Hemorrhoids or Piles: Getting to Know Them

What are Hemorrhoids?

The term hemorrhoids or most commonly known as piles, refers to a condition where the veins in the anus or in the lower rectum are bulging and inflamed. These hemorrhoids take place when there is increased pressure in the rectum which forces blood to dilate and swell the walls of the veins and sometimes can lead to a rupture. There are other factors, which also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids such as:

• Pregnancy


• Aging


• Chronic constipation or diarrhea


• Heredity


• Being overweight

Hemorrhoids are classified into two types and they vary based on their location. External hemorrhoids are found outside the anal canal while internal hemorrhoids are located inside. Hemorrhoids are becoming so common in both men and women that they are starting to occur in almost half of the general population.

Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Basically, signs and symptoms of piles vary according to the people and type of the hemorrhoids.

• Internal hemorrhoids. The most common symptom of this type of hemorrhoids is the presence of bright, red blood covering the stool that appears on a toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Moreover, internal hemorrhoids are painless and sometimes can lead to irritation caused by mucus secretion from the dilated rectal skin.


• External hemorrhoids. Its major symptom is the noticeable lump or lumps around the anus. The symptoms of this type of hemorrhoids are different compared with those of internal hemorrhoids. The presence of blue or purple-colored lumps signifies that there is a blood clot formed underneath the skin within the hemorrhoid which is termed as thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Furthermore, this type of hemorrhoids can be extremely painful because of somatic nerves or pain sensors are found on these areas.

Home Treatments

Finding effective hemorrhoids home treatments is critical to reduce the risk of having further complications that this anal disease may bring. Here are common examples of home treatments for you to do at your own convenience at home.

• Sitz bath. A sitz bath tub is filled with warm water and a hemorrhoid patient can sit over the tub for about 15-20 minutes for several times a day. This kind of treatment kills the pain while increasing the flow of blood to the affected area which leads to the shrinking of swollen veins.


• Application of some medications can help in relieving pain and swelling of hemorrhoids. Some examples of most commonly used medications include:


1. Acetaminophen


2. Aspirin


3. Ibuprofen


4. Naproxen

These examples of pain medications listed above are effective since they contain anti-inflammatory properties.

• Have a regular and proper exercise to keep your body weight down as well as to reduce pressure on veins.


• Changing your diet to food that are rich in fiber helps promote normal bowel movements and keeping it consistent as well. In addition, plenty of water intakes are helpful to keep your stool soft and east to pass.


• Avoid rubbing the affected area with a harsh toilet paper since it can create irritation. Instead, have the area washed and cleansed through rinsing it off thoroughly in the shower but refrain from using soap that has perfumes or dyes. Use soaps that are gentle and mild.


• Don't postpone having bowel movements to hinder constipation. Go to the toilet when you feel the urge. Do not wait.