Hemorrhoids From Constipation in Infants
Hemorrhoids, also called piles are painful, swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They occur due to increased pressure on the blood vessels located in the lower part of the colon. Hemorrhoids is a rare condition in infants, according to the information website safehemorrhoidtreatment.com.
Hemorrhoids, also called piles are painful, swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They occur due to increased pressure on the blood vessels located in the lower part of the colon. Hemorrhoids is a rare condition in infants, according to the information website safehemorrhoidtreatment.com. When hemorrhoids occur in infants, they are usually caused by constipation. Treating constipation can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids in your baby.
Constipation
Constipation is the infrequent passage of stool or difficulty having a bowel movement. Your baby may develop constipation even if he is not eating solid foods. Breast milk and iron fortified formulas can cause your baby to be constipated, notes safehemorrhoidtreatment.com. Constipation can develop into hemorrhoids if dry stools puts pressure on blood vessels in the anus and rectum.
Symptoms
Bright red blood in stool is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids in infants, according to womenandinfants.org. Other symptoms include tender lumps near the anus, anal pain and uncontrollable crying, especially during bowel movement. If your infant has rectal bleeding seek immediate medical attention to make sure the cause is hemorrhoids and not some other problem.
Prevention
You can prevent hemorrhoids in your infant by ensuring that your infant has regular bowel habits. Make sure your infant has four to six wet disposable diapers in a 24-hour period, according to University of Michigan Health Systems. Give your infant adequate fluids to help soften stool. Engage your baby in regular physical exercise to help move stool through his body.
Treatment
If your infant has hemorrhoids, your pediatrician will most likely prescribe hemorrhoidal creams and suppositories to help reduce pain and inflammation, according to womenandinfants.org. The doctor may also recommend several home care treatments to reduce symptoms. Put cold packs on the infant's anus for a short duration to relieve pain and swelling. Use baby wipes to wipe the anus. Avoid toilet tissue because they can scratch and irritate the area. If the hemorrhoids do not get better with home treatments, contact your pediatrician.