Study of risk factors and clinical features of hemorrhoids

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhoids are very common diseases of the anal region and creates physical and psychological disturbances and significantly affects the quality of life. This study was aimed to determine the risk factors and clinical symptoms associated with it.Methods: The study was conducted in Krishnarajendra Hospital, Mysore, for a period of one year from January 1984 to December 1984. A total of 40 patients with hemorrhoids were included in the study. The risk factors and clinical symptoms associated with incidence of hemorrhoids were noted in detailed and analysed.Results: Male preponderance was seen in the study (85%). Patients with age group between 20-39 years were found of high incidence of hemorrhoids (55%). Out of 40, 15 (37.5%) males and 2 (5%) females had habitual constipation and 7 (17.5%) males had occasional constipation. Farmers were found to the most commonly affected people with hemorrhoids (60%) followed by students (15%), households (15%) and business man (10%). The common clinical symptom observed was bleeding per rectum and mass per rectum in 85% of patients, pain during defecation in 77.5%, soiling of clothes observed in 22.5% and history of pruritus in 12.5% of males.Conclusions: The patients suffering with hemorrhoids were suggested to adopt healthy life style and modifications at their occupations accordingly.