Distended veins, also called hemmoroids are found in the anal channel. While it is excruciating, it is not life endangering. It is estimated that 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids. There are two kinds of hemorrhoids, internal and external.

When swelling of the veins inside the canal cause internal hemorrhoids. If the swelling happens near the anal opening, external hemorrhoids form. It is possible to suffer from both at the same time. Treatments and symptoms will vary depending on which one you have.

The cause of pressure on the veins in the rectal or pelvic area can lead to hemorrhoids.

Bowel movements are controlled by tissue filling up with blood inside the anus. If straining is necessary to you to have a bowel movement, the stress can cause the veins to distend and stretch causing hemorrhoids.

Stress can also be caused by constipation and diarrhea.

Those who are pregnant will more than likely suffer from hemorrhoids at some point. The weight of the fetus in the pelvic region increases the stress on the veins. Also the stress on the veins during labor is known to create hemorrhoids or can make them worse.

Being overweight can lead to hemorrhoids as well.

Itching or pain when you clean that area or having blood in your stool is an indication of hemorrhoids.

If you have internal hemorrhoids, blood may appear on your stools or toilet paper.

Internal hemorrhoids are generally little, distended veins in the wall of the channel. The veins may also protrude from the rectal region and are quite large. When compressed by the rectal muscles they are excruciating if they protrude. It is also excruciating if they are cut off from the blood supply.

The external hemorrhoid tends to bleed. A hard lump develops as a result of pooling blood and is excruciating.

Letting your doctor perform a physical can normally tell you if you have hemorrhoids or not.

If you are younger than 50, your doctor may not want to run further tests if it is determined that the bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Your doctor will wear a glove and use a finger to give you a rectal examination. It is also possible that a sigmoidscope may be inserted to look in the channel.

However, since rectal bleeding is a sign of colon, rectal and anal cancer, if the doctor cannot confirm the source of the bleeding, a sigmoidscope may be used. It is possible that a colonoscopy may be performed to rule out other possible causes of the bleeding.

Home remedies can be used for the majority of external hemorrhoids. Adding fiber, drinking water and over the counter medicine can help control many of the problems.

Internal hemorrhoids can be treated with the same methods.

Tying off hemorrhoids using rubber band or scar tissue might be done by the doctor to decrease their size or make them disappear by denying them blood. If this does not work, or if they are bad enough, another cure might be necessary.

If these treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary.

To prevent hemorrhoids or keep them from worsening eat foods high in fiber like fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly to for prevention efforts also.

The one thing that folks dont chat about is also something that a lot of folks suffer from. There is no need to be embarrassed of hemmoroids. You can find out how to deal with it here http://www.myhemmoroidsstory.com