Hemorrhoids are characterized by protruding vascular masses into the anal area and lower rectum.
What that somewhat technical description means is that weak walls of blood vessels in the anal area will balloon out forming bulges and hanging packets of blood both inside and outside of the anal sphincter.
This causes pain, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Hold onto your hat, I'm going to answer the question: what are hemorrhoids? But first check out this technical definition: Hemorrhoids are characterized by protruding vascular masses into the anal area and lower rectum.
What that somewhat technical description means is that weak walls of blood vessels in the anal area will balloon out forming bulges and hanging packets of blood both inside and outside of the anal sphincter: this causes pain, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Hemorrhoids occur when there is increased intra-abdominal pressure that causes the vascular tissue lining to engorge.
Straining during bowel movements can put you at risk to acquire the condition.
Certain factors like severe constipation and diarrhea, long hours of sitting and standing, coughing, being alcoholic, surgeries in the rectum, child birth, old age, family history, and anal sex can all contribute to developing the disease.
Two Types of Hemorrhoids External hemorrhoids appear outside the anal sphincter.
There is a red and plump growth in the outer surface of the anus.
This type often gets most attention because of the symptoms it manifests which can be very uncomfortable.
Burning sensation, itching, swelling, and extreme pain are symptoms that you may feel.
Internal hemorrhoids are those inside the rectum.
Internal hemorrhoids are not usually felt unless bleeding occurs.
The bleeding is not painful because the area inside does not have receptors for pain.
However when internal hemorrhoids are not treated the condition can progress to the prolapsed state and protrude around the anus.
When this arises, pain is usually felt as the anal region is full of nerve endings.
When passing out a stool, an internal hemorrhoid may go with it to the outside.
When that happens, you can actually feel and see it coming out.
In normal circumstances it withdraws back inside the anus, though if it doesn't happen, you can just push it back inside.
Good News About Hemorrhoids The good news is that hemorrhoids are highly preventable and curable.
Hemorrhoids can be treated inexpensively using home treatments and preventative measures.
A diet full of fiber, increased fluid intake, and proper exercise can help prevent the disease.
Having good personal hygiene especially in the anal region is also important.
Another goal is to always have soft stools so that you can just pass them out easily without straining (diet is important here).
It is also best to defecate as soon as possible after feeling the urge.
By doing this pressure in the anus is decreased.
When you notice hemorrhoid symptoms, it best to seek medical confirmation and advice; hemorrhoids are harmless and are not life threatening, but they can cause a lot of discomfort.
Hemorrhoid symptoms can match other rectal disorders like colon cancer and so should be confirmed by your doctor to be certain that it is not a more serious condition.
What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids manifest with a number of symptoms as described and hemorrhoids are usually best treated by natural means.