Children and Hemroids

Hemorrhoid or hemroids is a painful and highly uncomfortable condition in which the veins located in the anal canal or near the opening of the anus swell to an unusually large size. Children are also prone to this condition, although to a lesser extent than the grownups. A child could be suffering from hemorrhoids, if he complains of

• Itching in the anus

• Burning sensation in the rectum region

However, most children are not good at expressing the exact nature of the pain. In such situations, one can look for the following symptoms:

• All over clenching, specifically in legs and buttocks

• Redness in the rectum area

• Rocking motion of toes

• Distressed crying

• Fear of using the toilet

What Causes Hemroids in Kids?

Constipation and chronic straining during bowel movements are the primary factors that trigger hemorrhoid development. It is caused asa result of dehydration, lack of healthy diet, insufficient exercise and long periods of sitting. Hemroids can also be caused by:

• Diarrhea: This is a relatively common childhood ailment. It occurs when the food moves so quickly through the large intestine that the body cannot reabsorb water. Long bouts of diarrhea necessitates sitting for long periods on the toilet, leading to strain in the rectum area and hemroids.

• Portal hypertension: It refers to the backward pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the digestive tract to the liver. It is one of the major causes of hemroids in children. Portal vein hypertension is the initial indicator of all diseases that affect the liver.

• Crohn's disease: This isa chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that causes childhood hemroids.

Childhood Hemroids: Complexities

Children suffering from from hemroids must be discouraged from scratching the affected area. Incessant scratching of painful and itchy hemroids lead these to tear open and bleed, causing:

• Extensive infection

• Painful inflammation

The pain can make the child:

• Cranky and unwilling to use the toilet

• Reluctant to get off the toilet

• Associate pain with toilet use, spoiling toilet training

How to Treat Hemroids in Children?

Childhood hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with:

• Cool compresses on the affected area

• Warm baths

• Application of witch hazel, a natural remedy that reduces swelling and provides pain relief.

• Berries and fruits such as bananas, oranges, papaya, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice and red currants

The best remedy for hemroids is to add high-fiber foods, such as spinach, cabbage and oatmeal, to the child's diet.