Hemorrhoids - What You Should Know

Hemorrhoids are something that no one wants to talk about, but the fact is millions of people have them. For those who suffer from them, you already know how uncomfortable they can be. The itching and burning is almost unbearable. If you are active, you don't have time to sit around in agony so you have probably come up with a home treatment or an over the counter medicine that will work for you.

Hemorrhoids are veins that enlarge in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are a result of too much pressure on the veins, causing the anal cushions, or tiny tissues that surrounds the inside of the anus, to swell and stretch. There are several factors that can cause hemorrhoids such as rushing to finish a bowel movement, constipation, excessive diarrhea, being overweight or pregnancy. Most hemorrhoids are harmless and have no serious complications. There are two different types of hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids, which form on the inside of the anal canal, and external hemorrhoids which form near the opening.

People with external hemorrhoids may experience such symptoms as itching or burning. In addition, slight bleeding when wiping may be noticed. People with internal hemorrhoids may experience such symptoms as rectal bleeding, even after a normal bowel movement. If necessary, seek the advice of a doctor. He or she can usually diagnose hemorrhoids through a physical examination and after asking a few questions.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids will depend on several factors. Most hemorrhoids can be treated at home. Home treatment for external hemorrhoids would consist of sitting in warm water for about 15 minutes several times during the day, adding more fiber to a diet and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes an over the counter stool softener may be necessary. For internal hemorrhoids, home treatments are about the same. For more severe cases of hemorrhoids, treatments might include tying rubber bands around a protruding hemorrhoid, using a chemical injection or removing them surgically. Both Internal and external hemorrhoids can result in some bleeding after a bowel movement.