Hemorrhoids Facts

Hemorrhoids or piles occur due to the inflammation and swelling of the network of veins around the rectum and anus area. When irritated, the area will feel painful, burn, itchy or even bleed. The problem with this condition is that treatment is difficult and it may return even with minimal strain when having a bowel movement.

What Causes Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are generally caused by putting the rectum under too much pressure. Once pressure is exerted, the blood in the rectal and anal veins will start to swell, and the veins may then eventually rupture. Any activity, work or condition that can put pressure on the rectal and anal veins is considered a risk factor in the development of hemorrhoids. Some concrete examples of what can cause hemorrhoids are too much sitting, frequent heavy lifting, straining during defecation, severe coughing and pregnancy.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

There are two kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external, and the signs and symptoms that you experience will depend on the kind that you have. The internal kind will not produce a lot of obvious pain because the inner portion does not have a lot of nerves that are sensitive to pain. You will only notice this condition if you notice spots of blood mixed with the bowl water or on the toilet tissue. This is a sign that your internal nerves might already be swollen and injured. Other factors however such as cancer may also cause bleeding so it is advisable that you seek immediate medical advise.

External hemorrhoids are more noticeable since there will be some pain, itchiness, burning and even bleeding. There may also be a lump somewhere in the anus caused by a blood clot that is in turn the result of a lack of blood supply. This is a thrombosed hemorrhoid and will be quite painful.

Surgical Solutions for Hemorrhoids

If you are unfortunate enough to have the real severe bout of hemorrhoids, then surgery may be the only way out. Simple surgery will involve the removal of the affected tissue or the opening of a blood clot to give some relief from pain. Sometimes, surgeons may staple the affected area so that blood flow is restricted from or even sclerotherapy where chemicals are used to shrink blood vessels are used. For internal hemorrhoids, patients can opt to use infrared light to cut off blood circulation. Another way is rubber band ligation.

Whenever surgery is conducted, there is always an element of risk and possible complications. It can be painful and expensive also. Moreover, there is no guarantee that hemorrhoids may not occur again. Nevertheless, surgery is usually used for critical hemorrhoids conditions.

Solutions Without Invasive Surgery

Less severe cases of hemorrhoids may be treated with prescription or over the counter medication. Patients may be advised to take oral or topical solutions with anti inflammatory components. These conventional medications may be paired with warm baths and a doctor's advice not to engage in strenuous activities. Most hemorrhoid sufferers know however that medications do not have enduring effects and may even worsen hemorrhoids.