Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids or Piles are a swelling of the veins in or near the anus and rectum, they are categorized as internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Typical hemorrhoids symptoms are blood in stool, rectal bleeding, itching, swelling, and pain.

The most common symptom for internal hemorrhoids is blood in the stool or on the toilet paper, external hemorrhoid symptoms comprise of itching, swelling, pain and discomfort around the anus.  When the hemorrhoids form you will see reddening and swollen lumps around the anus, the excessive use of toilet paper or scratching will induce bleeding, it is essential that you keep this area clean.  If you are concerned please consult your doctor.

Internal hemorrhoids symptoms may be more problematic and are not easily to identify in the first stage. The identification on internal hemorrhoids comes about by diagnosing other hemorrhoid symptoms such as gastrointestinal bleeding, anemic and other indicators.

Hemorrhoids are very common and it is estimated that upto half of Americans will suffer from them by the time they are 50yrs old! so the right medication, precaution, and care should be taken to treat it.

Easing the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids whether it be a slight itch or intense pain, they can be treated with creams and remedies that will relieve the individual from pain and afore mentioned discomfort as this can become the most prevalent thing on your mind.  You can buy creams and medicated wipes from the pharmacy to sooth the itching, swelling and relieve pain, using ice packs and having warm baths will also help.  Speak to your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations and other options.

The major causes of hemorrhoids are as follows:

• Constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Straining during bowel movements
• Postponing bowel movements
• Poor bathroom habits; sitting for unusually long periods of time, e.g. reading on the toilet or excessive cleaning attempts.
• Pregnancy
• Fiber-deprived diet can also contribute.
• Insufficient hydration: drinking less water or drinking too much of diuretic liquids such as coffee or colas can cause a hard stool that can lead to hemorrhoid irritation.
• Tumors in the pelvis also cause enlargement of hemorrhoids by pressing on veins draining upwards from the anal canal.
• An excess of lactic acid in the stool: a product of excessive consumption of milk products such as cheese can cause irritation and a reduction of consumption can bring relief.
• Too much pressure on the rectal veins due to poor posture or muscle tone; obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may cause hemorrhoids.

Other factors include:

• Pregnancy
• Lack of erect posture
• Familial tendency
• Chronic diarrhea
• Colon malignancy
• Hepatic disease
• Obesity
• Elevated anal resting pressure
• Spinal cord injury
• Loss of rectal muscle tone
• Rectal surgery
• Episiotomy
• Anal intercourse