Hemorrhoids are very common among adults. About half of men and women ages 50 years and older develop hemorrhoid or piles symptoms once in their lifetime.
Hemorrhoids and its causes
Hemorrhoids refer to a condition of swollen veins in the rectum or anus caused by increased pressure in the rectal veins. The condition may occur during pregnancy, childbirth, diarrhea, straining due to bowel movements, obesity, prolonged sitting, trauma, and can also be caused due to constipation. The pressure causes the anal veins and tissue to swell. This tissue can even bleed during bowel movements.
Also Read: How Eating Healthy Helps You to Avoid Constipation
Hemorrhoids can be caused by the following:
- Constipation is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids
- Sitting for long periods, especially in the toilet
- Certain diseases such as liver cirrhosis
- Straining during bowel movements
Hemorrhoids may develop inside or outside the body. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectal canal. This involves the veins inside your rectum, and an individual suffering from internal hemorrhoids can’t feel pain on the side of the rectum hence they are painless. The patient may experience bleeding or a feeling of fullness in the rectum exactly like he/she needs to have a bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids that develop outside the anus are known as external hemorrhoids. They cause difficulty while cleaning the area after a bowel movement. They develop under the skin just outside the opening of the anus. The external ones are extremely painful. If they develop a clot, they appear as very tender, purplish bulges, circular in size around the anal opening.
Hemorrhoids symptoms
The most common associated with hemorrhoids is a pain with bowel movements, rectal itching, incomplete bowel movements, a small amount of blood on the stool, or a soft lump felt at the anal opening. Occasionally these may become thrombosed, causing difficulty sitting with increased pain.
Bleeding is reported all the time; it is a sign of hemorrhoids or cracks in the anal mucosa called fissures. However, there are so many causes of rectal bleeding, including cancer, rectal polyps, and inflammation in the intestines.
Large intestine and rectal cancer are more common in elderly patients, but according to studies about 1% of cases occur in individuals under the age of 30.
Diagnosis
Whether it is internal or external hemorrhoids, both require the physical examination of the anus as well as the rectum of a patient. However, external hemorrhoids can be identified by inserting a gloved finger into the rectal canal. On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be determined and seen by a tool called anascope. This examination is not at all painful but may be slightly uncomfortable. Furthermore, a simple test performed in the laboratory can help determine whether the rectum contains blood or not.
Hemorrhoid treatment
A diet enriched with high fiber and fluids is the single most natural remedy for hemorrhoid patients. It is helpful in promoting movement of wastes through the digestive system as well as results in soft stools. It is one of the natural remedies for constipation. Taking a warm bath, three times a day can be beneficial for people suffering from hemorrhoids. A warm bath is useful in promoting healing. In severe cases, a topical treatment may also be prescribed to help reduce inflammation. One can also get a natural grain product as a supplement to dietary fiber. Stool softeners are also recommended for constipation relief. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can irritate your rectal canal. Surgery is required in severe cases.
Prevention
- An individual suffering from hemorrhoids should gradually increase his/her intake of dietary fiber such as fresh fruits, grains, cereals, and vegetables.
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Exercise regularly as it is extremely beneficial for promoting good circulation and functioning of internal organs.
- Avoid delaying the urge to have a bowel movement. Take your time in the toilet; spend at least 15 minutes in the toilet and stay relaxed.
- Avoid using laxatives without consulting with a healthcare specialist. Prolonged use of laxatives may lead to laxative dependence. Some pharmaceutical drugs can cause constipation or worsen your condition. Therefore, it is important to take an expert’s advice, before initiating a medical treatment.
Also Read: 7 Ways to Treat Acid Reflux
If you have constipation then drink plenty of water, it is one the best natural remedies for constipation. Drinking fluid every one hour is a natural way for constipation cure. If your condition is severe and not getting relief from constipation remedies, talk to a healthcare professional for constipation treatment.
