Hemorrhoids - All that you ALWAYS wanted to Know - Didn't Know Where to Find

Hemorrhoids are commonly known by the name of "piles". We often come across many people who are troubled by them and complain of associated swelling and bleeding. Piles are the swollen veins near the anal or rectal region that tend to appear because of excessive strain on the surrounding muscles. The piles can be divided into two categories based on their location:

External Hemorrhoids

The piles that are located near the opening of the anal cavity are called external piles. They are basically more obvious than the internal ones because they can be easily felt by touch at the mouth of the anal cavity. A physical examination for the same will reveal lumpy growth of flesh on the border of the anal opening. They are most commonly brown in color and are more prone to rubbing against external surfaces of undergarments leading to itching, pain, and bleeding. Main reasons behind their occurrence are:

• Digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea
• Spending long time sitting on the toilet seat
• Excess weight gain or obesity
• Hereditary factors
• Pregnancy
• Old Age

Internal Hemorrhoids

This category relates to piles that are located inside the internal rectal region. They are caused by clotting of blood in varicose veins in the inner rectal region. When the lining of the walls of the rectum becomes enlarged, they tend to give rise to emergence of internal piles. They can bleed at times and need to be examined as soon as noticed. Sometimes if left untreated, they can enlarge to the point when the lumps come out of the anus. They are then called internal prolapsed piles. The reasons behind the occurrence of these piles are similar to those of external piles.

If you are worried about how to figure out if you are beginning to develop piles, here is a list of Hemorrhoid symptoms:

• Bleeding during the bowel movements
• Itching and pain at the rectal area
• Feeling of soft or hard lumps outside the anal cavity
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movements

If you are beginning to notice any of the above symptoms, you should seek prompt medical attention. Piles are more common in people around 50 years of age so getting regular rectal examination is must. Though, now even young people may develop them due to unhealthy eating habits. External piles can be easily detected by visual inspection. In order to detect the ones located internally, your physician might insert a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the abnormal tissues. An anoscope may also be utilized for the same in order to detect any sources of bleeding.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

Based upon the intensity of your symptoms, your physician may advise you of suitable treatment. You can choose from herbal treatments, home remedies, lifestyle modifications or surgery to find the right option for yourself. Following is the list of major treatment options available for piles:

• Ligation with rubber band: In this procedure, a small rubber band is placed at the base of the pile. The band cuts the blood supply from the piles making them shrink away and fall off in few days.
• Sclerotherapy injection: In this procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected at the mucus membrane near the base of the pile. It tends to cause closure and inflammation of the vein which in turn shrinks the piles.
• Infrared photocoagulation: In this technique, infrared light is used to clot the dilated veins of the piles. As the blood ceases to flow through the coagulated blood vessels, the piles tend to shrink.
• Coagulation with laser therapy: Electric current is used to treat the problem via this method. An electrode probe is used to generate the current triggered by a chemical reaction that cuts the blood supply to the piles and they tend to shrink away.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the form of Hemorrhoid surgery in which a scalpel, cautery device, or laser is used to surgically remove the piles or the groups from their location.

Some people may not pay required attention to the problem of piles and wait for it to go away on its own. It is important to note that even if it goes away on its own -it may tend to return due to lack of proper treatment. However, there are a few preventative measures to keep them at bay:

• To avoid Hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it is important not to stand for prolonged periods of time to avoid exerting strain on the rectal muscles.
• Do not spend too much time sitting on the toilet seat. Respond when you have urge to defecate, stay relaxed while being seated on the seat and avoid any straining.
• You should learn about exercises for buttocks muscles.
• Keep good hygiene by keeping the anal or rectal areas clean and dry.
• Prefer using a bidet toilet seat and abandon using toilet paper. A bidet seat can help you with the trouble with warm gush of water for cleaning.
• If you are obese or have gained excess weight you need to try and losing weight.
• Increase your daily plain fluid intake.
• Eat nearly 25 g to 30 g of fiber per day. You can use fiber supplements and even take foods that are rich in fiber content.
• Consult your doctor about moderate use of laxatives if you have stubborn constipation. Constipation is the root cause of Hemorrhoids (Hemroids) and getting rid of it first is very important to keep Hemorrhoids away.

For those who have consistent problem might also face trouble with Hemorrhoids Bleeding. Bleeding at times may be the cause behind rectal cancer, anal fissures, intestinal inflammation or polyps. It is important to seek prompt medical advice to diagnose the exact etiology. Seeking right Hemorrhoids Treatment is very important to prevent progression of the problem. If you are worried about warning signs or Symptoms for the Hemorrhoids you should proactively watch for them.

If you suffer from Hemorrhoids, the tips mentioned above will greatly help you with your bowel movements, soothing of the swelling caused by piles and improving your blood circulation. You will find the information for piles prevention very useful to keep it away. You can also consult your gastroenterologist to provide you more information.