Hemorrhoids
A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with complaints of rectal pain and bleeding during bowel movements that have persisted for the past six weeks. He describes the pain as sharp and occurring primarily after passing stools, which he notes has become more difficult due to constipation. The patient also reports seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper and in the toilet bowl. He has tried increasing his fiber intake and drinking more fluids, but his symptoms have not improved.
His medical history includes hypertension, which is well-controlled with medication. He has a sedentary lifestyle due to his office job and admits to not exercising regularly. On physical examination, a tender, swollen mass is palpated at the anal region, and the examination reveals the presence of external hemorrhoids.
The patient is advised on lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes to increase fiber intake, regular exercise, and proper hydration. A topical analgesic and a stool softener are recommended to ease his symptoms. The patient is also educated on proper bowel habits and is scheduled for a follow-up appointment in two weeks to assess his progress. If symptoms persist, further options such as rubber band ligation or other surgical interventions may be discussed.
a). Abdominal pain
b). Rectal pain and bleeding during bowel movements
c). Chronic diarrhea
d). Nausea and vomiting
a). Small and painless
b). Tender and swollen
c). Large and hard
d). Flat and non-tender
a). High levels of physical activity
b). Sedentary lifestyle
c). Frequent travel
d). Smoking habits
a). Surgical intervention
b). Antibiotics
c). Topical analgesics and stool softeners
d). Corticosteroid injections
