Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the lower part of rectum and the anus. The veins become swollen due to increase pressure within them and turn into piles. Generally, they are classified into either internal or external.
Type of Hemorrhoids
[highlight background=”#fff999″ color=”#000000″]Internal hemorrhoids[/highlight] are lying inside lining of rectum and usually don’t cause discomfort or pain unless they become obstructed or fatal. They are known usually through the bleeding with a bowel movement. Straining can sometime pushes it through the opening and prolapse it outside the anus. Prolapsed version may hurt and produce irritation to the surrounding skin, causing itchiness around the anus. They usually retract themselves into rectum on their own or can be gently pushed back into place.
[highlight background=”#fff999″ color=”#000000″]External hemorrhoids[/highlight] develop under the skin around the anus. They can be felt when swollen, sometimes causing itchiness, bleeding and pain along with bowel movement. If lump or blood clot formed within prolapsed external hem, it can cause severe painful condition called a thrombosis. Thrombosis hemorrhoids are purple or blue in color and possibly bleed, often require medical attention if the pain is unbearable.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
They are caused by swollen veins with blocking blood flow through them at the rectum and anus, primarily due to [highlight background=”#fff999″ color=”#000000″]extreme abdominal pressure[/highlight]. The increased pressure could be caused by straining during bowel movement due to diarrhea or chronic constipation, overweight or pregnancy. Hard stools associated with constipation may irritate the swollen vein and worsen the condition.
Can Laxative Abuse Cause It?
Frequent laxative consumption may cause bruise of veins of rectum and anus due to forceful evacuations of stools, making them vulnerable to infection and development of piles. Habitual usage of stimulant laxatives like senna or Epsom salts may damage lining of the intestines. Fiber laxatives like bran or psyllium seeds may scratch and irritate the rectums when consumed over long period of time. Common side effect of laxative use like vomiting may also cause capillaries at rectum or anus to burst due to sudden increase pressure.
Treatment for Hem
Hemorrhoids can be treated using over the counter medicines, procedures, surgeries or home remedies. For most external type, fiber supplements, oral fluids and occasional laxatives intakes can help to relief constipation which reduces strain to the hemorrhoids. [easyazon_link identifier=”B009G6U1AS” locale=”US” tag=”wlaxative-20″ popups=”n”]Doctor butler’s ointments[/easyazon_link] (FDA approved) can be applied to relieve pain, burning, itching, and swelling fast. Procedures and surgical removal of hemorrhoids can be done for more severe cases.
How To Prevent It
Prevention is always better then cures. Good diet and bowel habit are the most important factors to prevent hard stools, constipation and straining. Secondly, habitual usage of laxatives should be avoided. Lastly, personal cleanliness after defecation is also helpful to prevent irritating of the skin around anus.
