The Common Digestive System Physiological Disorders:  Hemorrhoid And Acid Reflux

Our body is designed to function through the network of organs which contributes to its general physiology. If an organ fails to function well, everything else will soon falter. Most often than not, body or organ malfunctions are caused by infections or simply nutritional deficiency. 

Hemorrhoid and acid reflux has become one of the leading chief complains on medical consultations and treatments. But, what are hemorrhoids? How can you get an acid reflux?  How can you avoid having them?  Can these be treated?

Prevention is better than cure. It is very true, knowing what and knowing how is the key to protect yourself from these body malaises.

Is there a connection between hemorrhoids and acid reflux?  The only connection they have is that they both affect specific part in the digestive system but they do not trigger each others manifestation.

GERD or Acid Reflux: The gastro-esophageal reflux disease or acid reflux, more commonly known as heartburn is a burning sensation caused by the stomach acid passing through the esophagus.  It is usually caused by changes in the wall between the stomach and the esophagus or wind pipe, including abnormal relaxation of Pharyngoesophageal sphincter which is the prominent part of the esophagus that normally holds the upper of the stomach. This is just temporary but can be very irritating and may cause further complications such as damaged throat lining leading to pharyngitis.

Changing the eating habit and lifestyle is often advised upfront in order to attenuate the effect of acid reflux, as this is also the most common contributor of the said disease.  Medication may also be required for some cases; approved drugs are given to the patients such as common antacid, proton pump inhibitors, gaviscon, mosapride, and gastric receptor blockers.  For severe cases, surgeries are recommended to stop further damage.

On the other hand, hemorrhoid affects the rear part of the digestive system, while acid reflux affects the mid-section of the digestive going to the direction of the esophagus.

Hemorrhoid Overview: Hemorrhoid is the inflammation of the rectum or the veins surrounding it.  This affects the part that controls stool discharge.  There are two types of hemorrhoids, the internal and external hemorrhoid, defined according to the affected position.

The Internal Hemorrhoid: As the very term itself, this type manifests inside the anus.  Internal hemorrhoid often goes undetected until it has reached the severe stage (prolapsed or strangulated); this is because there are less sensation receptors in the rectum area.

The External Hemorrhoid: This type occurs at the end of anal canal making it swell and itch followed by burning or painful sensation.  This type is prone to develop thrombosis which will make the case worse if it remains untreated for a period of time.

The Contributors: Hemorrhoids are caused by many factors such as low fiver diet, heavy routine exercises, abnormal bowel habits, physical stomach pressure, pregnancy, genes, and aging.

The Cure: Hemorrhoids can be treated by simply altering the diet adding more fiber and fluid, thus, making the stool soft for easy discharge.  For severe and complicated cases, medical procedures must be administered such as:  rubber band ligation, cautery, and sclerotherapy.

Surgical procedures are often recommended to resolve further complications, surgical procedures like doppler guided transanalhemorrhoidal dearterialization, stapled hemorrhoidectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and laser hemorrhoidectomy.

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