even though lmore common in adults, hemorrhoids can also experienced by children. Hemorrhoids in children can happen if there is certain disorders, for example often constipated or diarrhea. What are the symptoms and how to treat them? Check it out in the following review!
Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are generally harmless, but these conditions can make the sufferer feel uncomfortable. Especially if hemorrhoids are experienced by children. Because children generally cannot clearly express what they feel or complain about, parents need to be observant to see the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids in children, so that this condition can be treated immediately.
Symptoms and Causes of Hemorrhoids in Children
Generally, the symptoms of hemorrhoids in children are the same as in adults. Children with hemorrhoids may show some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Bleeding during bowel movements (BAB) or bright red blood that drips from the rectum.
- Discharge of mucus from the rectum during or after defecation.
- The child cries or looks in pain when defecating.
- Stool texture is hard and dry.
- The child looks uncomfortable because of itching or pain in the anus.
- There is a lump that appears to be protruding from the anus.
If your little one shows some of the signs and symptoms above, there is a possibility that he has hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the anus swell and become inflamed. The most common causes are prolonged constipation and diarrhea or the habit of straining during bowel movements.
Constipation that causes hemorrhoids usually occurs because the child does not eat foods that contain fiber. In infants who are started on solid foods, switching from breast milk or formula to solids may cause constipation.
If constipation continues and is not treated, over time your little one can experience hemorrhoids.
Overcoming Hemorrhoids in Children with Self-Care at Home
The main step to treat hemorrhoids is to treat the cause. So if your little one's hemorrhoids are caused by prolonged diarrhea, then he needs to get diarrhea treatment. Likewise if hemorrhoids are caused by constipation.
Heavy hemorrhoids generally require treatment from a doctor. If these treatments don't work for hemorrhoids, surgery may be needed.
Before the condition is severe, hemorrhoids in children can be treated with home treatments to relieve symptoms. Treatments that can be done are:
- Give children foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables and fruit, with larger portions.
- Encourage children to drink lots of water. If your little one is bored with water, try giving other drinks, such as fruit juice.
- Invite children to be active or do light exercise, to help smooth digestion.
- Clean and soak the child's anal area with warm water 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. This method can reduce itching and pain due to hemorrhoids.
- Use soft, unscented wet wipes to clean your child's anus. Wet wipes made from soft chemicals can prevent irritation to the baby's anus.
- Smearing petroleum jelly in children's anus, to lubricate and facilitate the passage of feces during defecation.
Some special topical medications to treat hemorrhoids can also be used in children. But before using it, you should first consult a doctor.
Generally, the symptoms of hemorrhoids in children will improve and disappear within a week after being treated at home. But if the symptoms persist or the hemorrhoids that appear are very large, immediately take your child to the pediatrician for proper treatment.
Given that hemorrhoids are not a common disease in infants and children, this condition needs to be watched out for. Especially if the hemorrhoid causes anemia in children due to heavy or prolonged bleeding, and makes the child weak.
