Hemorrhoids and Death
Is hemorrhoid a life threatening disease?
Yes, but in rarest of the cases. Hemorrhoids and death cannot coincide if treated on time. The real cause behind them is somewhat unclear at the present, but simple measures can surely keep problems at bay.
A Hemorrhoid (also known as piles) is a swollen vein inside the anal passage or around the anus. These can be internal or external. The vein becomes swollen due to various reasons, like: -
• Low fluid and fiber intake.
• Constipation and over straining while passing bowel.
• Physical exercise that overstrains the anal, rectal or perineum area.
• Anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About 50% people will have them by the time they reach the age of 50. Even then, hemorrhoids and death can never happen together. Although, it is true that hemorrhoid related deaths do occur.
Hemorrhoid deaths primarily happen due to complications that come from a severe case of hemorrhoids or from multiple health issues complicating the situation. The most common complication with hemorrhoids is the thrombosed internal hemorrhoid.
This happens when an internal hemorrhoid protrudes out of the rectum and for some reason develops a clot. Thrombosed hemorrhoids feel hard and painful. Lack of treatment and preventive measures can lead to the vein bursting and getting infected.
Blood vessels in protruding internal hemorrhoids may also die due to lack of blood supply and cause gangrene. This requires immediate medical attention. Severe gangrene can lead to death.
Sometimes ruptured veins will cause infection and may lead to loss of blood, resulting in anemia. Severe loss of blood or anemia may lead to seizures and even death in extreme cases.
Statistics show that there have been only 17 hemorrhoid deaths in the USA over a period of four years (1983-87, Digestive diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact – NIH Publication No. 94-1447, NIDDK, 1994).
Simple measures like proper fiber intake, getting enough fluids, exercise and an over all healthy lifestyle will help you prevent and reduce your risk of getting hemorrhoids. If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoid, do not shy away from asking your doctor about the details.
Tell them about your other health problems and find out if the hemorrhoid can complicate any of them or the other way around.
Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before taking or using any medication. Avoid anal intercourse, dehydration and constipation, which can lead to hemorrhoid death.