Hemorrhoids are very common, affecting up to half of all people at some point in their lives. The symptoms can range from occasional itching and swelling, to extreme pain and bleeding.
This condition results from enlarged veins around the anus. These are normal veins (called “hemorrhoidal veins”) that can become enlarged. There are two groups of these veins: internal and external.
Risk factors
Hemorrhoids can affect both men and women, and the risk increases with increasing age. The most common cause is excessive straining with bowel movements, but this condition is also common after pregnancy and childbirth.
Other risk factors include:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Poor dietary habits
- Constipation (or diarrhea!)
- Prolonged sitting
- Heavy lifting
- Pregnancy
Symptoms
The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be different for each individual, and depend on both the type and the severity of the condition.
- Aching after a bowel movement
- Anal or rectal itching
- Bright red blood on toilet tissue or in toilet bowl
- Bulging of anal tissue pads or sensitive lumps
- Mucous drainage
- Leakage/soiling
Types of hemorrhoids
There are two types of hemorrhoids, depending on which set of hemorrhoidal veins becomes enlarged (see the above picture).
Internal Hemorrhoids
- Usually not painful
- May bleed
- May protrude from the anus (”prolapse”)
External Hemorrhoids
- May be itchy or very painful
- May bleed
- May clot (”thrombose”)
Prevention
The best way to deal with hemorrhoids is to prevent them in the first place! Here are some pointers to help prevent hemorrhoids from becoming a problem:
- Include more fiber in your diet
- Drink plenty of fluids (except alcohol) – 64 oz per day!
- Do not read on the toilet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid laxatives (except for natural fiber supplements)
- When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, don’t wait for long periods before using the bathroom
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