Hemorrhoids - Causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment

Hemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in and around the anus and lower rectum. They are much like varicose veins you might see on a person's legs Hemorrhoids are a very common health problem. Hemorrhoids cause serious problems in about 4% (over 10 million) of people in the United States. Prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease increases with age until the seventh decade and then diminishes slightly. Hemorrhoids also increase in pregnancy due to direct pressure on the rectal veins Causes of hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the rectum, forcing blood to stretch and swell the blood vessels. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them. Most common causes of hemorrhoids: straining with bowel movements (from constipation or hard stools) diarrhea constant sitting sitting on the toilet for a long time childbirth pressure of the fetus in pregnant women heavy lifting familial tendency obesity Symptoms Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: rectal bleeding pain around the anus and rectum irritation and itching bulge or lump at the anus Excessive straining, rubbing or cleaning the anus may worsen symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids will only last a few days. Not everyone with hemorrhoids will experience symptoms. Types of hemorrhoids The type of hemorrhoid depends on where it occurs. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external External hemorrhoids develop around the rim of the anus. External hemorrhoids cause most of the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids (pain, burning, and itching) because the skin around them is very sensitive. If an external hemorrhoid becomes strangulated (cut off from blood supply), a clot can form in it and become an excruciatingly painful thrombosed hemorrhoid. Thrombosis of an external hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is very painful and often requires medical attention Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the passageway of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are often present without causing any discomfort or even awareness of their presence. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, although they sometimes cause discomfort and bleeding if a hard stool rubs against them during a bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids also may prolapse outside the anus, where they appear as small, grape-like masses. These can be painful. A prolapsed hemorrhoid will go back inside the rectum on its own, or you can gently press it back into the anus with your fingertips. Internal hemorrhoids are classified by the degree of tissue prolapse into the anal canal : First-degree - hemorrhoids that bleed but do not prolapse Second-degree - hemorrhoids that prolapse with straining or defecating and retract on their own Third-degree - hemorrhoids that prolapse and require manual reduction Fourth-degree - hemorrhoids that chronically prolapse and, if reducible, fall out again Mixed hemorrhoids are confluent internal and external hemorrhoids.< Prevention You often can prevent hemorrhoids by preventing constipation and straining to have bowel movements. Some of the following diet and lifestyle changes may help you to soften the stool, and avoid the straining that can lead to hemorrhoids Include more fiber in your diet - fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals are good sources of fiber. Drink adequate amounts of fluids - 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Exercise regularly Do not strain or sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Straining for more than 5 minutes can be harmful. Try not to stay on the toilet any longer than necessary. Use a soothing wipe, such as baby wipes or witch hazel pads, to clean after each bowel movement and to ease the pain. If your main job activity is seated, always stand or walk during your breaks. Make it a point to stand and walk at least 5 minutes every hour and try to shift frequently in your chair to avoid direct rectal pressure. Avoid heavy lifting, which puts pressure on the anal opening. Treatment A number of surgical methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids Rubber band ligation - A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.