Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. They are either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. They often result from straining to have a bowel movement. Other factors include pregnancy, aging and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people have hemorrhoids by age 50. The most common symptom of hemorrhoids inside the anus is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Symptoms usually go away within a few days.

If you have rectal bleeding you should see a doctor. You need to make sure bleeding is not from a more serious condition such as colorectal or anal cancer. Treatment may include warm baths and a cream or other medicine. If you have large hemorrhoids, you may need surgery and other treatments.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Hemorrhoid on Wikipedia

'''Hemorrhoids''' (also haemorrhoids or piles) are varicosities or swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus.

Types and symptoms of hemorrhoids

Two of the most common types of hemorrhoids are external and internal hemorrhoids. '''External hemorrhoids''' are those that occur outside of the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). They are sometimes painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. Itching, although often thought to be a symptom from external hemorrhoids, is more commonly due to skin irritation. If the vein ruptures and a blood clot develops, the hemorrhoid becomes a '''thrombosed hemorrhoid'''. '''Internal hemorrhoids''' are those that occur inside the rectum. As this area lacks pain sensory receptor, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated and, if large enough, may protrude from the rectum causing discomfort. Untreated internal hemorrhoids can lead to two severe forms of hemorrhoids: prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids. '''Prolapsed hemorrhoids''' are internal hemorrhoids that are so distended that they are pushed outside of the anus. If the anal sphincter muscle goes into spasm and traps a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside of the anal opening, the supply of blood is cut off, and the hemorrhoid becomes a '''strangulated hemorrhoid'''.

Prevalence

Hemorrhoids are very common. It is estimated that approximately one half of all Americans have this condition by the age of 50. However, only a small number seek medical treatment. Annually, only about 500,000 people are medically treated for hemorrhoids, with 10 to 20% of them requiring surgeries.

Causes

The causes of hemorrhoids include genetic predisposition (weak rectal vein walls and/or valves), straining during bowel movements, and too much pressure on the rectal veins due to ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Balsam Pharma Pvt. Ltd. - B-Pil is an Ayurvedic wonder that makes Hemorrhoids surrender.

Botavie - Phytotherapeutic products made exclusively from plans and other natural products. Includes formulas for acne, high blood pressure, hair loss, hemorrhoids, herpes, and varicose veins.

For Hemorrhoids - Small batch cream specifically to treat hemorrhoids. Includes information for prevention, self-care, and recommendations for effective non-prescription treatments.

Herbal Comfort Products - Hem-Tab treats hemorrhoids and piles and their painful symptoms.

Group Golden Bell, Inc. - Rue oil designed for hemorrhoids and vericose veins.

ECU & US International, Inc. - Natural sunflower tea specifically design to relieve hemorrhoids.

Herbal Doctor Remedies - Provides alternative formulas for skin and fungal diseases, hemorrhoids, brown spots and alopecia.

N.C. Health Products, Inc. - Bakson's homeopathic remedies products for allergy, asthma, gastric problems, throat problems, acne, dermatitis, cough, prostate, constipation, hemorrhoids, migraine, arthritis and rheumatism. Includes FAQs and order form.

Hemorrhoid Treatments - Sells an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids. Offers information on internal and external bleeding hemorrhoids with pictures, causes and symptoms, pain relief treatments and cures like surgery and medications.