All You Need To Know About Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are varicosities often characterized as inflammation and swelling occurring in the veins in the anus and rectum. It is a common condition where prevalence is 4.4 percent in the United States. Around 50 percent of Americans have had hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Although hemorrhoids are an unpleasant condition, a large number of individuals leave the condition untreated. Let’s talk about the causes of hemorrhoids, how to treat it and what preventive measures can be taken.

Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be caused by extreme or constant pressure on the rectal veins, poor muscle tone in the rectal area, straining during bowel movements, hypertension in the portal vein, and/or weak rectal walls and valves in the veins (which are oftentimes genetically predisposed).

Other factors that trigger the outcome of hemorrhoids include obesity, inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, excessive consumption of caffeine, and/or pregnancy. Some of these factors may cause hypertension, portal hypertension, and alcoholic liver disease that can actually lead to the outcome of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

Common hemorrhoid symptoms include rectal pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids can give symptoms that include painful lumps caused by blood that has pooled, clotted and deposited in the skin. Blood may be noticed after straining during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can give symptoms including rectal bleeding, itching, skin irritation, discomfort (i.e. urgency to pass stool), and pain. It should be noted though that underlying health conditions such as colon cancer, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, and inflammatory bowel disease may also cause symptoms similar to those of hemorrhoids.

Treatment Of Hemorrhoids

You can treat hemorrhoids yourself by sitting in warm water or bath for a few minutes around 3 to 4 times a day. You can also clean the anorectal area with water and a mild soap right after bowel movement. With worse cases of hemorrhoids, you may need rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, hemorrhoidectomy, cryotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, laser therapy, or bipolar diathermy.

Prevention Of Hemorrhoids

The best way to get rid of hemorrhoids for good is to combine treatment and preventive measures. First, avoid constipation by consuming more fiber, drinking enough water (8-10 glasses per day), adding stool softeners containing psyllium or bran, exercising regularly, and watching out for foods or drinks you suspect are making symptoms worse. Second, develop healthy bowel habits by going to the bathroom whenever you have the urge, leaving the toilet when you are done passing stool (avoid sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time), breathing normally while passing stools, and relaxing during bowel movement. Finally, change some habits. Don’t sit or stand for too long, instead, allot a time for activity each day. Try not to carry heavy objects and ask for help when you need to. Pregnant women should try sleeping on the side.

Most of the time, hemorrhoids are not serious health hazards but can be extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable and painful. Symptoms can worsen and can come back any time if preventive measures aren’t taken. For medical advice and treatment, consult with a healthcare professional.