Hemorrhoids: Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids become swollen for some reason. They are either internal, which do not cause any pain, but may bleed, or external, which cause severe pain.

Hemorrhoids usually occur due to increased pressure, as a result of carrying heavy objects, pregnancy and childbirth, or weight gain, etc. 

For middle age individuals, hemorrhoids often become a persistent complaint. By the age of 50, about 50% of people will experience one or more of the classic symptoms which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly hemorrhoids prolapse through the anal canal.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids, which occur in the lower rectum, and external hemorrhoids, which are swelling under the skin around the anus. External hemorrhoids are the most uncomfortable type because the skin over it becomes inflamed and itchy. If a blood clot forms inside the external hemorrhoid, the pain may be sudden and severe. You may see or feel a lump around the anus. The clot usually dissolves, leaving excess skin (a skin tag), which may itch or become infected.

Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, even when they bleed. You may, for example, see bright red blood when you defecate. Internal hemorrhoids may develop or extend beyond the anus, causing many potential problems. When a hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus, it collects small amounts of mucus and fine stool particles that may cause anal itching. Consequently, constant wiping to try to relieve the itch can exacerbate the problem.

 

Hemorrhoids are associated with chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet, all of which interfere with blood flow to and from the anal area, causing the vessels to collect and widen. This also explains why hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, when the enlarged uterus puts extra pressure on the veins.

Recent studies show that most patients with hemorrhoids suffer from narrowing at the top of the anal canal. That is, the smooth muscles of the anal canal tend to be tighter than average (even when not tense). Constipation adds to these problems, because straining during a bowel movement increases pressure on the anal canal, and the connective tissues that support and hold hemorrhoids in place can weaken with age, causing hemorrhoids to bulge and prolapse.

 

Some simple dietary and personal habits can prevent or reduce your risk of hemorrhoids, such as:

-Adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet. In addition to adequate fluids, fiber softens stools and makes them easier to pass, which reduces pressure on hemorrhoids. High-fiber food include broccoli, beans, wheat, oats, whole foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

-Some exercises, such as brisk walking for 20-30 minutes a day, can help improve bowel function.

- Going to the bathroom right away, whenever there is an urge to defecate.

 

Some hemorrhoids cannot be treated with home remedies alone, either because symptoms persist, or internal hemorrhoids prolapse. The hemorrhoid can be surgically removed or the clot can be removed from the vein in a small medical procedure performed by the surgeon, and although it will remain a possible solution, it causes severe pain and takes a period to heal.

At Hemocure, hemorrhoids are treated with the latest technology in the world, which results in much less pain and a very short recovery period.