Hemorrhoids,or piles as they are commonly known, are the inflamed and swollenveins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum. Hemorrhoidsmay result from inordinate straining to pass out stool. Pregnancy,constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse, and aging also may leadto the formation of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be external orinternal. It is easy to confuse other anorectal problems likefissures, fistula, or abscesses with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are notlife threatening and the symptoms usually go away after a few days.

Symptoms:

Thoughmany people have hemorrhoids, only a few experience the symptoms.

Internalhemorrhoids

Thesecan neither be seen nor felt. But when a person strains to passstool, the delicate surface of the hemorrhoid may get injured andthis may cause it to bleed. Internal anal membranes do not havepain-sensitive nerve fibers, so the hemorrhoids do not causediscomfort. If an internal hemorrhoid is pushed through the analopening due to straining, it can lead to pain and irritation.

Externalhemorrhoids

Theseare the painful hemorrhoids. If blood pools in the externalhemorrhoid, it is called a thrombus. This forms a clot and causessevere pain, inflammation and swelling. If this hemorrhoid isdisturbed, it can cause bleeding and itching.

Hemorrhoidsare an embarrassing problem for many, but it is also very commonamong both men and women. More than half the population suffers fromthis problem by the time they reach 50. Hemorrhoids are common amongpregnant women.

Causes:

Increasedpressure in the veins of the lower rectum is what leads tohemorrhoids. Pressure is often applied due to:

-Constipationand the accompanying strain to release stool.

-Continuousexpulsion of loose stools through diarrhea.

-Heavylifting.

-Standingor sitting for a long time.

-Pregnancyand childbirth.

-Heredity.

Diagnosis:

Rectalbleeding is the most common indication of internal hemorrhoids. But,rectal bleeding may also be a symptom of digestive diseases. Thedoctor will examine the area for swollen blood vessels, whichindicate hemorrhoids. If rectal bleeding is accompanied by dizziness,light-headedness or fainting, a doctor should be consultedimmediately. External hemorrhoids may be detected just by looking. Toascertain the presence of an internal hemorrhoid, the doctor may needto do a colonoscope, anoscope or sigmoidoscoope.

Treatment:

Thefirst phase of the treatment aims at relieving symptoms. Taking awarm tub bath several times a day in mild, warm water for about 10minutes is effective. Some hemorrhoidal cream applied to the affectedarea also helps.

Persistentbleeding and painful hemorrhoids may need more intricate treatment.Common procedures include Banding, Sclerotherapy, applying Infraredlight, and lastly, surgery.

Prevention:

-Eatfood rich in fiber. This will soften the stool and make it bulky,thus facilitating easy passage.

-Drinklots of water: This also eases and quickens bowel movements.

-Fibersupplements: Fiber supplements can help. Supplements should be takenwith plenty of water. Otherwise, constipation results.

-Exercisingregularly can help increase the blood circulation and also helps tolose weight.

-Avoidstanding or sitting for long periods as this increases pressure onthe veins.

-Usethe bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, otherwise stools becomehard and difficult to pass.

Self-care:

-Usingtopical treatments like creams.

-Keepingthe anal area completely neat.

-Soakingregularly in warm water helps relieve pain.

-Applyingice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

-Gentlypushing a prolapsed hemorrhoid back into the anal canal.

-Usingwet toilet paper to prevent friction.

Actually,hemorrhoids can be cured quickly and easily. To find out how, visitthis hemorrhoid treatment website and find more solutions on how to cure hemorrhoids. Natural solutionscalled HemorrhoidBalm-Rx(topical use) andAntiHemorrhoidDrops(internal use) are currently very popular amongsthemorrhoid sufferers. They have been responsible for curing thousandsof sufferers and are a cheap alternative to doctor consultations(they sell for around $25 and $33). HemorrhoidBalm-Rx andAntiHemorrhoidDrops are step by step guides that are backed up with amoney back guarantee.

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