| Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the passage for passing stools (anus and rectum). Depending on where they occur Hemorrhoids are classified into three types: |
Internal hemorrhoids: They occur in the veins located inside your Rectum. Although they may not cause pain, they may cause bleeding.
External hemorrhoids: They occur in the veins outside your anus and can cause a lot of discomfort like itching and pain. Sometimes, they can also crack and bleed.
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Prolapsed hemorrhoids: They occur in the veins insideyour anus and on occasions may come out of your anus. A prolapsedhemorrhoid may go back into your Rectum on its own. Otherwise you cangently push it back inside.
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How to identify Hemorrhoids
Knowing whether you have Hemorrhoids is quite simple. You will feel a lump around the opening of your anus. Additionally you may also notice blood in the toilet after a bowel movement or blood on the toilet paper.
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Causes
The following are factors that can cause hemorrhoids: - Straining when having a bowel movement, either due to Constipation or diarrhea.
- Sitting on the toilet for too long.
- Obesity/overweight.
- Lifting very heavy objects.
- Family history or genetics.
- In pregnant women, strain from carrying a baby and from giving birth.
- Standing for too long.
- Any other activity that causes strain to the veins in your anus.
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Seeking medical help
If you notice blood during bowel movement or on the toilet paper, consult your doctor immediately to make sure whether it is Hemorrhoids or some other health condition that is causing the bleeding. Bleeding from the Rectum or anus or bloody stools should never be ignored. It could be a sign of something more serious such as cancer.
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Self-help
Here are a few tips that will help you prevent constipation, which is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids: | |
- Eat a diet rich in fiber, such as green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole-grain breads and cereals.
- Drink plenty of fluids—soup, juices and water (at least 8 glasses of water a day).
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid laxatives—certain types of laxatives can lead to diarrhea, which can worsen Hemorrhoids.
- Do not wait too long to use the bathroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement
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Tips to relieve hemorrhoid pain - Soak regularly in a warm bath.
- Keep the anal area clean after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper. Do not use dry toilet paper.
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses on the anus to relieve swelling.
- Follow your doctor’s advice and use the medications prescribed unfailingly.
- Do not use hemorrhoid medicine without your doctor’s permission. You may end up worsening your condition.
Finally
Although most painful Hemorrhoids may stop hurting on their own in 1–2 weeks it is important to see your doctor if you do not get relief in a few days, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding. If your hemorrhoid is a complicated one, your doctor may even recommend surgery. Fortunately, effective medications and procedures are readily available to treat Hemorrhoids. In many cases Hemorrhoids may require only self-care and lifestyle changes. |