Left-aligned Column

Napoleon had them at Waterloo. George Brett had them during the 1985 World Series. And more than 75 percent of all Americans will develop them at some point during their lives. They are hemorrhoids, a painful and embarrassing condition that makes sitting uncomfortable.

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are an abnormal swelling in the blood vessels in the anal canal. Although they may bleed, itch or cause pain, hemorrhoids are usually not a sign of anything more serious and you can often treat the symptoms at home. You can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids by making a few healthy lifestyle changes.

This page provides the information you need to help you successfully manage hemorrhoids. Read on and find out how.

What are the types of Hemorrhoids?
a. Internal hemorrhoids - These typically occur along the anal wall. You usually can't feel or see them, unless they break through the anus. This is known as a protruded or prolapsed hemorrhoid. Symptoms may include pain, bleeding, itching and a feeling of fullness after a bowel movement.
b. External hemorrhoids - These are small, soft pads around the anal opening, the same color as your skin. When an external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot (thrombus), it can appear blue in color and cause severe pain, itching and inflammation.

What are the causes for Hemorrhoids?
One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is straining to pass hard, dry stools during bouts of constipation. Other factors that can lead to hemorrhoids include:

· Straining to lift heavy objects

· Pregnancy

· Obesity

· Sitting for long periods

· Diarrhea

What treatments are available for Hemorrhoids?
Treating hemorrhoids may require nothing more than home treatment and lifestyle changes. For instant relief of pain, itching and swelling, try the following:

· Apply a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area as directed.

· Use ice packs, which can reduce swelling.

· Soak in a warm bath or "sitz" bath (sitting in three inches of water) for 10 minutes a few times a day.

Talk with your doctor about your hemorrhoids during your next visit. To encourage easier bowel movements, your doctor may suggest some initial lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fiber and fluid intake and exercise.

If these changes do not help, your doctor may suggest one of the following types of treatments:

· A fiber laxative

· A stool softener

Fiber laxatives and stool softeners should be used only as directed. Different treatments work in various ways; let your doctor choose the best one for you.

How to prevent the risk of hemorrhoids?
Take the following steps to reduce your risk of hemorrhoids:

· Eat more fiber and drink plenty of fluids. This will help soften stools and promote regular elimination, which reduces straining.

· Go when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Delaying now can mean straining later.

· Don't read on the toilet. Sitting and straining too long encourages swelling.

· Wipe gently with soft, white un-perfumed tissue. This helps keep the area clean to avoid irritation.

· Exercise regularly, which improves circulation.

Hemorrhoid Checklist:
Symptoms

· Anal or rectal pain and itching

· Bright red blood on toilet tissue or in toilet bowl

· Appearance of anal tissue pads

Treatment

· Warm bath

· Ice packs

· Over-the-counter medicine

· Medical procedures

Prevention

· Good bowel habits

· High-fiber diet

· Drink plenty of fluids

Regular exercise