Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in the rectum or anus. The swelling is caused by the strain during bowel movement. Pregnancy, chronic constipation, and diarrhea are other factors that can cause increase pressure in the rectum. There are two types of hemorrhoids which are internal and external.

External Hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids feels like a small lump and is very sensitive to the touch. Just like the name, the hemorrhoids are located outside of the rectum where it can usually be itchy and irratating and is more painful than internal hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids:

Compared to external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids usually don’t hurt at all. Just as external hemorrhoids are found on the outside of the rectum, internal are found in the inside of the anus and on occasions may bleed. Blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after bowel movement are common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Blood on the toilet paper or blood in the toilet after bowel movement is the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids. The main symptoms of external hemorrhoids can be detected by irritation and painful swelling around the rectum. Around the anus area you may also find sensitive lumps. A symptom of internal hemorrhoids is an odd itch inside your anus.

Hemorrhoid Prevention:

The best prevention for hemorrhoids is having the right diet. To ease the strain during bowel movement is to soften the stool by drinking lots of water. Consuming lots of processed food is also unhealthy. In order to prevent hemorrhoids, add some fiber to your diet. Foods like bran, fruits and vegetables will also increase your chances to prevent hemorrhoids.

Certain toilet habits can cause hemorrhoids such as reading while your on the toilet because sitting on the porcelain bowl for long periods of time can cause straining. Try to get the “job” done without reading.

Exercising and moving around is also a good hemorrhoid prevention. If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, make sure you try to get up and walk around for five minutes per every hour. This advice will help you immensely.

Hemorrhoid Treatment:

There are two types of treatment, natural home treatment and surgery. The best treatment for you is based on the nature of your hemorrhoid. Both treatments are effective.

The natural home hemorrhoid treatments would be used to reduce swelling and to ease some of the pain.

Sitting in a tub of warm water called a sitz bath for ten minutes a few times a day is a great hemorrhoid treatment to treat both swelling and pain.

Using ice packs is another way to reduce hemorrhoid swelling and will also numb the area for pain.

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that when used in creams and applying it around the effected area can help with irritation.

When the hemorrhoid is too painful, if the hemorrhoid persist, or in extreme cases, surgery is performed.

The blood flow around the hemorrhoid is cut off by a rubber band that is placed around the base of it. This is a common form of an uncomplicated hemorrhoid treatment is called the ruber band ligation.

A surgery that is used for smaller hemorrhoids is called Infrared Coagulations which can be used on external and internal hemorrhoids. Infrared light is used in this procedure to burn off the hemorrhoids.

An injection therapy called Sclerotherapy is a type of surgery used to cure small internal hemorrhoids. By injecting a hardening agent that causes loss of circulation will send the hemorrhoid shriveling.

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