Veronica Hines

Hemorrhoids, popularly referred to as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. When the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become very irritated. Hemorrhoids can be very painful and unpleasant, they are easily preventable and treated. 

Causes of Hemorrhoids and Hemorrhoids relief at home are explained below.

They can occur for the following reasons listed below:

1. Pregnancy: It occurs more commonly in pregnant women because, as the uterus enlarges, it presses on the vein in the colon, making and causing it to bulge.
2. Aging: Hemorrhoids are very common among adults aged 45 to 65 years.
3. Diarrhea: Hemorrhoids can occur after cases of chronic diarrhea.
4. Chronic constipation: Straining to move stool puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels.
5. Sitting for too long: Sitting for long periods of time can cause hemorrhoids, most especially on the toilet.
6. Heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects often can lead to hemorrhoids.
7. Anal intercourse: This can cause new hemorrhoids or worsen former ones.
8. Obesity: Diet-related obesity also causes hemorrhoids.
9. Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop hemorrhoids.

Symptoms

Hemorrhoids relief at home can help with the internal or external and the symptoms of hemorrhoids which include:

*painless bleeding

*itching or irritation in the anal area

*pain, discomfort or soreness in the same area

*lumps and swelling in the anal region

*leaking feces

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are quite deep inside the rectum and not visible from outside. They are naturally painless. Rectal bleeding is the first sign of internal hemorrhoids. Straining most times push internal hemorrhoid so that it protrudes through the anus. It's a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid and can be very painful.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus and are they are visible to the eyes. It's due to the sensitive nerves in this part of the body, they are normally very painful. Straining when defecating may cause them to bleed.

Home treatments

Symptoms can be relieved in the following ways. But they will not totally eliminate the hemorrhoids:

1. Topical creams and ointments: Over the counter (OTC) creams, which contain hydrocortisone, are available to buy online and in the pharmacy. There are also pads available which contain witch hazel that can be applied to the skin.
2. Ice packs and cold compresses: Applying these to the affected area may help with the swelling.
3. A sitz bath using warm water: A sitz bath is placed over the toilet. Some pharmacies sell them, and they may relieve the itching and burning symptoms.

Analgesics: Painkillers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen may reduce discomfort and pain.

Surgical options

Surgery of hemorrhoid involves the complete removal of the hemorrhoids, known as a hemorrhoidectomy. It involves stapling, where a prolapsed hemorrhoid is tacked back into place. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and most people can go back home on the same day as the surgery.

Prevention

The risk of developing hemorrhoids is greatly reduced when stools are kept very soft. This can be helped in the following ways:

Nutrition: Eating plenty of foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Eating whole grains means stools will nearly always be soft. Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the stool soft. OTC fiber supplements also ease and reduce constipation.