Having a hemorrhoid can be a disconcerting and painful problem, but it is a common situation to have. Also known as piles, they are veins that are inflamed and swollen around the anus and lower rectum. They may be internal, external, or both and several factors increase the probability of having them, such as: constipation, sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods, straining during bowel movement, frequent diarrhea, and obesity. Pregnancy and anal intercourse also are correlated with incidence of this problem and it is more common in older people. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemorrhoids/DS00096/DSECTION=causes http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/

This page has a section below on hemorrhoid treatment options, but surgical and natural, which are commonly used. Most cases of hemorrhoids are solved by home remedies, but there is a surgical option in some cases. If you wish to do further research on this topic, links on hemorrhoid treatments have been provided, and there are news and blog sections for current information.

The first thing that is recommended in the treatment of hemorrhoids is pain relief. Soaking in warm water for 10 minute periods will help, as will analgesics and suppositories or creams that are specifically made for this problem. Over-the-counter stool softeners also help if you are constipated. Moistening toilet paper before you use it will help as well. It is recommended that you keep the area clean as well. Usually, the hemorrhoids will go away in a few days.

The surgical treatment recommended for thrombosed external hemorrhoids is excision. Hemorrhoidectory, usually via rubber band ligation, is the surgical treatment of choice for prolapse internal hemorrhoids because there is a low chance of them returning. However, most cases are treated by home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Changes in you life habits that will help prevent hemorrhoids include drinking more water and adding more fiber to your diet will increase the bulk and softness of your stool. You should also go to the toilet when you have the urge. Exercise helps increase blood circulation and to favor peristaltic movement of the intestines. It is also important to avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time. There are also a few home remedies that seem to help, such as bioflavanoids for strengthening the cell wall of the veins, horse chestnut and butcher's broom. All of these can be obtained as supplements. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemorrhoids/DS00096/DSECTION=prevention http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19744418?tool=MedlinePlus http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsetol/a/hemorrhoids.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you have rectal bleeding before taking any action suggested on this page. A doctor's exam can assure that there are no other causes of bleeding.