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Hemorrhoids are a big pain in the bum!Seriously though, hemorrhoids are painful, annoying and very embarrassing.... I know from bitter experience. |
What exactly are hemorrhoids?Hemorrhoids (or piles as they are sometimes known) are a condition where veins around the anus become inflamed and swollen.Internal hemorrhoids describe swollen veins inside the anus. For more about internal hemorrhoids, click here. External hemorrhoids describe swollen veins that are just under the skin around the anus. For more about external hemorrhoids, click here. An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus, where it becomes painful and irritated. This is called a protruding hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are not usually dangerous or life threatening....just extremely annoying and painful! How are they caused?Hemorrhoids can be caused in a number of different ways. Straining on the toilet, being pregnant, constipation and unfortunately aging make them all the more likely.Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to hemorrhoids due to the increased volume of blood and the baby squashing veins in the abdomen. Hormonal changes also cause the blood vessels to get larger. The veins are also placed under a huge strain during the birthing process. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem, thank goodness, and usually clear up shortly after the baby is born. |
What are the symptoms?Many people have hemorrhoids, but not everyone has symptoms.The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood on the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet itself. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus. This is because of blood clots forming. Excessive straining and wiping around the anus may cause soreness with bleeding and itching, which leads to a vicious cycle of symptoms. |
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How do I get rid of them?Treatment of hemorrhoids begins with relieving the symptoms. Things you can do to reduce symptoms include
In order to stop hemorrhoids from coming back you will need to relieve the pressure and strain of constipation. Health care workers recommend increasing fiber and fluid in your diet. By eating lots of fiber and drinking between 6 and 8 glasses of fluid (not alcohol) you'll get softer, bulkier stools that are easier to pass. A softer stool not only makes emptying the bowels easier, it lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding. Good sources of fiber are vegetables, fruit and whole grains. In addition, you could try a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). In rare cases, hemorrhoids need to be treated surgically. Methods are used which shrink and destroy the hemorrhoid. The doctor will usually perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit. A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include
Can I avoid them?The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to make sure stools are soft so you can pass them easily. Also, emptying your bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs helps to relieve pressure and straining. Exercise, including walking, and making sure you have increased fiber in your diet help by reducing constipation. |
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