Hemorrhoids

Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. For example, during bowel movements, the tissue inside the anus fills with blood in order to control the movements. If there is strain in the movement of the school, the pressure could cause some swelling, stretching and damage on the tissue. This is one of the instances that cause hemorrhoids. Note: This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, consult a physician.

The basic signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

• Bleeding during bowel movement- Bright red blood appears on your toilet tissue or bowl. This can either be slightly uncomfortable, or absolutely painless.
• Pain or discomfort
• Itching in the anal region
• Anal swelling
• Painful lumps in the anal area
• Fecal leakage

The symptoms of hemorrhoids will also depend on its location. There are two types of hemorrhoids based on location, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum. These hemorrhoids do not cause any discomfort, nor can it be felt or seen. The usual signs of internal hemorrhoids are bleeding. When there is strain or irritation, passing stool can injure the delicate surface inside and cause it to bleed. It is also possible that too much strain may cause an internal hemorrhoid to push through the anal opening. This is called as a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid. When it reaches this stage, it will cause pain and irritation.

External Hemorrhoids

Irritation for external hemorrhoids usually occurs on the skin around the anus. Irritations will cause the external hemorrhoids to itch or bleed. In some instances, blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid, called a thrombus, or a hemorrhoid clot. This will result in severe pain, swelling and inflammation.

When to see a doctor?

While bleeding is one of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids, you should not discount the fact that rectal bleeding is also one of the symptoms for other more serious diseases. These diseases include colorectal and anal cancer. It is not safe to automatically assume that the reason for your bleeding is hemorrhoids if it is not identified as such by your doctor. Another reason for seeking medical advice is if your hemorrhoids cause you pain or bleed frequently. Hemorrhoids can be treated at home, but when they get in the way of your regular activities and no longer respond to home treatments, it is time to see a doctor.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids may easily be confused with those of other conditions such as fissures, fistulae, abscesses and pruritus ani (anal irritation and itching). Perianal hematoma are sometimes misdiagnosed and mislabeled as hemorrhoids, when in fact they have different causes and treatments.

A physician will typically examine the anus and rectum for enlarged blood vessels and conduct a palpatory exam with a lubricated gloved finger to feel for abnormalities. If more information is required, one of many types of lighted tubes may be inserted to closely view rectal walls. This procedure may include an anoscope, proctoscope, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, depending on the exam requirements.

If any of the hemorrhoid symptoms began with some changes in your bowel habits, or if, aside from bright red stains, there is a mix of black, maroon or blood clots mixed with the stool, then immediately consult with your doctor. These are signs that you have extensive bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Large amount of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, or faintness also require immediate medical care.

How to Prevent Hemorroids

A few simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the odds of hemorrhoids occurring or recurring. For softer, more easily passed stools and consequent reduction in straining during bowel movements:

• Increase water intake – make sure you’re drinking between 6-8 eight oz. glasses of water per day. (note: alcohol, caffeine and sugar take large quantities of water to process or are diuretic, causing the expulsion of water from the body. Beverages with these ingredients are NOT substitutes for water).
  
• Add fiber to diet – fruits, vegetables and whole grains are natural sources of dietary fiber
  
• Stool softeners – these can be purchased over-the-counter but beware, increased straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or diarrhea may lead to hemorrhoids.
  

Because hemorrhoids result from strain in the lower abdomen, rectum and anus, the best way to encourage healing is to recognize and correct contributing behaviors and circumstances. Below is a list of factors which can cause or exacerbate hemorrhoidal tissues, as well as suggestions on how to avoid them.

• Empty bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
  
• Exercise – healthy bodies produce healthy stools.
  
• Avoid reading or other relaxing pastimes while on the toilet.
  
• To break up long periods of sitting, shift in your chair frequently or stand up to walk around from time to time.
  
• Excessive rubbing/scratching can exacerbate minor symptoms and induce hemorrhoids. After bowel movement, gently clean the anal area with warm water.
  
• Treat constipation, diarrhea and coughing quickly before they put a strain on your fragile rectal tissues.
  
• Take care while lifting heavy objects – always exhale on exertion, never hold your breath. Ask for help if the object is too heavy. Another thing is to always bend with your knees, not with your back – heavy lifting is responsible for back problems, too. It’s easier to treat a case of hemorrhoids than a damaged back.
  

Pregnancy can also hemorrhoids; though they tend to be temporary. Heredity is also considered a contributing factor of hemorrhoids. Knowing you’re at risk, you should take heed of the precautions and keep yourself healthy.

The important thing to remember is that hemorrhoids are a common, treatable condition and sufferers shouldn’t be embarrassed or otherwise reluctant to seek help.

Hemorrhoids Treatments

Hemorrhoids treatments range from simple, in-home measures to surgery, depending on the severity of the case and its responsiveness to treatment. Hemorrhoids may clear up on their own or as a result of a few simple lifestyle changes, but they can also quickly become worse and require medical attention.

Home remedies include:

• Soaking in a warm tub of clear water for ten minutes, several times per day;
  
• Forces of Nature’s Hemorrhoids No More proven effective for reducing swelling and Roid Relief for stopping the pain and itch. Both are certified 100% organic, all-natural treatments available over the counter and recommended by doctors. On top of that, both are backed by a full one-year money-back, unconditional guarantee.
  
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen;
  
• Topical hemorrhoidal ointments, creams or suppositories.
  

Surgical treatments during office or hospital visits may include:

• Internal hemorrhoid ligation – a tight band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid, cutting of circulation to and killing the tissue in approximately seven days.
  
• Sclerotherapy – a chemical solution injected into the vessels reduces swelling. A similar treatment is used for varicose veins in the legs.
  
• Infrared coagulation – hemorrhoidal tissues are burned away.
  
• Hemorrhoidectomy – traditional or laser surgical removal is necessary when other measures have failed or recurring clots and bleeding become an issue.
  
• Cryotherapy – freezing with liquid nitrogen is rarely used anymore due to resultant pain as opposed to other methods of treatment.
  

Obviously, none of these methods sound particularly appealing, so it makes sense to do what you can to prevent hemorrhoids and to begin immediately treatment at the first signs of discomfort.