Hemorrhoids are simply swollen, inflamed veins. They can lie internally, in the rectum, or externally, under the skin around the anus, and are among the most common of ailments.

Some symptoms of hemorrhoids are bloody, usually painless bowel movements, anal irritation, pain and itching, protruding hemorrhoids, fecal leakage, and swelling or a sensitive lump in the anal area.

The veins in the anal region stretch when under pressure, causing swelling and bulging. Straining during the passage of stools, sitting too long on a toilet, pregnancy, diarrhea or constipation that is considered chronic, or anal intercourse - these are all causes of this increased pressure. The tendency towards hemorrhoids can be hereditary. In addition, the tissues that support the veins become weaker with age. This is why hemorrhoids become more common as people age.

There is an abundance of hemorrhoid treatments available that will relieve symptoms, however none can make hemorrhoids vanish. For those with mild hemorrhoid discomfort, there are ointments, creams, pads and suppositories available without a doctor’s prescription. The common ingredients in these products are hydrocortisone or witch hazel, which offer temporary relief of itching and pain. Please note that the use of such products for periods beyond that, which is recommended, can cause skin inflammation, rashes, and thinning.. Taking several warm baths a day, and bathing the anal area with warm water and without soap, which can cause further irritation, is recommended. Apply cold compresses or ice to the anus to reduce swelling. Moist wipes or wet toilet tissue that is free of alcohol and perfume is preferable to dry toilet paper. A sitz bath, available at pharmacies and medical supply stores, can give relief. Finally, using a hair dryer on the area to minimize moisture is also effective.

If over-the-counter products do not give you enough relief, or if hemorrhoids are causing frequent and/or excessive bleeding, or if you are experiencing more than mild pain, you should see a physician. In addition, if you are passing stools that are tarry, or maroon or black in color, or if blood or blood clots can be seen in the stool, you should see a doctor. These symptoms signal further problems in the digestive tract. A noticeable change in one’s bowel movements that occur at the same time as the appearance of hemorrhoids is also a signal that a doctor’s advice should be sought out. In-office procedures may be necessary for relief of more serious hemorrhoid symptoms. Blood clots can form in external hemorrhoids, and can be removed with a small incision by a physician. There are other minimally invasive outpatient procedures for the relief of painful or bloody hemorrhoids. If these minimal procedures are not effective, or if the hemorrhoid is large, surgical procedures, such as a hemorrhoidectomy, which can involve an overnight stay in a hospital, must be considered..

The preferred remedy is prevention. You can try to avoid hemorrhoids altogether by adhering to a high-fiber diet, heavy on fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, and also by drinking as much as eight glasses of non-alcoholic liquids a day. Do not sit or stand for long periods of time, and exercise regularly. Following this advice will lead to softened stools, lessen pressure on the veins, and thus eliminate the most common causes of hemorrhoids.

This author writes on a variety of health related topics and is especially interested in natural and homeopathic remedies for common ailments such as hemroids. The author would like readers to know that many problems facing Americans such as obesity, heart disease and even ordinary problems such as hemorrhoids can be controlled or perhaps even seriously decreased with simple life style changes.