Hemorrhoids: Causes and Treatments

Hemorrhoids are a common and painful condition that affects a large segment of the population. Approximately half of the general population experiences hemorrhoids before reaching the age of 50, and the condition becomes even more common with age.

Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins that occur in the rectum and anus area. They form as a result of excessive pressure in the rectum, which leads to swelling or rupturing of veins in the rectum. The result is a painful condition characterized by swelling, burning, itching, and bleeding.

Causes of Hemorrhoids
Once a person starts having problems with hemorrhoids, the problem usually becomes chronic, and worsens over time. Hemorrhoids are frequently brought on by a variety of ordinary activities, which is the reason they are such a common ailment in the general population.

Sitting too much can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, many jobs require a great deal of sitting. People whose jobs or lifestyles are particularly sedentary have an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids, and should take care to regularly stand up and move around.

Gastrointestinal issues can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids. For example, constipation, diarrhea, hard stools, and straining to move the bowels can result in hemorrhoids. Consuming a healthy diet that is high in fiber, drinking a sufficient amount of water, and exercising regularly can help prevent hemorrhoids. These good diet and exercise habits are likely reduce the occurrence of constipation, and result in softer stools that can pass without straining.

Hemorrhoids often develop during pregnancy, but heal following childbirth. Other factors that may lead to hemorrhoids are severe coughing episodes and heavy lifting.

Treatment
Hemorrhoids tend to worsen over time, so it is very important to begin treating them as soon as they develop. The initial goal of hemorrhoid treatment is simply to reduce and eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. People can experience relief from hemorrhoid symptoms in a number of ways. It is often helpful to soak in warm bath water several times each day. Patients can also temporarily relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids by using suppositories or creams designed to relieve the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.

Once the pain of hemorrhoids is under control, treatment can begin to focus on curing them. An important part of curing hemorrhoids involves identifying the underlying causes of the condition. Until the factors that contribute to the development of hemorrhoids are corrected, the condition will most likely continue to reoccur.

For people whose hemorrhoids are constipation related, it is vital to implement dietary changes that will reduce constipation. In addition to increasing fiber and water consumption, it may also be beneficial for such individuals to take stool softeners and/or fiber supplements.

There are medical treatments that can shrink, and in some cases eliminate, hemorrhoids. Such treatments must be performed by a doctor in a medical office or hospital. Depending on the severity of a patient's hemorrhoids, a physician may treat them with surgical, non-surgical, or laser procedures.

Additionally, any time you have anal bleeding, you should seek immediate medical attention. While anal bleeding may be associated with hemorrhoids, it may also indicate a more serious digestive illness or even cancer.