Hemorrhoids in children are a very rare occurrence. Adolescents and teens are more likely to develop hemorrhoids than smaller children.
What Are Hemorrhoids
This disease is a health condition wherein the veins around the anus become swollen. In children, this dilemma can be an indication of a more serious disease. Although adults usually manage to relieve their symptoms by using home treatments, it is best to bring your child to the pediatrician when you suspect him/her to have hemorrhoids.
In some cases, hemorrhoids can be a symptom of:
•Crohn’s Disease – it is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It causes diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, weight loss and vomiting.
•Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – is a disorder in the colon or large intestine. IBS causes bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea.
•Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis – a painful swelling or inflammation on the lining of the large intestine or colon. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, pain in the abdomen and straining.
•Juvenile Polyps Syndrome – characterized by multiple abnormal growths (juvenile polyps) in the gastrointestinal tract which includes the stomach, large intestine and small intestine. Symptoms of this syndrome include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bleeding and anemia.
What Causes Hemorrhoids
This condition can be a very unpleasant experience, especially to children. Constipation is the most common cause of this ailment in young children. Hard stools can cause pressure on the veins surrounding the anus which leads to hemorrhoids. Prolonged sitting on the toilet bowl can also put pressure on the anus which can lead to the inflammation of the anal veins.
Signs That Your Child Has Hemorrhoids
There are ways to know if your child is possibly affected by this condition. Because children are not good at expressing what they exactly feel, you have to look for signs.
•Clenching, especially of the butt and the legs can be an indication of internal pain due to hemorrhoids.
•When your child wails or refuses to sit on the toilet, it is an indication that your child feels pain during bowel movements.
•Constant constipation is a common cause of this disease and it is best to check your child’s buttocks for any swelling or inflammation.
•If your child constantly experiences anal itching, it can be due to this disease.
•Constant diarrhea in children can lead to increased straining and my cause this condition. It can cause dehydration in children and must be treated immediately.
Treatment for Hemorrhoids in Children
To help alleviate the irritation and itchiness because of this condition, you can try these tips:
•Refrain from using dry toilet paper when cleaning your child’s anus as it may rupture the skin and increase the inflammation. Use moistened baby wipes to help soothe your child’s hemorrhoids.
•Keep the affected area clean and dry at all times to prevent infection. You may bathe your child in a warm sitz bath in your bathtub to provide instant relief.
•Over the counter creams and ointments are available to help treat hemorrhoids in children.
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