Hemorrhoid Treatments: They Hurt, But They Aren't Life Threatening

A hemorrhoid is a common condition afflicting upwards of 11 million Americans each year. Approximately one third of those people must seek professional treatment, with a physician, because of the severity of their hemorrhoids. An internal hemorrhoid is found in the anal canal and causes intermittent bleeding associated with bowel movements. External hemorrhoids are found outside the anal canal.

External hemorrhoids are characterized by discomfort, itching and swelling. Internal and external hemorrhoids can also cause embarrassment in the afflicted person because of the itching, and in the case of the external hemorrhoid the visibility. They are very irritating and should be addressed even if they don’t need professional treatment. People who do not eat high fiber diets are highly likely to develop hemorrhoids. The obvious cure is to include more foods that are high in fiber as a regular part of the diet -- high fiber dieting alone can greatly help the condition.

Fiber works by softening the stool which makes it easier for the stool to move through the bowels. Straining during a bowel movement can worsen the condition. Typically a hemorrhoid occurs when the anus is strained, specifically the veins in the anus, for a long period of time. The excess pressure is what causes the veins to burst and expand. This is what causes pain in the person which is most noticeable when sitting.

Hemorrhoid piles, the name of the condition, can cause an extreme amount of pain in the person. This is because the veins inside the anus swell and become inflamed. Inflammation of these veins is extremely painful. The condition worsens as time goes on because stools become more difficult to pass and chronic constipation results. In some cases, diarrhea is the result. Luckily, hemorrhoids are not a life threatening condition. They are irritating but not dangerous.

The symptoms usually appear for a few days and then abate for a few days and then return. Eventually they usually disappear on their own. Because of itching and bleeding it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible so that you can go about your daily business without discomfort and embarrassment. Pregnant women frequently suffer from hemorrhoids after delivering a baby because the hormones released enlarge the hemorrhoid vessels and the pressure that is placed on the anus during labor causes them.

One common tool to help ease the discomfort of hemorrhoids is thin pads moistened with witch hazel. These pads provide temporary relief by cooling and soothing the itch. Some hemorrhoid sufferers also choose not to sit while they are suffering. One tip is to not strain during bowel movements to prevent hemorrhoids from developing.