A hemorrhoid is an enlarged or twisted vein located in the wall of the lower rectum and/or the anus. Hemorrhoids may occur for a number of reasons, the most common of these are the extra pressure placed on the anorectal area by frequent constipation or by pregnancy; old age, obesity and the common use of enemas or suppositories can also cause problems. Hemorrhoids (or ‘piles’ as they are sometimes called) may be so insignificant that you will hardly notice that there is a problem or they may be so severe that the pain is excruciating and, in the more extreme cases, you may experience bleeding. Read about a piles treatment here.

Hemorrhoids are often described as external or internal, but you can actually have both of these, but one is protruding and the other inside your body. Read about bleeding piles here.

Hemorrhoids that are severe enough to require medical treatment are least common in men and women in their 20s or younger. It is estimated that following the age of 30, however, three-quarters of all Americans will have hemorrhoids that need medical treatment; most of those cases will be for men and pregnant women.

Symptoms

Minor hemorrhoids (internal or external) will probably not lead to any pain and should go away without treatment of any kind.

A more severe occurence may result in bleeding and you may notice blood on your clothes or in toilet following a bowel movement.

If an internal hemorrhoid becomes large enough it will protrude through the anal opening. Often it can be pushed back inside if it does not go back inside naturally. These protruding internal hemorrhoids quickly become irritated and painful if they are allowed to remain outside. If it cannot be pushed back inside, a visit to the doctor quickly becomes a priority.

External hemorrhoids, if they are large, however, can be painful when attempting to clean the anal area after a bowel movement, they are also subject to blood clots. If a blood clot forms a painful lump may develop and the skin around the anal area will become red. This is not a life threatening situation but it does call for medical intervention.

To Reduce the Frequency and Suffering of Hemorrhoids

To stop your piles returning it is vital to follow a healthy lifestyle and food plan. Adding items with a high fiber content to your diet may be enough to avoid constipation, other tactics may involve drinking six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day, losing excess weight and drinking a fiber supplement. Sitting on the toilet while reading a book is noted as being a bad idea because it increases the pressure on the veins that are likely to become irritated and swell.

If you have an external hemorrhoid, perfumed soap or toilet paper may irritate it. Use a pre-moistened towelette or one of the hemorrhoid products on the market to lower the pain and irritation. Try sitting in a tub of warm water to reduce pain or using an ice pack to reduce swelling.

If home remedies cannot help then speak to your doctor. You should not suffer with the pain of piles. Still wondering what are hemorrhoids? Click the link for more info.

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