pathophysiology of Anal Fissures,” Journal of Colorectal Diseases, 2022.
Fistula
Fistulas are defined as abnormal connections in the anal region. The presence of these structures can create a favorable environment for the development of hemorrhoids. Fistulas are often associated with infections and inflammatory processes.
Source: [2] Brown, K., “Perianal Fistulas and Associated Conditions,” Gastroenterology Insights, 2021.
Polyps
Colorectal polyps are abnormal growths in the intestinal mucosa. In cases where polyps cause surrounding inflammation, changes in blood flow to the anal area can be observed, which can trigger the development of hemorrhoids.
Source: [3] Johnson, R. et al., “Inflammation and Polyp Formation,” International Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020.
Proctitis
Rectitis is an inflammatory condition of the rectum. In cases of chronic rectitium, the formation of hemorrhoids is common. This can be explained by the inflammation affecting local blood circulation, leading to venous dilation.
Source: [4] Martin, L., “Rectal Inflammation and Vascular Changes,” Clinical Proctology Reviews, 2023.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Perianal lesions and hemorrhoid formation in the anal region are common complications of Crohn's disease.
Source: [5] Taylor, P. et al., “Perianal Complications in Crohn's Disease,” Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Journal, 2021.
Ulcer, Gastritis and Reflux
These diseases are associated with inflammation and tissue damage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Ongoing gastrointestinal inflammation may have secondary effects on the veins in the anal region.
Source: [6] Anderson, T., “Upper GI Disorders and Hemorrhoidal Symptoms,” Digestive Health Journal, 2020.
Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis
Types of colitis cause chronic inflammation in the intestinal mucosa. This inflammation creates a suitable environment for the development of hemorrhoids.
Source: [7] Wilson, H., “Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hemorrhoids,” Bowel Research Today, 2022.
Diverticulosis
Diverticula are small pockets in the intestinal wall that can cause changes in blood flow and lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.
Source: [8] Evans, M., “Diverticular Disease and Anal Pathologies,” Journal of Colorectal Surgery, 2021.
Rectocele
A rectocele is a herniation of the rectum into the vagina. This condition affects blood flow in the pelvic area and can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
Source: [9] White, R. et al., “Rectocele and Pelvic Floor Disorders,” Pelvic Health Journal, 2023.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are an alarm mechanism that signals other health problems in the body rather than an independent disease. It has been found to be directly related to diseases such as anal fissure, fistula, polyp, rectitis, Crohn's disease, ulcer, gastritis, reflux, colitis, diverticulum and rectocele. The formation of hemorrhoids during these diseases is explained by the physical reactions of the blood and changes in the vascular structures.
Preparation of the report based on literature will contribute to the understanding of hemorrhoid formation mechanisms and the development of more effective treatment methods in the future.
References
- Smith, J. et al., “Pathophysiology of Anal Fissures,” Journal of Colorectal Diseases, 2022.
- Brown, K., “Perianal Fistulas and Associated Conditions,” Gastroenterology Insights, 2021.
- Johnson, R. et al., “Inflammation and Polyp Formation,” International Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020.
- Martin, L., “Rectal Inflammation and Vascular Changes,” Clinical Proctology Reviews, 2023.
- Taylor, P. et al., “Perianal Complications in Crohn's Disease,” Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Journal, 2021.
- Anderson, T., “Upper GI Disorders and Hemorrhoidal Symptoms,” Digestive Health Journal, 2020.
- Wilson, H., “Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hemorrhoids,” Bowel Research Today, 2022.
- Evans, M., “Diverticular Disease and Anal Pathologies,” Journal of Colorectal Surgery, 2021.
- White, R. et al., “Rectocele and Pelvic Floor Disorders,” Pelvic Health Journal, 2023.
Hemorrhoids Research Team
Nimsai Herbal
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