Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, is swollen veins in the anal and rectal region and depending on the location, can cause severe pain while sitting or having a bowel movement. The pain can range from a mild discomfort to extreme pain. There are two different kinds of hemorrhoids. In fact, there are two sets of veins that drain blood from the rectal area system when the internal veins become inflated, internal hemorrhoids develops. This condition normally creates no pain except for discharge of bright red blood when having a bowel movement.
This may become more severe and cause pain. When there is increased swelling, it develops into a serious condition called an entrapped hemorrhoid wherein, hemorrhoid is trapped outside the anus and does not reveal blood circulation any longer. This may lead to infection and further spread which needs immediate medical attention. In this type, external hemorrhoid, the veins run outside the anus and become inflated and swollen. This also causes bleeding and develops into a blood clot called thrombosed hemorrhoid. This needs very immediate surgery for the pain to be relieved.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hemorrhoid include discharge of bright red blood along with the stool, and presence of blood clot sticking out from the anus, while this can be classified into four types depending upon the degree of severity.
Causes
Hemorrhoid can be prevented and cured by making alterations in the food habits such as increasing fiber and water in the diet, using creams to stop itching, drinking at least eight glasses of water or fluids per day taking fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are very rich in fiber and exercising regularly. Since applying pressure on the anal and rectal region during daily bowel movement is the main cause of developing hemorrhoids, it is essential to take foods that soften the bowel movements.
Treatment
If the condition is severe, other kinds of treatment like sclerotherapy in which the hemorrhoid is shrunk by injecting a chemical solution can be employed infrared light can also be sued to zap internal hemorrhoids and stapling is another procedure in which the blood supply to the hemorrhoid is cut off and it eventually falls off. Though this is a less painful procedure than surgical removal, there is a high risk of it relapsing. Rubber band litigation is the process in which two small rubber bands are placed around the base of the hemorrhoid by the doctor. When it is devoid of blood, it eventually falls off. But this procedure needs hospitalization.
Alternative treatments include fiber, which softens the bowel movements, bioflavonoid that reduce the inflammation and witch hazel that reduces the bleeding relieves pain, itching and swelling.
