There Are Many Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be simply defined as swollen and inflamed blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. By the age of fifty, nearly half of all adults will have experienced some degree of discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, and problems seem to peak between the ages of forty-five and sixty five.

Typical hemorrhoids symptoms include itching and pain in the anus. Hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding. Due to rich network of arteries in the anal canal, the bleeding is bright red instead of dark red which is typical for venous blood.

So, what causes hemorrhoids? There are many factors that can be associated with the occurrence of hemorrhoids. The most common causes include long stays on the toilet, straining when passing stool, diarrhea, and constipation.

Obesity and pregnancy are other typical causes of hemorrhoids. Also, it has been suggested that the underlying muscle around the anal canal weakens over time. That is why the risk of having hemorrhoids increases with age.

Another, rarer cause of hemorrhoids is a tumor in the anal or pelvic cavities. If the tumor presses the blood vessels in the anal, the vessels may enlarge resulting hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can be scaled into four levels according to their severity. If you have first degree hemorrhoids they may cause bleeding but don’t come out from the anus. Second degree hemorrhoids do come out from the anus but they will disappear on their own.

Third degree hemorrhoids prolapse and will not retract on their own. Fourth degree hemorrhoids constantly bulge from the anus. These cannot be pushed back inside, and are the most susceptible to complications.

Fourth degree hemorrhoid may become incarcerated. This means that it squeezes the anal sphincter so that the blood flow is prevented. Because of this the tissue affected will die. In very serious cases, where blooding is extremely intense, hemorrhoids can also lead to anemia.

There are many natural home remedies for hemorrhoids. Two simple but very effective remedies to prevent hemorrhoids include having a diet with high amount of fiber and drinking a lot of water. These help keeping the stool soft. Also, try to avoid long stays on the toilet and exercise regularly.

Hemorrhoids that don’t cause extreme symptoms can usually be treated at home. There are suppositories and topical creams that can be helpful in getting relief from the pain, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.

Also, ice packs are brilliant to relieve swelling. Pain killers can be used to relieve any discomfort hemorrhoids are causing. But, if the symptoms worsen, e.g. pain becomes nearly unbearable or bleeding is rather intense, you should consult with your doctor.