Hemorrhoids or piles are medically defined as enlarged or varicose veins in the wall of the anus which are internal hemorrhoids, usually a result of prolonged constipation or, sometimes, even diarrhea. They most commonly occur at 3 main points equidistant around the circumference of the anus. Uncomplicated hemorrhoids are seldom painful; pain is usually caused by an anal fissure which is a break in the skin lining the anal canal. The main symptom is bleeding, and in first-degree hemorrhoids, which do not appear at the anus, bleeding at the end of defecation is the only symptom. Second-degree hemorrhoids protrude beyond the anus as an uncomfortable swelling but return spontaneously; third-degree hemorrhoids remain outside the anus and need to be returned by pressure.
First- and second-degree hemorrhoids may respond to bowel regulation using a high fiber diet and fecal softening products. If bleeding persists, an irritant fluid may be injected around the swollen veins to make them shrivel up. Under general anesthesia forceful dilation of the anus is also effective.
Third-degree hemorrhoids often require surgery (a hemorrhoidectomy), especially if they become strangulated and start producing severe pain and further enlargement.
External hemorrhoids are either a prolapsed (apart from its normal position) internal hemorrhoids or, more often, the residual skin tags remaining after the external hemorrhoids have healed. If a person has an external hemorrhoid, they may find it difficult to cleanse the area, and if the hemorrhoid is injured during the cleaning process, blood may appear.
When a person is suffering from hemorrhoids, they may experience sudden itchiness in the anal area, bloody stools, and some pain. Itchiness often occurs because some hemorrhoids protrude (external) from the anal canal and this protrusion may irritate surrounding tissues. The protrusion may become irritated as well.
There are some risk factors that may predispose a person to developing hemorrhoids. The first risk factor is irregular bowel movement. For example, if you eat something that makes your stomach unstable, the repeated visits to the bathroom may cause your anal/rectal tissue to swell. If you are constipated because of a poor diet, the excessive straining can also cause hemorrhoids because you have to strain and push to help remove your feces.
It is also possible for a woman to suddenly develop hemorrhoids after the third month of pregnancy. The increased risk for internal and external hemorrhoids is due to the fact that as a fetus grows in size, its immediate environment (the amniotic sac) also expands. This increases the pressure in the pelvic region. If pressure increases in the pelvic region or rectal region, hemorrhoids can suddenly manifest, even if a person has never experienced hemorrhoids before.
If a woman develops hemorrhoids while she is pregnant, and she undergoes normal delivery after nine months, the straining needed to eject the child through the birth canal may also worsen the condition.
Visit your doctor if you suspect that you have hemorrhoids. The presence of blood and mucus on your stool are enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. Don't delay; the earlier your doctor can take a look at your condition, the faster the relief.
There are many possible treatments for hemorrhoids. If your hemorrhoids are not severe at all, your doctor may prescribe a drug that helps repair and strengthen blood vessels. If you have numerous hemorrhoids that are affecting your quality of life, you can ask your doctor about removing the hemorrhoids through minor surgery.
Preventing hemorrhoids is still the best route, so if you had hemorrhoids in the past, and they resolved on their own, you can prevent them from coming back. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
1. Evaluate your diet and see if you are getting enough fiber every day. Eating whole foods, such as quinoa, garfava, teff, buckwheat and sorghum flours, beans, corn and brown rice, can help increase your overall fiber intake. Eating green vegetables also helps. The daily recommended intake of fiber for adults is 25 to 35 gms.
2. Monitor your daily activities. Are you getting enough exercise? If you are sitting around most of the time, you may be putting yourself at risk for more hemorrhoids in the future. Engage in at least 1-翻 hours of vigorous physical activity every week to keep your circulatory system healthy.
3. If you are overweight or obese, try losing weight. Research has shown that overweight individuals are more likely to develop hemorrhoids than people who have normal weight.
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