Hemorrhoids in children can be caused by prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, straining during bowel movements, an imbalanced diet, bowel inflammation, lack of physical activity, or genetic factors inherited from the parents.
1. Causes of hemorrhoids in children
Hemorrhoids in children can be caused by several factors, including:
- Sitting on hard surfaces for long periods
- Sitting on the potty for too long: If a child sits on the potty for more than 10 minutes, the risk of developing hemorrhoids increases. Extended sitting can cause blood to pool in the pelvic region, leading to hemorrhoids.
- Straining during bowel movements
- Poor diet, such as low in fiber and insufficient fluid intake can increase the risk of constipation, which in turn can lead to hemorrhoids.
- Frequent or intense crying can cause blood to pool in the pelvic region, increasing pressure on the abdomen and leading to blood congestion in the rectal area.
- Hemorrhoids can be inherited from the parents. In such cases, symptoms might be observed as early as the first week after birth. Some children may experience hemorrhoids when they pass stools or while crying, causing discomfort.
- Conditions such as bowel inflammation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
- Just like in adults, lack of exercise or physical activity in children can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.
2. Symptoms of hemorrhoids in children
Young children, especially infants and toddlers, cannot accurately communicate what is causing them discomfort. Therefore, parents need to carefully monitor and pay attention to certain symptoms to determine if the child may have hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids in children can also lead to other conditions, such as constipation or anal fissures. Some symptoms that may indicate hemorrhoids in children include:
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Mucus leakage from the anus
- The child pain and crying during bowel movements
- Hard, dry stools
If parents suspect that their child may have hemorrhoids, it is important to consult a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis. Even though the symptoms may resemble hemorrhoids, there could be other more serious underlying conditions, such as infections or gastrointestinal disorders, that are causing the symptoms (e.g., blood in the stool).
Once a proper diagnosis is made, the doctor will inform the parents and provide a suitable treatment plan to effectively manage the condition, relieve discomfort, and prevent the symptoms from worsening.
3. Initial treatment for children with hemorrhoids
The treatment for hemorrhoids in children should be based on the child’s condition and the severity of the disease. At home, families can apply the following methods to help minimize the impact of the condition:
- Balanced the child's diet by avoiding giving only one type of food. Regularly include vegetables, fruits, and fresh foods that provide adequate fiber, helping to prevent constipation and reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.
- Help the child form a regular bowel routine, preferably at a specific time each day
- Maintain hygiene in the anal area. After each bowel movement and before bedtime, it is recommended to wash the area with warm water to keep it clean.
Hemorrhoids in children not only cause pain and discomfort but can also lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The condition can result in blood loss and severe infections if not treated early.
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