Hemorrhoid Symptoms

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

hemorrhoids symptoms (hemroids)

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 usually painful, and are often accompanied by pruritus ani or an itching, swelling, and burning sensation. 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 receptors, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated.
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 of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are very common. It is estimated that approximately 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 of hemorrhoids

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 poor posture or muscle tone. Constipation, chronic diarrhea, poor bathroom habits (reading on the toilet or excessive cleaning attempts), pregnancy, postponing bowel movements, and fiber-deprived Western diet can also contribute.
Additional factors that can cause hemorrhoids (mostly by increasing rectal vein pressure), especially for those with a genetic predisposition, are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

prevention

Prevention of hemorrhoids includes drinking more fluids, eating more dietary fiber, exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time. Hemorrhoid sufferers should avoid using laxatives and should strictly limit time straining during bowel movement.

hemorrhoids treatments

Treatments for hemorrhoids vary in their cost, risk, and effectiveness. Different cultures and individuals approach treatment differently. Some of the treatments used are listed here in increasing order of intrusiveness and cost.

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Treating Internal Hemorrhoids

Do You Know Your Treatment Options?

Hemorrhoids – which are also referred to as piles – are swollen blood vessels which are located in or near the rectum. They do not always cause discomfort and are not usually serious, but can be embarrassing for the sufferer. There are two types of hemorrhoid; internal and external. Sometimes, a person may not realize that the internal hemorrhoids are there because they cannot be seen or felt, but they can cause pain if they prolapse and protrude from the anus.


In a majority of cases, hemorrhoids will spontaneously improve and recede without any special treatment. However, if your piles are causing discomfort then these are some of the internal hemorrhoids treatment options you can try.

Hemorrhoids Treatments You Can Try At Home

When it comes to treating hemorrhoids at home, most of the measures involve managing the pain and ensuring that the piles are given optimal opportunity to heal. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and increase your fiber intake (flax seeds are good), as straining can make hemorrhoids worse. You may also want to try using moist toilet paper or a wet wipe to ease your discomfort after you have passed a stool.
If your hemorrhoids are causing discomfort around the anus, there are topical treatments which you can buy in order to relieve the pain. These creams and ointments will just lessen your symptoms, and will not affect the size of the hemorrhoids. In rare cases, the inflammation around the anus can become severe. If this happens, see your doctor for a prescription for corticosteroid (steroid) cream.

Sclerotherapy

If the hemorrhoids do not disappear spontaneously, your doctor may advise medical treatment. One of the most common internal hemorrhoids treatment is sclerotherapy, which works by injecting a chemical solution into the blood vessels in the anus.
Sceleroptherapy will harden the tissue of the hemorrhoid so that it becomes scar tissue. Over a period of 4 to 8 weeks, the hardened tissue will contract and become smaller in size. Eventually the hemorrhoid will disappear. This type of treatment should cause minimal discomfort. You will need to take a day off work but should be able to resume most of your normal activities after 24 hours.

Banding

Banding is a type of hemorrhoid treatment which gives much faster results than scelerotherapy. A tiny band is secured around the base of the hemorrhoids, which will restrict their blood supply. With the blood supply cut off, the piles will shrivel and fall off. These will pass naturally when you go to the toilet, and you are unlikely to notice them.
Banding is usually a straightforward procedure and you should be discharged the same day. Normally, paracetamol is sufficient to control the pain or discomfort. A little blood or mucus is normal for a few days following the procedure, but you should go to the emergency room if you notice heavy bleeding.
Surgery

As a last resort, internal hemorrhoids may need to be removed by a surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy. This is done under general anesthetic and is considered major surgery, so you will need to take at least one week off work.
If you are concerned about internal hemorrhoids, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

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Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hemorrhoid Surgery - Do You Need it?

Because of the severity of hemorrhoids, or the lack of a suitable treatment from creams, prescriptions, or other remedies for curing hemorrhoids, surgery may be the only course of action for some people. Most will try different solutions to get rid of the hemorrhoids. Because of the expense and risks associated with any type of surgery, people in general will opt for hemorrhoid surgery as a last resort.
There are different types of surgery to treat hemorrhoids all with their pros and cons. Here is a list of the 5 most common surgeries/treatments performed by a physician. Three are used for external hemorrhoids and two for internal hemorrhoids.

1. Hemorrhoidectomy
2. Laser coagulation
3. Infra-red photo coagulation
4. Injection Sclerotherpy
5. Rubber Band Ligation

Lets take a look at the five procedures in a little more detail:
 

Hemorrhoidectomy

Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is recommended for third and fourth degree internal hemorrhoids when other treatments are unable to alleviate severe burning, itching, swelling, protrusion and overall pain. A general anaesthesia for pain is administered prior to surgery.
Incisions are made in the tissue around the hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside the hemorrhoid is tied off to prevent bleeding, and the hemorrhoid is removed. The surgical area may be sewn closed or left open. Medicated gauze covers the wound. The operation is conducted in a surgery centre and most patients go home the same day.
There is a procedure that uses a circular stapling device to remove haemorrhoidal tissue and close the wound. No incision is made. In this procedure, the hemorrhoid is lifted and then "stapled" back into place in the anal canal. Hemorrhoidectomy is appropriate when you have:

• Very large internal hemorrhoids.

• Internal hemorrhoids that still cause symptoms after non-surgical treatment.

• Large external hemorrhoids that cause significant discomfort and make it difficult to keep the anal area clean.

• Both internal and external hemorrhoids.

• Had other treatments for hemorrhoids (such as rubber band ligation) that have failed.

 

An hemorrhoidectomy is not normally performed until the hemorrhoids reach stage 3 or 4

Pros:

May provide better long-term results
95% success rate of hemorrhoids reoccurring
When nothing else works

Cons:

Surgery is more costly
Greater risk of complications
More painful than other procedure
Recovery may take longer, 2-3 weeks

Laser Surgery for Treatment of Hemorrhoids

This is becoming the preferred laser surgery (versus Laser Coagulation). This process vaporizes or excises the hemorrhoid by a surgeon. The laser beam is infinitely small allowing for precision and accuracy. Generally results in a rapid healing.
Laser Coagulation involves an electric current applied to the hemorrhoid through an electrode probe. The hemorrhoid goes through a chemical reaction to stop the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid thus resulting in the shrinking of the swollen tissue.

Pros:

Less painful
Less invasive
Less expensive
Faster healing process
Usually no over night hospital stay – may be performed in doctor’s office

Cons:

Hemorrhoids may reoccur

Infra-red photo coagulation (also called coagulation therapy)

This  procedure is used to treat small and medium sized hemorrhoids. Doctors recommend coagulation therapy in cases where small internal hemorrhoids continue to cause symptoms after home treatment.
It involves a device that creates an intense beam of infra-red light. The heat created by the light causes scar tissue, which cuts cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid dies, and a scar forms on the wall of the anal canal. Only one hemorrhoid can be treated at a time. Infra-red photo-coagulation is generally done in your doctors surgery.

Pros:

Small internal hemorrhoids are often successfully treated with coagulation therapy (Large hemorrhoids are more likely to be treated with rubber band ligation)

Cons:

Procedure is painful
Only one hemorrhoid can be treated at a time
Expensive

Rubber Band Ligation

One of the most common hemorrhoid surgeries is rubber band ligation. A tiny rubber band (diameter about 1/25 of an inch) is fitted onto a special gun-like device. When the trigger is pulled, the rubber band is forced onto the base of the hemorrhoid, thus cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid shrinks and within a week or so falls off. The results is a scar in the place of the hemorrhoid. Rubber band ligation works best on first and second degree hemorrhoids.
The procedure is done in a doctor's surgery. Treatment is limited to 1 to 2 hemorrhoids at a time if done in the doctor's office. Several hemorrhoids may be treated at once if the person has general anaesthesia.

Pros:

Lease expensive of all surgical procedures
Repeat treatment for recurring symptoms is rarely needed
Performed in doctor’s office
Quick Recovery
Most widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids

Cons:

Painful
Not all doctors have the experience or equipment to do rubber band ligation

Sclerotherapy

In sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid. This process is used to treat bleeding internal hemorrhoids where by a sclerosing or hardening solution is injected into the base of the hemorrhoids. The solution causes an inflammation reaction which scar the vein and mucosal tissue, thus collapsing the vein walls and causing the hemorrhoids to shrivel. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s surgery.
Sclerotherapy is recommended for smaller hemorrhoids, such as first degree and early second degree hemorrhoids. Doctors recommend injection sclerotherapy in cases where:
Small hemorrhoids do not improve with home treatment.
Internal hemorrhoids are too small to treat with rubber band ligation.
You have persistent bleeding from hemorrhoids.
You are older than age 70 or are in poor health and would not be a candidate for more invasive surgery.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Multiple hemorrhoids can be treated at the same time
Fast procedure
Minor pain and discomfort
Performed in doctor’s surgery

Cons:

Sclerotherapy is not a cure for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids often recur after injection sclerotherapy
As mentioned earlier, surgery should be the last resort to get rid of hemorrhoids. There are less riskier methods that will treat and in some cases eliminate them forever.

As always, be sure to do research to find a suitable solution that you are comfortable with, be it surgery or one of the many natural remedies available.

You can read my earlier article on an Holistic approach to treating hemorrhoids by clicking this link

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy | Avoidance and Relief

Formation of hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy particularly if you have suffered from the complaint prior to becoming pregnant. Hemorrhoids can develop during the second stage of labour whilst you are pushing and are also a common post post-partum complaint.
In the majority of cases where hemorrhoids have developed during pregnancy it is likely that they will clear up in the early days/weeks following birth, monitoring your diet to avoid constipation is an important factor in the resolution of hemorrhoids.

As well as hemorrhoids, pregnancy can also make you vulnerable to varicose veins in the legs and occasionally in the vulva. As your uterus grows pressure is increased on the pelvic veins and on the inferior vena cava as this pressure is applied the return of blood from the lower half of the body is slowed down and causes the veins below the uterus to become swollen.Constipation is another problem that is common during pregnancy that can either cause or exacerbate hemorrhoids.

How to avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Whilst you are more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy there are a number of steps you can take to avoid getting them, or to get rid of them if you do get them.

• Eating a high fibre diet, whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and regular exercise (a short brisk walk will suffice) will all help to keep constipation at bay, a major cause of hemorrhoids.
• Don't delay when you have the urge for a bowel movement, and don't strain when you you do move your bowels, also avoid lingering on the toilet as this puts unwanted pressure on the area.
• Kegel exercises performed daily increase the circulation in the rectal area and strengthen the muscles surrounding the anus.Kegel exercises also improve the muscle tone around the vagina and urethra and can speed up your bodies recovery from child birth.
• Try to lie on your left side when sleeping or relaxing as this puts less pressure on your rectal veins and assists in the increase of blood to the lower half of your body.Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, ensure that you get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so.

How to Gain Relief from hemorrhoids during pregnancy

• Applying an ice pack to the affected area every few hours or a cold compress saturated with witch hazel can have a soothing effect.
• Sitting in a warm bath up your hips for 10-15 minutes several times a day, or using a sitz bath, which is a small plastic basin that you fill with warm water and fit over your toilet allowing you to submerge the affected area simply by sitting on your toilet.
• Always clean the affected area after each bowel movement with soft un-scented toilet tissue and avoid using any scented products on the area as this will only aggravate the hemorrhoids.
• Treatment and lifestyle systems such as "Hemorrhoid No More" which is an award winning holistic treatment system are definitely worth considering.
• Ask your GP or practice nurse to recommend a safe topical anaesthetic or suppository. 

There are a multitude of hemorrhoid home relief products available on the market, but bear in mind that the majority of these products should be used for no more than a week and if your hemorrhoids worsen or show no signs of improvement then you should always consult your doctor or medical expert.

Holistic Hemorrhoid Treatment | Hemorrhoid No More - Review

Please note: This is my personal review of Hemorrhoid No More (The #1 international seller of piles treatment in 2012).

Please CLICK HERE to visit the Hemorrhoid No More  official website. 

"Hemorrhoid No More" is an holistic approach to the treatment and cure of hemorrhoids

Why Is Hemorrhoid No More The Best Selling Hemorrhoids Cure Book In Internet History, With Thousands Of Satisfied Men and Women In 127 Countries Worldwide? 
 

There is a reason Hemorrhoid No More is the number one best selling ebook on the internet........

Thousands of men and women of all ages have not only rid themselves of all symptoms of hemorrhoids such as pain, bleeding, itching and swelling they have also rid themselves completely of hemorrhoids....and all without drugs, surgery or any obscure lotions and potions. A complete hemorrhoid home cure.....naturally.
Thousands of sufferers have simply followed the step by step scientifically proven methods found inside the Hemorrhoid No More guide.


The Author of Hemorrhoid No More, Jessica Wright, is a certified nutritionist and health consultant. The "Hemorrhoids program" is an already over saturated market, but within this market Jessica's Hemorrhoid No More ebook has been accurately described as the "Hemorrhoid Bible", but what makes this comprehensive guide to hemorrhoid and constipation freedom so different from other guides on the market...........?


Well firstly this is not just a "Hemorrhoids help" program, it's a hemorrhoid cure program.....and there's a big difference.... a "help" with hemorrhoids program implies that you will still be living and suffering with hemorrhoids, the Hemorrhoid No More program will show you how to identify the problem and more importantly it will show you exactly how to completely eradicate your hemorrhoids and prevent any recurrences.

Secondly, what makes Hemorrhoid No More stand out from other guides is the sheer amount of attention that is spent on every single detail required to cure your hemorrhoids naturally whilst also dispelling the myths, lies and misinformation regarding this confusing subject.
Put simply, Hemorrhoid No More is the most detailed and comprehensive book about hemorrhoids and holistic health ever written.


Hemorrhoid No More is an extensive book running to 170 content rich pages packed full of relevant information all of which focus on a 100% natural system for getting rid of your hemorrhoids and preventing any recurrences.
You will find no recommendations for prescription drugs, creams or ointments with potentially harmful side effects. In the "Core Formula - 5 Step System" of the book, Jessica covers the specifics in a chronological order and includes relevant charts and check lists allowing you to see exactly which step of the program you are on and to follow it with ease.


If I had to identify a drawback to the Hemorrhoid No More ebook it would be that some people may be a little daunted with the sheer amount of information it contains, however even these readers can rest assured that this is the last and only book that they will ever need to purchase on the subject.

Who will Hemorrhoid No More benefit the most?

Simply put, anyone who suffers from hemorrhoids no matter what the severity and anyone who wants a natural safe, proven holistic solution, and bearing in mind that this book is a total health rejuvenation program, even people who do not suffer from hemorrhoids will greatly benefit from it.

Hemorrhoid No More is a professionally formatted, well organised ebook that is ideal for printing and reading at home, this unique publication has changed thousands of lives for the better and you can read many testimonials at the official website by clicking HERE




The Bottom line? 



Anyone looking to be told fairy-tales, and anyone looking for a "magic bullet", pills, over the counters, 'cure Hemorrhoids in 2 hours' hyped up programs should not waste his or her time with Hemorrhoid No More.

On the other hand, anyone searching for the truth about Hemorrhoids and alternative health and who is ready and willing to put in some work and make the lifestyle changes necessary to get rid of their hemorrhoids fast will find Hemorrhoid No More to be one of the best investments they ever made in their lives. CLICK HERE to learn more about Jessica Wright's Hemorrhoid No More 

How do You Shrink Hemorrhoids?

 How to Effectively Shrink Hemorrhoids at Home

A hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein surrounding the anus that often results in moderate to severe pain and discomfort. There are a number of causes of hemorrhoids including poor diet, child birth, constipation (often linked to a poor diet) and standing or sitting for long periods of time. Whilst hemorrhoids are often recurring there are a number of measures you can take to effectively shrink hemorrhoids.

• Hemorrhoids become enlarged due to the supply of blood to them, reducing this blood supply will result in the hemorrhoids shrinking. One method that is quite effective is to apply an ice pack to the affected area, the ice pack should not be kept in place longer than 15 minutes but the procedure can be carried out two or three times a day as required.

•Wiping with toilet paper after a bowel movement will aggravate and worsen your hemorrhoids therefore you should instead wash the area with lukewarm water which will in itself help shrink the hemorrhoids. Moist tissues are also a good alternative but avoid using any type of soap as this will only exasperate the condition. After washing gently pat the area dry.

• Tests have shown that apple cider vinegar can be effective in shrinking hemorrhoids. Moisten a cotton wool ball with the apple cider vinegar and gently dab the affected area two to three times a day, you should see an improvement after 5-7 days.

•A sitz bath is an excellent way of shrinking hemorrhoids, a sitz bath is a bath where you sit in warm water up to your hips, it is important to remain in a sitting position when taking a sitz bath and not to lie down. You should remain in the bath for 15-20 minutes or until the water has cooled down. Salt or baking soda can be added to the water to help reduce infections.


• If the above simple remedies do not work to shrink hemorrhoids, you can consult a physician who may suggest certain topical applications that shrink hemorrhoids effectively. Certain drugs that are taken internally also work to shrink hemorrhoids.

• A tincture of horse chestnut is another effective way of shrinking hemorrhoids and can be taken orally or used to dab on the affected area, horse chestnut seeds can be bought at your local health food store, however this method is not suitable for children or expectant mothers.

Horse Chestnut extract can be effective in shrinking hemorrhoids

As with any medical condition, if your symptoms persist or worsen you should always consult your doctor, he or she will also be able to prescribe additional  treatments for shrinking hemorrhoids such as a variety of creams and ointments and even,  though usually as a last resort, a number of surgical procedures.

One final method for shrinking, and indeed eradicating hemorrhoids is to take an holistic approach, there is a product on the market called Hemorrhoids No More  (The #1 international seller of piles treatment in 2012*) which has an excellent reputation and is certainly worth looking into, you can read more about this particular method by *CLICKING HERE

+Simon Booth

Hemorrhoid Home Cure - What I Recommend

Hemorrhoid Home Cure - Cure Hemorrhoids At Home in 48 Hours.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids (piles) then I am sure that you will have tried many home cure solutions.
In this article I will discuss each of these hemorrhoid home cures and the somewhat controversial and honest truth regarding most of them.


The most popular treatment is without doubt creams and ointments where either are rubbed onto the external area of the rectum in a bid to soothe the enlarged blood vessels. This is a great solution that can bring some relief, albeit only temporarily, as the hemorrhoids are usually certain to flare up again.

The second hemorrhoid home cure that most sufferers will have tried is suppositories. A suppository is inserted into the anus delivering a mild anaesthesia to the hemorrhoid and providing lubricant when the next bowel movement is required, the purpose of this is to allow the hemorrhoid time to heal whilst alleviating some of the painful effects of a bowel movement. This process works well for some sufferers but not all, it is however a treatment worth trying.


The third home cure that some sufferers may have tried is a course of oral tablets, these tablets are designed to regulate blood pressure and tighten the enlarged vein tissue thus reducing some of the painful symptoms. This method, whilst having benefits, is also prone to side effects.

The three home cure treatments discussed above are undoubtedly the most common methods many of you will have tried at home, there are of course more radical treatments available including Cryotherapy and invasive surgery, it all depends on the individual and the severity of the hemorrhoids.
From a personal standpoint I would be inclined to try the three methods above before the more radical hemorrhoid treatments.

There is one final solution that I have recently discovered and is not covered above.
I'd like to review a totally safe and natural remedy that works in only a few days, it's called the H Miracle System and you can find it at www. HMiracleSystem.com


The system is backed by thousands of documented success stories and includes ingredient resources, charts, audio lessons, in fact everything you need to cure your hemorrhoids once and for all!

CLICK HERE to visit the H Miracle System official website and download your FREE report.