Hemorrhoids: Definition and Treatments
When the blood veins which are located in lower rectum, or within the anus become swollen and engorged and start itching and causing pain, the diagnoses is often hemorrhoids. This condition of swollen painful veins can be either internal, or external, causing the vein to protrude from the anus. On occasion, both types will occur at the same time for some unlucky sufferers.
Excessive pressure on these delicate anal and rectal veins often results in the formation of hemorrhoid tissue. Straining during bowel movements due to constipation is a common factor in hemorrhoids, but frequent diarrhea can also cause them to appear. A diet sorely lacking in fiber or an insufficient intake of fluids can significantly raise your risk of suffering from hemorrhoids, as can a lack of exercise. An increase in blood volume while pregnant, and the strain of delivering a baby can make hemorrhoids a frequent problem for women of childbearing age. Individuals working at jobs that keep them seated are also more at risk. People who are appreciably overweight also run a greater than average risk of developing hemorrhoids. They are, unfortunately, a very common ailment.
Hemorrhoids are often accompanied by itchiness, pain, burning or irregular lumps of flesh around the anal area. The presence of fresh, brightly colored blood that occurs with bowel movements is also indicative of hemorrhoids. A routine physical examination given by a physician is often all that is needed to diagnose a case of hemorrhoids.
Being diagnosed with hemorrhoids is not the end of the world, as they seldom pose a serious health problem. However, on occasions that are thankfully rare, hemorrhoids can become severe and cause extreme pain or substantial bleeding. It must be noted that any bleeding from the rectum needs to be discussed with of a physician as there are more serious diseases, such as colon or rectal cancer, for which rectal bleeding is often a symptom.
In order to prevent a return of the hemorrhoids, a change of lifestyle may be in order. A diet that is high in fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables (or a fiber supplement if necessary) could help keep the digestive system healthy and prevent the reoccurrence of constipation. In addition, the importance of an adequate intake of fluid (a minimum of 8 glasses daily) cannot be stressed enough. Exercise also helps to keep the body healthy and the digestive tract regular.
While hemorrhoids are seldom a significant health concern, they can be painful and uncomfortable, so if possible, prevention is always preferable to treatment. However, if hemorrhoids are already part of your life, there are simple ways to treat them, and simple ways to reduce the risk of having them return.
As with any medical condition, be sure to visit a doctor before you begin any hemroid treatment option. For more information about coping with hemroids, visit Hemroid Treatment
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