Defining Hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins or spider veins but are found in the rectum and anus. These veins get swollen, because of the pressure used to have a bowel movement or prevent diarrhea. They can get infected with fecal matter and bacteria, because of their location. They may burn, itch and can be rather painful. Hemorrhoids may bleed, especially when you have a bowel movement. The bleeding is bright red in color, like a fresh wound. They are found internally, or inside the rectum or lower colon, or externally where they swell outside of the anus in the form of bumps, tags or growths. They are found in both men and women of all ages.

There are many reasons why people get Hemorrhoids. Each person is different, but some of the causes of Hemorrhoids are:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Sitting for long periods of time
Constipation or hard stools which are difficult to pass
Frequent Diarrhea
Intense Coughing
Lifting Heavy Objects
Insufficient dietary fiber in daily diet
Insufficient liquid in the diet
Family genetics

Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Internal Hemorrhoids are the most common form of hemorrhoids. These are found deep inside the rectum and you may not know they are there. Often, they are detected by a routine colonoscopy or rectal exam. While some people do not experience strong symptoms from internal hemorrhoids, in others they may bleed and sometimes cause pain. There may be blood in the stood, on toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl. There may be an itching and pain that you cannot stop.

External Hemorrhoids are the most severe and cause a great deal of discomfort. They are painful, itch, and bleed. They may present a strong burning sensation as well. They form lumps, bumps or tags around the anus. Hemorrhoids may be cut off from blood supply or form a blood clot, often referred to as strangulation. This can be extremely painful, causing what is called Thrombosis. These hemorrhoids need to be treated as the pain can be so great that people often cannot sit.

Hemorrhoid Prevention:

Drink Plenty of water!
If you must sit for long periods of time, get up and stretch frequently. Take a walk during your breaks. Shift in the chair so you change pressure points.
When lifting, let your breath out. Exhale and breathe. Bend at the knees, do not strain.
If you have a cough, try to control it. Take soothing medication or cough drops to prevent frequent coughing.
Take necessary preventative measures to avoid diarrhea or constipation. Eat high fiber food or take stool softeners or medication to stop diarrhea.
Try to avoid long periods of time on the toilet. Do not strain, do not read or watch TV. You should be able to have a bowel movement within 3 to 5 minutes. If not, use stool softeners.

When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids:

It is important to get a doctor’s evaluation if you experience rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. While this is frequently a symptom of hemorrhoids, your physician should check to rule out more serious problems such as colon or rectal cancer.

First, your doctor will look at the anus and rectum to assess whether there are swollen veins or bumps. Second, a rectal exam will be administered with a gloved finger to see if there are internal hemorrhoids or other growths.

If necessary, the doctor may use an instrument made for this type of procedure to examine the inside of the rectum. He may send you to a Gastroenterologist for a Colonoscopy, which takes pictures of the inside of your colon, rectum and down though to the anus. These are usually performed in an outpatient clinic or hospital. If you are over 50 years of age, the American Medical Association recommends a routine Colonoscopy every 5 years.

Hemorrhoid Treatments:

Most doctors prescribe medications or creams that help relieve the pain and suffering caused by hemorrhoids. These may be over the counter products or available by prescription. They do not, however, make the hemorrhoids go away. When the hemorrhoids are large and painful, your doctor may advise some sort of surgery.

The best hemorrhoid treatments are the ones with all natural active ingredients that are safe and highly recommended by those who have used it .

Hemorrhoid Surgery:

For the case of large external hemorrhoids, the doctor may cut into the area and remove the blood clot that has formed. For small internal hemorrhoids, injection therapy may be used. The doctor injects a hardening agent into the hemorrhoid which prevents blood from feeding into the swollen vein. Another treatment called rubber band therapy may be recommended if there are external hemorrhoids that extend outside the anus during bowel movements. A small band is placed around the hemorrhoid to stop the circulation of blood to the hemorrhoid. This allows it to shrivel up and die. Infrared coagulation is another common treatment method. In this procedure, radiation is shot to the hemorrhoid. This forces a clot to materialize and causes the hemorrhoid to wither away. A hemorrhoidectomy is the most drastic surgical method used. In this surgery, the hemorrhoid tissue is removed entirely. It is very painful and the recovery can be worse than the hemorrhoids themselves.

Hemorrhoid Relief:

Here are some tips to help with hemorrhoid relief. Keep in mind that this will help with the pain but may not eliminate the hemorrhoids completely.

Using a tub of hot water, sitting in this bath for periods of time throughout the day may relieve Hemorrhoid pain and itching
Take pain medication, such as aspirin or Ibuprofen
To relieve the burning and itching of Hemorrhoids , creams, ointments and suppositories may work
Keep the area as clean as possible, washing with hot soapy water after going to the toilet
Use a stool softener to prevent further enlargement and to help avoid the straining which causes growth of Hemorrhoids.
Drink more water and increase dietary fiber in your diet