What Are Hemorrhoids and How to Prevent Them

What are hemorrhoids?  Well, for many people they are a real pain in the backside, that’s for sure.  But to be more precise, Hemorrhoids refer to swellings and inflammation of veins that are located in the rectum and anus. 

They are actually mass of tissues infused with blood vessels which if not attended to on time will cause itching, bleeding and in extreme cases severe pain. The bowel movements are hampered and the patient goes through a lot of discomfort.

What Causes Hemorrhoids

Besides knowing what hemorrhoids are, if you want to get rid of them, it is essential to know what causes them. The primary cause is constipation. This anomaly is particularly evident in women, as a fall out of water retention during menstruation. Excessive exertion from bowel movement is therefore a primary cause.

Hypertension is another major reason, which strains the link between the vena cava and the portal vein in the rectal wall. Obesity, prolonged sitting, poor posture and muscle tone that create undue pressure in the rectal area will lead to hemorrhoids. Pregnant women with hypertension are prone to it. Consumption of caffeine and even alcohol can help cause it.

Hemorrhoids Misdiagnoses

Hemorrhoids must not be confused with fistulae or fissures though they exhibit similar symptoms. Hemorrhoids are normally temporary and not fatal. They disappear through proper treatment. The symptoms too are not always apparent. You may notice blood in your stools and sense itching and pain. In such a case of ‘thrombosed hemorrhoids’, the patient will find a stiff lump in the anus.

The Importance of Healthy Diet and Exercise

Vitamin E deficiency and lack of fluid along with excess intake of dairy products are responsible for hemorrhoids. However ‘probiotic’ food like yogurt may prevent inflammation. Since internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and are not painful, the patient may not even be aware of it. However irritation may cause it to bleed.

By exercising, increasing fluid and fiber intake, and correcting posture one can prevent hemorrhoids. Use of laxatives and wearing of tight underwear will aggravate the condition. Women should increase their intake of fluids and dietary fiber just before menstruation. The use of squat toilets also brings relief.

Approach to hemorrhoids varies from person-to-person and even culture-to-culture. To many, hemorrhoids are temporary. Mild and homely treatments are enough. Bidet, warm bath, analgesic are used for relief.

In the case of external hemorrhoids a warm compress can be applied which causes the rectal area to relax. Treating Hemorrhoids, in the early stages, with medicated cream proves beneficial. You might want to avoid steroid preparations, as they may aggravate the condition. The affected area should be kept dry and clean with adequate lubrication. Suppositories will also help.

Natural or herbal remedies should be tried under proper guidance to avoid drug interaction. Use of horse chestnut, witch hazel, aloe vera, Japanese pagoda plant extracts, and honey has proved to be effective. Consumption of plantain, seed husks, chamomile tea is encouraged for soft stool. Surgical treatments for Hemorrhoids include ‘Galvanic electrotherapy, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, cryosurgery etc.

Just knowing the answer to the question, what are hemorrhoids is not enough. A thorough knowledge of its causes is essential if one intends to avoid it.