Hemorrhoids, hemroids or piles as they are more commonly known to the layperson affect at least 50% of people at some point in their lives. Considering the world has 6 billion people, that is an astounding percentage that warrants our attention!

So, what exactly are piles, why do we get them, and what are the symptoms of hemroids?

Hemroids are engorged blood vessels that manifest as painful inflammation of the rectal area. What gives rise to them?

Several factors increase the risks of piles developing. Just everyday activities can have rather exacerbating consequences. These include:

• standing without a break for long periods of time
• sitting still for prolonged periods
• extreme straining due to constipation and interestingly, its diametrical opposite; diarrhea
• extreme obesity
• pregnancy; especially during the difficult final trimester
• anal sex
• poor diet that is deficient of high fibers
• a sedentary lifestyle that is devoid in exercise
• genetics; a cause that may be purely conjecture.

So, how can we tell that we are suffering from piles; or in other words, what are the symptoms of hemroids?

As with all medical conditions, proper diagnosis is very important for correct treatment. Piles have often been erroneously blamed for other conditions such as skin fissures, fistulae, abscesses and itches.

There are two classifications of hemroids; internal and external.

Bleeding is the most commonly experienced symptom of internal hemroids. Bright red blood can be seen coating expelled stools, coloring the toilet bowl or staining used toilet tissue. Whilst it may appear alarming, hemorrhoidal bleeding does not normally lead to life-threatening major blood loss.

Another symptom of internal hemroids is when they are described as prolapsed. This is when they protrude from the anal opening. It is quite alright to push such prolapsed piles back into the anus with a firm but gentle tuck.

As for external hemorrhoids or piles, the most common symptom is the clotting of blood that results in swollen lumps. In this state, they are classified as thrombosed. This condition calls for more attention as excessive attempts to relieve the intense pain, via physical cleaning, can result in an aggravated state.

Recognising the symptoms of hemroids is the first step to recovery. Normally, piles are very easily treated. They do away without the help of any medication or treatment by a doctor. For the more persistent variety, there are plenty of over the counter remedies at the local drugstore or even on the internet. The key thing to watch out for is when they are thrombosed, whereupon it is imperative that you seek medical attention even if the embarrassment kills you. A doctor can ascertain that you are in fact suffering from piles and not any other medical condition requiring a different form of treatment.

If you are a hemorrhoid sufferer, then understanding the cause of hemorrhoids and its prevention and cure will go a long way in improving your quality of life and providing relief from this condition.

Hemorrhoids are a common and sometimes painful condition that affects a large number of people. Unfortunately, since the area associated with hemorrhoids is so personal, that many people prefer to keep quiet about it and prolong the agony until it becomes too late. Then in numerous cases the most viable option left is hemorrhoid surgery which though not life-threatening is nevertheless a procedure that could have been avoided, by many.

A Definition of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are basically swellings of veins that are in the anus and the rectum.  The generaly occur as a result of excessive pressure in the rectum. This leads to swelling or rupturing of the veins and its typical symptoms are swelling, itching, burning and bleeding. Once hemorrhoids start forming in the person’s body, it can become chronic and may worsen with time. Hemorrhoids can be brought about by ordinary activities and a faulty diet and is a common complaint amongst the majority of the population at some point in their lives.

A major cause of hemorrhoids in an increasing number of people is leading a sedentary life which involves sitting around too much and not getting enough exercise. Unfortunately, most of us are saddled with jobs which require prolonged periods of simply sitting and in the long run this invites health problems in many forms, including hemorrhoids.

One way to get around this problem is to take short breaks and regularly move around and stand up for sometime. Short walks at regular intervals will help keep those hemorrhoids in check. This is not to say that sitting around is the sole cause for hemorrhoids but it is certainly emerging as one of the major reasons behind the development of this condition.
The problem is further compounded by the fact that most of us eat to much of the wrong food and don’t drink enough of the right type of fluids. Inculcating a habit of daily exercise and healthy eating will help the prevention of hemorrhoids.

Gastrointestinal Problems and Their Link to Hemorrhoids

Gastrointestinal problems like the ones listed below are also seen as major causes of hemorrhoids:

• Constipation
• Hard stools
• Excessive use of laxatives
• Diarrhea
• Strained bowel

If you are looking for the main cause for hemorrhoids in the majority of suffers, then the chances are you might well find it on this list.  Constipation in particular is a major problem and when it occurs the veins in the rectum become engorged with blood due to straining in the bowels and the veins thus swell, resulting in hemorrhoids.

In most cases constipation can probably be put down to faulty diet, and consuming a diet rich in fibers and grains, drinking sufficient amount of water and exercising regularly will take care of this problem and can get rid of hemorrhoids and prevent them returning. Hard stools and strained bowel movements are also due to these reasons and thus a healthy diet coupled with exercise will help eliminate these problems and in turn will not cause hemorrhoids.

Another common cause of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, as the pressure on the veins in the rectum increases during this period. But this is usually temporary and heals soon after childbirth.

Sometimes hemorrhoids are caused by severe coughing and strenuous lifting of heavy objects.

Obesity is another factor contributing to the development of hemorrhoids.

As we can see people generally bring about hemorrhoids upon themselves due to faulty diets and sedentary lifestyles. If these underlying causes are taken care of, then they would not give rise to the secondary problems which in turn cause hemorrhoids.