Introduction Hemorrhoids are common human afflictions known since the dawn of history, defined as the symptomatic enlargement and distal displacement of the normal anal cushions. Essentially, the word "hemorrhoid" is derived from the Greek "haema" = blood, and "rhoos" = flowing, and was originally used by Hippocrates to describe the flow of blood from the veins of the anus.1MacKay D. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Altern Med Rev 2001;6(2):126-40. In effect, hemorrhoids constitute one of the most common arteriovenous disorders, with peak prevalence occurring between the ages of 45 and 65 years; close to 50% of people 50 years or older are affected by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid anatomy Hemorrhoids are universally classified according to anatomical origin, occurring at two levels relative to the anus. They are either internal, external or a combination of both (Table 1). The classification has practice implications since the level of the hemorrhoid…
Introduction Smooth muscle spasm, an involuntary contraction of a muscle, can occur in a variety of conditions, and each depends upon predisposing factors, the part involved, and the working environment of the body.1No-Spa (Drotaverine). Available at: http://www.tsconnect.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4787:corp2001-215&catid=28&Itemid=492. Accessed on 17-07-2012 When the hollow viscera are squeezed by the muscle spasm, significant pain can occur. For instance, smooth muscle in the intestinal wall can go into spasm, causing waves of pain called 'colic'. Also, colicky pain which tends to be rhythmic may occur within the bile duct that empties the gallbladder and may develop after taking food.1No-Spa (Drotaverine). Available at: http://www.tsconnect.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4787:corp2001-215&catid=28&Itemid=492. Accessed on 17-07-2012 ,2Muscle Spasms. Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_spasms/article.htm. Accessed on 17-07-2012 Similarly, muscles surrounding the esophagus can go into spasm when irritation occurs with reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Diarrhea can be associated with colicky pain, whereby the muscles within the colon wall undergo spasm just before a watery…
