An Overview Of What Hemorrhoids Are

Hemorrhoids are a painful condition in which the veins in the lower anus or rectum are swollen and/or inflamed. It occurs when elevated pressure causes the veins in the anus to bulge, creating pain. Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, especially among pregnant women, and are rarely life-threatening. In most instances the symptoms disappear within a few days. Hemorrhoids should not be confused with similar conditions such as anal fissures, colorectal cancer, abscesses and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease.

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anus and are usually painless. They are commonly distinguished by bloody stools or blood on the toilet paper or toilet bowl. In most cases people are not aware they have internal hemorrhoids, though in some painful cases the veins may swell and push outside the anus. External hemorrhoids occur beneath the skin surrounding the anus and are accompanied by swelling and itching. They usually cause more prolonged pain (typically lasting from one to two weeks) than internal hemorrhoids, and are prone to thrombosis if a vein ruptures or a blood clot forms. Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, aching and tender lumps in or around the anus.

Most instances of hemorrhoids occur during bowel movements. Excessive strain, constipation and sitting for long periods of time are the most common causes. Other causes include heavy exercise, a low-fiber diet, obesity, anal infections, diseases such as liver cirrhosis and simply aging.

Home treatments are readily available. Taking several short, warm baths a day and applying lidocaine cream are effective at reducing symptoms. Preventing recurrence requires a series of measures. Increasing fiber intake through fruits such as bananas and oranges, and vegetables such as broccoli is an important first step. Doctors may recommend fiber supplements like psyllium. In addition, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will work with fiber to help soften the stool and flush it out of the system. Light to moderate aerobic exercise such as walking and jogging helps redistribute body weight and reduce constipation. Wearing cotton garments and avoiding staying seated for long periods of time will also aid in prevention.

In severe instances, hemorrhoids must be treated by a doctor via endoscopic or surgical techniques. The procedure with the highest rate of success is rubber band litigation, which cuts off circulation to the swollen veins, causing them to shrink. Sclerotherapy involves shrinking the hemorrhoids by way of chemical injection. Electrocautery, infrared radiation and cryosurgery, where electricity, heat or cold is respectively applied to the hemorrhoid, are also effective. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoidectomy, is used only in severe cases.

Most treatments are successful, but prevention requires maintaining a balanced high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluid and regular aerobic exercise