About half of the population in the U.S.A. will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in life; for most, this will happen between ages 20 and 50. Although hemorrhoids occur in almost everyone, they become large and cause problems in only 4 percent of the general population.

Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins of the rectum. The hemorrhoidal veins are situated in the lowest area of the rectum and the anus. Sometimes they swell, so that the vein walls become stretched, slim, and irritated b passing bowel movements. When these veins bleed, itch, or hurt, they are known as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can be divided in two categories: internal and external.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids lie far inside the rectum. (Internal hemorrhoids image) They do not usually hurt, because there are few pain sensing nerves in the rectum. Bleeding may be the only sign of their presence. Sometimes internal hemorhoids prolapse...

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are situated within the anus and are usually painful. ... If an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it can look rather frightening (Externel hemorrhoids image) ...

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids Symptoms depend on their location:

- Internal hemorrhoids can't be seen or felt. But straining or irritation from passing stool can harm a hemorrhoid's delicate surface and cause bleeding...

- The external hemorrhoids symptoms are different than the symptoms of internal hemorroids. External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but they usually cause few of the symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.

Typical symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

- light red anal bleeding that may streak the bowel movement (bloody stool) or the toilet paper.
- anal pain or tenderness during bowel movements.
- painful swelling at the anus or anal lump.
- anal itch.
- mucous in stools.

Visit a doctor if:

-you notice occurrence of any anal bleeding for the first time, even if you believe you have hemorrhoids. Colon polyps , colitis , Crohn's disease , and colorectal cancer can also cause anal bleeding...
-you have been diagnosed with hemoroids, and you have anal bleeding that is chronic or more profuse than the streaking described above. ...

Causes of hemorrhoids

Researchers are not certain what exactly causes hemorrhoids... May be inherited... extreme abdominal pressure .. obesity, pregnancy, standing or sitting for long periods, liver disease, straining from constipation or diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and holding one's breath while straining to do physical labor...

Nutrition and Diet hava a pivotal role in causing and preventing-hemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are unlikely to get hemorrhoids, whereas those who prefer a diet high in refined foods can expect them...

Diagnostics of hemorrhoids

The doctor will first visually examine the anal region and by inserting a lubricated gloved finger or an anoscope or a proctoscope. Other procedures may be needed to identify internal hemorrhoids or rule out other ailments that frequently cause blood in stools, such as anal fissure, colitis, Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer... (hemorrhoids dianostics)

 

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids do not usually go away completely once you have them, unless you undergo one of the procedures below. They can get improved, however, so that living with them is tolerable. Both conventional and alternative practitioners consider diet the best way for treating hemorrhoids.

Natural hemorrhoids treatments:

-Acupuncture (can help in relieving hemorrhoid pain.)
-Herbal therapies (hemorrhoids herb)
-Homeopathy
-Massage
-Yoga

Conventional treatments:

-Injection
-Banding
-Coagulation
-Cauterization
-Surgery

You can also use some of the over-the-counter medications for hemorroidal treatment.

Over the counter relief for hemorrhoids

In the U.S. , annually are spent around $200 million on ointments, creams, and suppositories that promise to relieve inflammation and pain of hemorrhoids. The basic ingredient in all these hemorrhoids medicines is a lubricant such as lanolin, cocoa butter, vegetable oil. Anesthetics may provide short-term relief, but only in cream or ointment form: Suppositories usually go too far up into the anal canal to help the hemorrhoids below. Lubrication is the greatest benefit of most over-the-counter hemorrhoid reliefs . Plain petroleum jelly works as well and can be applied with your finger. For pain relief, attempt acetaminophen and sitz baths.

Nutrition and diet for hemorrhoids.

The doctors consider diet the best tool for treating hemorrhoids. Practice high-fiber diet. Supplement your diet with psyllium stool softeners or bulk-forming agent. Avoid laxatives. Drink at least nine glasses of water daily. Excess salt in the diet causes fluid retention, which means swelling in all veins, including hemoroids.

At-Home remedies for hemorrhoids

- Do not sit for hours, but if you must, take breaks regularly: Once every hour, get up and move around for at least five minutes. A doughnut-shaped cushion can make sitting more comfortable and ease hemorrhoid pressure and pain.
- Place petroleum jelly just inside the anus to make bowel movements less painful.
- Apply witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a soothing anti-inflammatory agent, on irritated hemorroids to reduce pain and itching.
- Do not scratch hemorrhoids, as it makes everything worse: The inflamed veins become more irritated, the skin around them becomes damaged, and the itching itself intensifies. Instead, to help stop the itching, apply an over-the-counter 0.5 percent hydro-cortisone cream to the skin (not inside the anus-on the outside only) and a cold pack.
- As a pain reliever, try acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, which foster bleeding.
- Bathe frequently to keep the anal area clean, but be gentle: Excessive scrubbing, especially with soap, can intensify burning and irritation.
- Do not sit on the toilet for more than five minutes at a time, and when wiping, be gentle. If toilet paper is irritating, try dampening it first, or use cotton balls or alcohol-free baby wipes.
- When performing any task that requires exertion, be sure to breathe evenly. It's common to hold your breath during exertion, and if you do, you're straining, and contributing to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.

Prevention of hemorroids

A healthful diet and lifestyle are good insurance for preventing hemorrhoids, whether you already suffer hemorrhoid symptoms or are intent on never experiencing them. Regular exercise is also important, especially if you work a sedentary job. ...

Before you take any further steps you should gather more information about the causes, diagnostic procedure, treatment and prevention of hemorhoids.