What are hemorrhoids? Well, for many people they are a real pain in the backside, that’s for sure.  But to be more precise, Hemorrhoids refer to swellings and inflammation of veins that are located in the rectum and anus.

They are actually mass of tissues infused with blood vessels which if not attended to on time will cause itching, bleeding and in extreme cases severe pain. The bowel movements are hampered and the patient goes through a lot of discomfort.

What Causes Hemorrhoids

Besides knowing what hemorrhoids are, if you want to get rid of them, it is essential to know what causes them. The primary cause is constipation. This anomaly is particularly evident in women, as a fall out of water retention during menstruation. Excessive exertion from bowel movement is therefore a primary cause.

Hypertension is another major reason, which strains the link between the vena cava and the portal vein in the rectal wall. Obesity, prolonged sitting, poor posture and muscle tone that create undue pressure in the rectal area will lead to hemorrhoids. Pregnant women with hypertension are prone to it. Consumption of caffeine and even alcohol can help cause it.

Hemorrhoids Misdiagnoses

Hemorrhoids must not be confused with fistulae or fissures though they exhibit similar symptoms. Hemorrhoids are normally temporary and not fatal. They disappear through proper treatment. The symptoms too are not always apparent. You may notice blood in your stools and sense itching and pain. In such a case of ‘thrombosed hemorrhoids’, the patient will find a stiff lump in the anus.

The Importance of Healthy Diet and Exercise

Vitamin E deficiency and lack of fluid along with excess intake of dairy products are responsible for hemorrhoids. However ‘probiotic’ food like yogurt may prevent inflammation. Since internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and are not painful, the patient may not even be aware of it. However irritation may cause it to bleed.

By exercising, increasing fluid and fiber intake, and correcting posture one can prevent hemorrhoids. Use of laxatives and wearing of tight underwear will aggravate the condition. Women should increase their intake of fluids and dietary fiber just before menstruation. The use of squat toilets also brings relief.

Approach to hemorrhoids varies from person-to-person and even culture-to-culture. To many, hemorrhoids are temporary. Mild and homely treatments are enough. Bidet, warm bath, analgesic are used for relief.
In the case of external hemorrhoids a warm compress can be applied which causes the rectal area to relax. Treating Hemorrhoids, in the early stages, with medicated cream proves beneficial. You might want to avoid steroid preparations, as they may aggravate the condition. The affected area should be kept dry and clean with adequate lubrication. Suppositories will also help.

Natural or herbal remedies should be tried under proper guidance to avoid drug interaction. Use of horse chestnut, witch hazel, aloe vera, Japanese pagoda plant extracts, and honey has proved to be effective. Consumption of plantain, seed husks, chamomile tea is encouraged for soft stool. Surgical treatments for Hemorrhoids include ‘Galvanic electrotherapy, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, cryosurgery etc.

Just knowing the answer to the question, what are hemorrhoids is not enough. A thorough knowledge of its causes is essential if one intends to avoid it.

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.