The rectum and anus, like most parts of the human body, contain a network of veins. Sometimes, these veins become swollen and inflamed, in which case they are more popularly known as hemorrhoids or piles. When hemorrhoids become irritated, the surrounding area will also begin to feel painful and may even burn, itch and bleed. The problem with hemorrhoids is that once they have developed, they are not easy to treat and the discomfort associated with it will keep on coming back even with minimal exertion of strain.
What Causes Hemorrhoids
Typically, putting the rectum under stress or pressure, will lead to hemorrhoids. Once pressure is felt, the rectal and anal veins will start to swell. Sometimes, the veins may even rupture. Do note that any buttock pressurizing activity, be it too much sitting, too much lifting of heavy things, can lead to hemorrhoids. Other activities like straining during bowel movements, severe coughing and pregnancy can also cause hemorrhoids.
Signs and Symptoms
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.
The external kind really give you the sore rear end with the pain, itchiness, burning, and sometimes even bleeding. If there is a lump in the anus due to a blood clot - this is a thrombosed hemorrhoid and pain will be significant.
Surgical Solutions
People who have severe hemorrhoids and are not yet using Venapro have surgery as the best possible solution. The most basic surgical procedure is to simply remove an affected tissue or to cut open a blood clot to give some relief from pain. Surgeons may also resort to stapling in which the blood flow is prevented from reaching the tissue or to sclerotherapy in which chemicals are used to shrink blood vessels. For internal hemorrhoids, patients have the option of infrared light to cut off circulation in the bleeding area or rubber band ligation in which rubber bands cut off circulation until hemorrhoids fall off.
For some individuals, surgery is a necessary procedure. Most surgical procedures however are expensive, painful and open an individual up to a lot of possible risks and complications. There is also no guarantee that all surgical procedures for hemorrhoids guarantee against the recurrence of symptoms. Surgery should therefore be reserved for very critical conditions.
Non-Surgical Solutions
Of course, not all hemorrhoids are that severe to require surgery. These not so bad cases may be treated with oral or topical solutions with anti inflammatory components. Some of these can be purchased over the counter. These conventional medications may be used in conjunction with warm baths. As such times, it is also not advisable to do strenuous exercise. Nevertheless, most hemorrhoids victims know that medications are probably a short-term solution, and it may, sometimes, worsen the conditions.