Hemorrhoids are a common and painful
condition that affects a large segment of the population. Approximately
half of the general population experiences hemorrhoids before reaching
the age of 50, and the condition becomes even more common with age.
Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose
veins that occur in the rectum and anus area. They form as a result
of excessive pressure in the rectum, which leads to swelling or
rupturing of veins in the rectum. The result is a painful condition
characterized by swelling, burning, itching, and bleeding.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Once a person starts having problems with hemorrhoids, the problem
usually becomes chronic, and worsens over time. Hemorrhoids are
frequently brought on by a variety of ordinary activities, which
is the reason they are such a common ailment in the general population.
Sitting too much can lead to the development
of hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, many jobs require a great deal of
sitting. People whose jobs or lifestyles are particularly sedentary
have an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids, and should take
care to regularly stand up and move around.
Gastrointestinal issues can also lead
to the development of hemorrhoids. For example, constipation, diarrhea,
hard stools, and straining to move the bowels can result in hemorrhoids.
Consuming a healthy diet that is high in fiber, drinking a sufficient
amount of water, and exercising regularly can help prevent hemorrhoids.
These good diet and exercise habits are likely reduce the occurrence
of constipation, and result in softer stools that can pass without
straining.
Hemorrhoids often develop during pregnancy,
but heal following childbirth. Other factors that may lead to hemorrhoids
are severe coughing episodes and heavy lifting.
Treatment
Hemorrhoids tend to worsen over time, so it is very important to
begin treating them as soon as they develop. The initial goal of
hemorrhoid treatment is simply to reduce and eliminate the uncomfortable
symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. People can experience relief
from hemorrhoid symptoms in a number of ways. It is often helpful
to soak in warm bath water several times each day. Patients can
also temporarily relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids by using
suppositories or creams designed to relieve the symptoms associated
with hemorrhoids.
Once the pain of hemorrhoids is under control, treatment can begin
to focus on curing them. An important part of curing hemorrhoids
involves identifying the underlying causes of the condition. Until
the factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids are
corrected, the condition will most likely continue to reoccur.
For people whose hemorrhoids are constipation
related, it is vital to implement dietary changes that will reduce
constipation. In addition to increasing fiber and water consumption,
it may also be beneficial for such individuals to take stool softeners
and/or fiber supplements.
There are medical treatments that
can shrink, and in some cases eliminate, hemorrhoids. Such treatments
must be performed by a doctor in a medical office or hospital. Depending
on the severity of a patient's hemorrhoids, a physician may treat
them with surgical, non-surgical, or laser procedures.
Additionally, any time you have anal bleeding, you should seek
immediate medical attention. While anal bleeding may be associated
with hemorrhoids, it may also indicate a more serious digestive
illness or even cancer.- Mary White
Andres