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.

Hemorrhoids Treatment at FreeMedic.net

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.

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.

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.

Hemorrhoids Treatment at FreeMedic.net

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.

Hemorrhoids Treatment at FreeMedic.net