Swollen hemorrhoids tissues around the rectum are simply enlarged veins. Hemorrhoid tissue becoming enlarged can happen both inside and outside of the canal of the anus. Increased pressure brought on by straining during bowel movements causes the enlargement. Pressure can be caused by being constipated, being overweight or pregnant, and standing or sitting for in one position for a prolonged period of time.

Hemorrhoids can be either external or internal. When hemorrhoid tissues located inside the anal canal are swollen, internal hemorrhoids can occur. Hemorrhoid tissue outside of the anus can also become inflamed, causing external hemorrhoids.

The symptoms of hemorrhoids usually include a burning sensation, itching, intense pain, bleeding and skin irritation. Because of these symptoms, the hemorrhoid sufferer will feel awkward and uncomfortable.

How can hemorrhoids be cured? Is it advisable to take over the counter medications for hemorrhoids?

There are a variety of cures for hemorrhoids, including over the counter medications. The hemorrhoid treatments that you can purchase at your local drug store are effective only for hemorrhoids that are in the early stages. There is a selection of various types of over the counter treatments available, such as ointments, creams, laxatives and petroleum jelly. Hemorrhoid cream that contains antiseptics and hydrocortisone is one of the best treatments for hemorrhoids.

The only other hemorrhoids treatments are surgery and rubber band ligation. The inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue can be removed surgically. The name of this operation is hemorrhoidectomy. There is a procedure for reducing the inflammation called rubber ligation, a procedure of rubber banding the swollen tissue, reducing blood flow to the area.

Two treatment options exist for hemorrhoids relief besides over the counter remedies: surgery and rubber band ligation. One treatment involves surgery, which can be effective because the inflamed hemorrhoid tissue is removed by the surgeon. Hemorrhoidectomy is what this procedure is called. To reduce the blood circulation to the area, thus reducing the inflammation, rubber ligation, a non-surgical procedure is done by tying a rubber band around the swollen tissue.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a nutritious diet is the best way to prevent hemorrhoids from coming back after they have been treated. Drinking eight glasses of water per day is the recommended amount to keep your body healthy and prevent hemorrhoids. In addition to ensuring that your blood circulates properly, drinking plenty of water will help your food digest smoothly, resulting in softer stools. Hard bowel movements and straining is the result of constipation which might lead to complications related to hemorrhoids, like severe bleeding, whereas soft tools are desirable for proper movement of the bowels. You can also eat healthier and get more exercise. To keep your intestines clean and to encourage easy defecation, eat plenty of foods rich in fiber, especially leafy vegetables and fruits.