Monday, July 20, 2009

What Are Hemorrhoids?

By Heather-Jane Hunter

Hemorrhoids are painful swollen tissues located inside or outside the anal area. There are two different types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids result from swollen veins inside the canal of the anus, while external hemorrhoids are swollen veins outside the anus. External hemorrhoids are the most common and infect the area surrounding the anal opening and are skin-covered veins. When infected these blue-colored veins become inflamed and turn a reddish hue. Many people have both external and internal hemorrhoids at the same time. However, rest assured, aside from the extreme pain and discomfort, hemorrhoids are not necessarily serious as long as treatment is sought.

Hemorrhoids are relatively common with over 11 million people in the United States suffering from the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Worldwide there are approximately 240 million suffering from hemorrhoids. Overall, approximately 90% of the population will experience either internal or external hemorrhoids at some point in their life.

Only after they start causing pain and discomfort people tend to want to know what are hemorrhoids. But by this time it's too late. They only become a problem when there swollen or inflamed. They can last for years and will get worst over time if not dealt with right a way. Hemorrhoids will affect at least 90% off people once in there lifetime, so the chances of you becoming affected are likely. Knowing what to do to treat and prevent them from becoming swollen or inflamed will determine just how bad they will affect you.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Anyone with hemorrhoids needs to know what the symptoms are so they can best treat their affliction. Bleeding during bowel movements is a common symptom for both internal and external hemorrhoids. If they are internal, then there will be blood in the stool or in the water. If they are external, then it is likely that there will be blood in the stool and on the toilet paper after wiping. This is usually accompanied by itching, another common symptom of hemorrhoids. Rectal pain is also a symptom (especially after using the bathroom).

The most widespread form of hemorrhoids is external ones. They occur in the opening of the anus and are skin-covered veins that become red in color after being inflamed. One should be careful with these; they are very sensitive to the touch and can start to itch and burn as they become more intense.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Still to this day there is no one exact reason why hemorrhoids become a problem in so many lives today. Some tend to think it's because a lack of fiber in ones diet. By adding fiber to ones diet you can soften your stool and wont strain yourself when using the bathroom. Others believe it's caused by straining yourself when using the bathroom. Some even believe sitting for long periods of time will cause hemorrhoids to flare up. There really isn't just one known reason why they become inflamed and irritated.

The only truly known thing about hemorrhoids is that there extremely painful and aggravating to have! So by learning what are hemorrhoids and the affective treatments for them will certainly make a huge difference when treating your little problem back there!

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