Home

Hemorrhoids: Answers to Your Questions

What Are Hemorrhoids?
The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus—internal—or under the skin around the anus—external.

Symptoms
Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

How Common are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?
A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.

Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon, or sigmoid, with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.

What is The Treatment for Hemorrhoids?
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include

Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid—not alcohol—result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose.

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.

A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include

Natural Relief From Hemorrhoids
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, burning, and pain. The magnitude of  discomfort depends on how serious the hemorrhoids are, but regardless of the  severity, it is wise to deal with the problem immediately. While hemorrhoids may  not be life-threatening, living with hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and  downright painful. Hemorrhoids typically don’t go away on their own, so it’s best to find a cure right away and get the relief you need.  Venapro offers an all-natural solution.

Hemorrhoids are caused by extreme pressure forced upon the anus or the  rectum. Heavy lifting, constipation, and remaining seated for long stretches of  time can all put duress on the rectum area and cause veins to bulge. Bulging  veins in that part of the body is what hemorrhoids are. Going to the bathroom and sitting, two things we all do each day, further inflame hemorrhoids, causing  the pain to worsen.

In a worst-case scenario, hemorrhoids actually burst, resulting in bleeding,  severe pain, and possibly even a blood clot. When this occurs, the hemorrhoid  has become a thrombosed hemorrhoid. In most cases, however, people know they  have hemorrhoids before this happens. By taking a hemorrhoid treatment right  away, you can stop your hemorrhoids before they burst!

If you suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms, or even if you notice blood in the  toilet after going to the bathroom (which may be a sign of internal  hemorrhoids), do not delay in treatment. Venapro offers a risk-free trial of the best hemorrhoid medication on the market.

How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids?
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.

Cautionary Notes & Disclaimers:
The herbal uses, strategies and properties detailed on this website and its associated materials are offered for reference purposes, and should not be used in place of medical advice. While certain herbs have long been purported for their use in ease of various symptoms, they should be used only under the supervision of a medical or alternative health practitioner. We cannot be held responsible for the actions taken by any reader of this website or its associated materials.

Information provided herein is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness, or injury and is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical doctor, or other alternative medical practitioner when suffering from any disease, illness, or injury, or before attempting a traditional or folk remedy. Keep all products away from children and pets. As with any natural product, they can be toxic if misused.