Based on the location of hemorrhoids they are classified as internal, prolapsed and external hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids are present inside the anus and . . . → Read More: Natural Treatment for Hemorrhoids]]> Hemorrhoids are defined as the swelling and the inflammation of the veins in the anus and the rectum. In simple terms, hemorrhoids can be described as the varicose veins of the anus and the rectum.

Based on the location of hemorrhoids they are classified as internal, prolapsed and external hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids are present inside the anus and hence they are not felt by the hand. They are usually painless. When internal hemorrhoids bulge out of the rectum and can be felt by hand then they are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. These usually bleed and are itchy. The most uncomfortable form of hemorrhoids are the external hemorrhoids. They appear as small bleeds under the skin of the anus.

Hemorrhoids are mainly caused by chronic constipation and years of straining at stools. Hence some lifestyle changes go a long way in the management and prevention of hemorrhoids.

These lifestyle changes are as follows:

Drink plenty of water and eat a high fiber diet to prevent hemorrhoids

Doctors recommend drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water every day. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and at least two servings of fruits daily. This provides the necessary dietary fiber needed to relieve the constipation and soften stools. Once the stools become soft and bowel habits become regular the person does not need to strain at stools. This results in fewer incidences of hemorrhoids.

Regular exercise is important in the management of hemorrhoids

Walking is the best exercise according to health care professionals. Hemorrhoids affect people spending long hours at their desk and are aggravated by prolonged sitting which puts pressure on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum. Hence taking regular walks every couple of hours around the office or the home relieves the pressure on the anorectal veins. Walking also relaxes the bowels and helps in easing the constipation.

Avoid eating spicy food to prevent bleeding hemorrhoids

Many people complain of bleeding hemorrhoids especially after the consumption of hot and spicy food. Hot and spicy food causes irritation of the bowel and may in turn aggravate the existing hemorrhoids.Hence avoiding spicy food reduces the instances of bleeding piles.

Avoid lifting heavy weights

Lifting heavy weights puts a huge strain on the veins of the anus and the rectum. In many people affected by hemorrhoids, lifting heavy weights leads to prolapse of the hemorrhoids, causing the bulging veins to hang out of the body. This is an extremely uncomfortable condition that can be easily avoided.

Homeopathic remedies to treat hemorrhoids

There are some external homeopathic remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Hamamelis Virginia is used in the treatment of bleeding piles. Aesculus Hippocastanum or horse chestnut is particularly in effective in prolapsed piles. These medicines should be taken under proper medical supervision and after consulting your naturopath or homeopath.

Topical creams that are applied externally

Topical creams made of natural ingredients are applied externally in order to relieve the itching and the pain associated with the hemorrhoids.

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Hemorrhoids

one of the most common ailments affecting people especially in their middle age.  They are also a common occurrence during pregnancy. They tend to affect people who lead a sedentary life with a lack of exercise and a . . . → Read More: Causes of Hemorrhoids]]> Hemorrhoids are defined as enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are

Hemorrhoids

one of the most common ailments affecting people especially in their middle age.  They are also a common occurrence during pregnancy. They tend to affect people who lead a sedentary life with a lack of exercise and a low fiber diet.
They are often described as varicose veins of the anus and the rectum. They occur from the chronic straining of blood vessels around the rectum and the anus. This results in the inflammation of the anorectal veins causing them to bulge and/or prolapsed.

People are often embarrassed to discuss about their condition although hemorrhoids is an extremely common ailment.

Who is at risk of developing hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids commonly affect people in their middle age

Hemorrhoids can affect anyone at any stage of their life-whether young or old. But hemorrhoids are extremely common in people in their middle age. Hemorrhoids are usually not a sudden occurrence. It is caused by years of constipation and straining at stools that puts considerable pressure on the blood vessels in the area around the anus and the rectum.

People who lead a sedentary life have a tendency to develop hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids commonly affect people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It is common in clerks, computer operators or people who have desk jobs and their lifestyle does not include much of exercise. Sitting fr long periods results in pressure on the anorectal veins causing them to bulge out of the anus.

Consumption of low fiber diet results in hemorrhoids

Consuming a low fiber diet consequently leads to chronic constipation. People affected by this condition usually suffer from hard stools that put a pressure in the lower rectum. This in turn leads to varicose veins of the anus and the rectum. The more they strain for stools .the worse their condition becomes. Hence it is very necessary for people suffering from hemorrhoids to include fruits and vegetables in their diet as they provide the dietary fiber needed for softening of stools and hence less straining for emptying the bowels.

Hemorrhoids are common in pregnant women

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is increased blood flow in the body in order to supply nutrition for the growth and development of the fetus. The blood vessels in the rectal area and anus become excessively swollen. Pregnant women are more prone to be constipated due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the lower abdomen. The hormones progesterone and estrogen peak during pregnancy.

These hormones cause laxity of muscles thereby affecting the bowel movements and making them more lax. This is one of the reasons of constipation in pregnant women.

Many pregnant women are often prescribed iron and a folate tablet to overcome iron deficiency anaemia.Constipation is a side effect of these iron tablets. Constipation leads to constant straining at stools .As a result of this pregnant woman may complain of hemorrhoids at some stage of their pregnancy.

Serious conditions like tumors in the pelvis

Hemorrhoids can also be a symptom of some serious conditions like tumors of pelvis.

Aggravating factors

Lifting heavy weights, stress and straining at stools exacerbate the hemorrhoids.

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Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the veins to bulge and expand, making them painful, . . . → Read More: What are Hemorrhoids?]]> Hemorrhoids are also known as piles. They are swelling and inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum. They are common in middle and later life, often caused by years of chronic constipation.

Hemorrhoids result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the veins to bulge and expand, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting.

The older you are the more likely you are to suffer from hemorrhoids. This does not mean, however, that young people and children do not get them. Men are more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids than women. A woman is most likely to suffer from hemorrhoids during her pregnancy.

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids may result from chronic constipation and sitting for long periods of time. They are especially common in people who lead a sedentary life with a lack of exercise. They can also occur as a result of heavy lifting.

Types of Hemorrhoids

The hemorrhoids can occur in different parts of the anus and the rectum. Accordingly they are classified into three categories as follows:

Internal Hemorrhoids

These Hemorrhoids are inside the rectum hence they are often not felt .They are painless but they have a tendency to bleed. They usually don’t hurt or itch.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

The more advanced and painful form of internal hemorrhoids is called as prolapsed hemorrhoids. In this case when a person suffering from prolapsed hemorrhoids strains at stools, the bulging anorectal veins push through the anus and hang out of the body. Sometimes prolapsed hemorrhoids have a tendency to l retract back by themselves after emptying of bowels and other times the affected individual is able to push the bulging veins back into the rectum themselves.
In severe cases of prolapsed hemorrhoids the anal sphincter (ring of muscle) can strangulate veins that hang out permanently.

External Hemorrhoids

These are located under the skin around the anus and are generally clearly visible. They can be felt like hard lumps. They appear as small bleeds under the anal skin. They are extremely uncomfortable.

Hemorrhoids are common in pregnant women

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy. During pregnancy, due to increased blood flow in the body; blood vessels in the rectal area and anus become excessively swollen. Pregnant women are more prone to be constipated due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the lower abdomen. Many pregnant women are often prescribed iron and a folate tablet to overcome iron deficiency anaemia.Constipation is a side effect of these iron tablets. Constipation leads to constant straining at stools .As a result of this pregnant woman may complain of hemorrhoids at some stage of their pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are simply another form of varicose vein. They may be small in size or quite large, itchy or for some even painful. Some women experience bleeding from rectum along with burning or stinging pain. Other women with hemorrhoids might also experience mild varicose veins in the leg or calf.

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