Hemorrhoids is rapidly becoming one of the most rampant diseases in the world today. Hemorrhoids does not discriminate between the young and the old, or male and female, but rather attacks people of all ages and genders equally. Hemorrhoids is fairly harmless in the initial stages, but can become a source of concern and cause a lot of discomfort if it is not well attended to in its infancy.



The number of people suffering from hemorrhoids has more than doubled in recent years because of the trend that modern living has taken. We have taken to eating junk food and having meals at very irregular intervals. The fact that the food is not rich in fibre means that the colon cannot generate enough faecal matter to ensure regular bowel movement. This situation is known to be the leading cause of constipation, and constipation is the main cause of hemorrhoids. .

Tight work schedules and a generally hectic lifestyle have seen the reduction in the time left for physical workouts and relaxation. The working class spend most of their time practically ?motionless?! If they are not moving in vehicles or planes (instead of they themselves physically moving!), then they are ?busy? in front of the computer or the TV screen, etc. This type of life is the cause of obesity in many adults and children alike today, and obesity is one of the factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. .

What are Hemorrhoids?

Before proceeding any further it is necessary that we are clear about what hemorrhoids actually are. Hemorrhoids is a term used to refer to swellings that develop within the inner linings of the anal walls as well as on the outside of the opening to the anus. They are sometimes also referred to as piles. .

Classification of Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can be classified into different types depending on their location or stage of development, namely internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, prolapsed hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids. .

Internal hemorrhoids begin as small swellings inside the anus and then develop to a stage where they can be very bulky.External hemorrhoids usually occur around the opening to the anus.Bleeding hemorrhoids are characterised by bleeding especially during bowel movement.Prolapsed hemorrhoids are an advanced stage in the development of hemorrhoids during which the hemorrhoids start sagging and protruding from the anus. .

Hemorrhoids Causes.

Hemorrhoids develop as a result of various factors put together. The most common causes of hemorrhoids are:

Chronic constipation.

Overweight

Poor feeding, especially junk foods with less fibre in them.

Lack of physical exercise

Prolonged sitting on hard surface

Very hard labour and lifting heavy loads

Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids Symptoms

Hemorrhoids manifest itself in various ways depending on the stage they have reached in their development cycle. Some of the symptoms are not conclusive, that is to say, they do not provide concrete proof that one has haemorrhoids. Generally speaking, however, these are the common symptoms of hemorrhoids:

Swellings in and around the anus

Presence of blood on stool

Swollen anal veins

Inflamed anus and itching

Prolapsed anal tissue

Hemorrhoids Treatment

A haemorrhoid is a treatable disease and there are several self-medication products on the market for alleviating its symptoms, besides the clinical methods that can be administered in the hospital.

Hemorrhoids or its symptoms can be treated by applying various creams and ointments to the affected region, using surgery (in case of severe hemorrhoids), by tying up the hemorrhoids at the root to cut off blood supply (rubber band ligation), and by injecting medication into the swollen veins or lumps.