Does IBS Cause Hemorrhoids?

What Is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition that affects the lower GI (gastrointestinal) tract, including the colon and small and large intestines. It is identified when a patient experiences abdominal pain or spasms and changes in the pattern or appearance of their bowel motions.

It results in:

• Cramping in the belly.

• Bloating or swelling.

• Alterations in bowel habits, such as constipation (a stool passage issue) or diarrhea (loose stool).

There is no specific physical cause for IBS that medical professionals can pinpoint. Stress is frequently cited as a contributing factor. IBS symptoms may worsen when under stress. IBS is a chronic, long-lasting illness. It might hurt. However, it does not permanently damage the intestines. Furthermore, it does not cause dangerous illnesses like cancer. IBS and ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease (it is a long-term autoimmune disorder that mostly affects the small and large intestines), or other inflammatory bowel disorders are unrelated. IBS can, however, also occur in patients with inflammatory bowel illnesses.

How Do Hemorrhoids Develop?

IBS symptoms can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids, often known as piles, are enlarged, inflammatory veins that can develop inside the lower rectum and anus or outside of it. A study found that although diarrhea may also play a role, experts believe that constipation and the continuous straining that results from it are the primary causes of hemorrhoids.

Constipation can cause a person's stool to harden and make it difficult for them to pass. The tissue and blood vessels surrounding the anus may expand and protrude under one strain. Hemorrhoids can result from the pressure that prolonged constipation creates. In addition, prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet as a result of constipation or diarrhea can raise the pressure in the rectum, which can result in hemorrhoids.

Other possible risk factors for hemorrhoids include the following:

• Spending extended amounts of time on the toilet.

• Improper defecation posture.

• A higher body mass index (BMI).

• Pregnancy.

IBS can result in associated issues in addition to hemorrhoids. For instance, persistent diarrhea can result in malnourishment and dehydration, whereas constipation in people with IBS can also cause an anal rip or fissure. IBS can also result in mental health symptoms like anxiety or sadness and have an impact on a person's quality of life.

What Are the Potential Complications of Hemorrhoids in People With IBS?

Hemorrhoids may cause discomfort and agony. Although they can resolve on their own, problems can still arise, particularly if the IBS symptoms are out of control.

Among the possible IBS problems are:

• Hemorrhage bleeding.

• Infection-related extreme pain

• Anus muscles obstructing blood flow to a prolapsed hemorrhoid is known as a strangulated hemorrhoids.

• Urinary retention.

• Anemia (low red blood cell count).

• Blood clots in enlarged veins.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids if One Has IBS?

There are various actions that people with IBS can take to prevent hemorrhoid formation. Among them are:

• Consuming a lot of fiber to maintain regular bowel motions.

• Consuming lots of water.

• Avoid prolonged sitting and straining when having bowel movements.

• Regular exercise.

Identifying and avoiding triggers is a key component of controlling the symptoms of IBS. Typical IBS triggers include:

• Foods that include sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol.

• Beans.

• Spicy foods.

• Reduce stress and anxiety.

• Certain fruits and veggies.

• Dairy products.

• Alcohol.

Can IBS Cause Hemorrhoids to Bleed?

Hemorrhoids can indeed bleed due to IBS. This is because straining during a bowel movement or spending a lot of time on the toilet can worsen a hemorrhoid by raising pressure in the rectum. Bleeding hemorrhoids can also result from frequent diarrhea.

What Are the Complications of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids may cause discomfort and agony. Although they can resolve on their own, difficulties can still arise, particularly if the IBS symptoms are out of control.

Among the possible IBS problems are:

• Hemorrhage or bleeding.

• Serious infections cause discomfort.

• Hemorrhoid that has prolapsed and become strangulated (when the muscles surrounding the anus cut off the blood supply to a hemorrhoid that has prolapsed).

• Thrombosis in enlarged veins.

• Retention of urine.

• Anemia.

How to Treat IBS and Hemorrhoids?

Although there is no cure for IBS at this time, there are therapies and lifestyle modifications that can help reduce and even eliminate IBS-related hemorrhoid symptoms.

1. Hemorrhoid inflammation can be lessened, and symptoms can be relieved using home treatments and lifestyle modifications.

• Using a cold compress on the anus.

• Soaking in a sitz bath.

• Avoid soap, which can exacerbate hemorrhoids.

• Avoid using rough toilet paper when wiping after a bowel movement.

2. Modifying one's lifestyle can also aid in relieving IBS symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, which are causing hemorrhoids to form.

The following actions can be taken daily to aid with IBS symptoms:

• Regular exercise.

• Lowering tension.

• Consuming fiber-rich supplements

• Steer clear of foods that aggravate the symptoms.

3. Although hemorrhoids usually go away independently, medicines can help reduce pain and discomfort in the interim.

Among them are:

• OTC (over-the-counter) topical medications, such as hemorrhoid cream or Hydrocortisone.

• Analgesics, including Aspirin or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

4. A rubber band ligation is a medical surgery that a doctor may consider if these treatments are not working. During this treatment, a rubber band is wrapped around the hemorrhoid to stop its circulation, causing it to contract and eventually disappear.

• Hemorrhoidectomy - It is a surgical operation used to remove large hemorrhoids that do not respond to other therapies.

5. IBS medications that treat constipation or diarrhea can manage and prevent hemorrhoids.

Among these medications are:

• Loperamide.

• Lubiprostone.

• Linaclotide.

Conclusion

One complication of IBS is hemorrhoids. Usually, prescription drugs and natural therapies can be used to treat them. However, if a person has IBS, it's critical to control the symptoms to prevent excessive diarrhea, straining during a bowel movement, or prolonged periods spent in the bathroom. A diet rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can aid in the softening and smoother passage of feces. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. But make an effort to stay away from any meals that aggravate the IBS. Consult a physician if the hemorrhoids are getting worse or are interfering with the quality of life. A physician can guide suitable substitute therapies.