Hemorrhoid Fact Sheet

1. What Is Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoid is a condition where veins in the rectum or anal area are inflamed. Swelling is a common sign of hemorrhoids, especially on the lower rectum area.

2. What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid is caused by too much straining during bowel movement -- especially during bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Pregnant women are also prone to suffer from this condition due to the excess weight they carry, as well as straining their lower rectal area during childbirth.

3. What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?

There are two types of hemorrhoids -- internal and external. External hemorrhoid appears just outside the anal opening and is often attributed to itchiness, burning sensation, pain, and swelling. External hemorrhoid is painful when irritated due to movement.

Internal hemorrhoid appears inside the rectum and is mostly undetected until it becomes irritated. This condition can be painful if irritated and cause spots of blood on stools, toilet paper, undergarments, or even on your toilet bowl. Untreated internal hemorrhoid may be pushed of the rectal opening that is defined as a condition called prolapsed hemorrhoid -- which would also lead to strangulated hemorrhoid.

4. How To Tell If I Have Hemorrhoids?

It is almost impossible to tell if you have hemorrhoids since the signs and symptoms are similar to other medical conditions. It is advisable to seek the help of your medical expert if you feel pain on your lower rectum during movement or blood spots on your stool or underwear. There is a possibility that this might be caused by other, more complicated, problem than hemorrhoid.

5. Is Hemorrhoid A Common Problem?

Hemorrhoid is a common problem in modern societies today. Lifestyle, unhealthy habits, stress, and pollution all contribute to the occurrence of hemorrhoid. Pregnant women are also prone to get hemorrhoid before and after childbirth.

Keep in mind, however, that not all occurrences of hemorrhoids require intensive treatment methods. Some can be remedied with warm water to stop the swelling or applying lubricants and creams to reduce the swelling and to lessen the pain during movement.

6. What Are The Different Hemorrhoid Treatments Available Today?

There are plenty of hemorrhoid treatment options available today to counter the condition. Creams act as both lubricant, as well as an agent to reduce the pain and swelling. First-degree hemorrhoids can be treated using home-based remedies, such as astringents, analgesic, creams, soaking It with warm water and partnering it with cold compress.

However, chronic hemorrhoid occurrence requires more intensive medical attention to get rid of the problem, as well as decreasing the possibility of it from coming back. There are herbal supplements that helps improves the vein and tissue walls as prevention, as well as reducing pain during treatment.

A quick relief to hemorrhoid involves invasive strategies, such as surgery to be rid of hemorrhoid, the condition appearing in your rectum Also this method entails some risk that may compromise your health; such as pain on operation wound, infection, bleeding, swelling, and so on. It is advisable to consult your medical expert to determine if it is safe for you to use or not.

02.07.2009. 15:08