Hemorrhoids can be simply defined as swollen and inflamed blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. By the age of fifty, nearly half of all adults will have experienced some degree of discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, and problems seem to peak between the ages of forty-five and sixty five.

Typical hemorrhoids symptoms include itching and pain in the anus. Since the anal canal has a rich network of arteries, hemorrhoids have an abundant supply of arterial blood. This is the reason that bleeding from hemorrhoids is bright red rather than the dark red of venous blood.

So, what causes hemorrhoids? The most commonly cited causes of hemorrhoids are straining during bowels movements, sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Obesity and pregnancy are other typical causes of hemorrhoids. Also, it has been suggested that the underlying muscle around the anal canal weakens over time. That is why the risk of having hemorrhoids increases with age.

One of the rarest causes of hemorrhoids is a tumor in either the anal or pelvic cavities. As the tumor presses on surrounding veins, it can result in enlargement of the vessels, and cause hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can be scaled into four levels according to their severity. If you have first degree hemorrhoids they may cause bleeding but don’t come out from the anus. Second degree hemorrhoids do come out from the anus but they will disappear on their own.

Third degree hemorrhoids prolapse and will not retract on their own. Fourth degree hemorrhoids constantly bulge from the anus. These cannot be pushed back inside, and are the most susceptible to complications.

When the hemorrhoid cannot be pushed back inside the anus, it often becomes incarcerated. Incarceration shuts off the blood supply by the squeezing of the anal sphincter. This causes the affected tissue to die, leading to gangrene. In extreme cases chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may lead to anemia.

There are many natural home remedies for hemorrhoids. In order to prevent hemorrhoids, a diet high in fiber is recommended along with plenty of fluids to keep the stool soft. Long periods of uninterrupted sitting should be avoided and regular exercise is encouraged to help prevent constipation.

Hemorrhoids that don’t cause extreme symptoms can usually be treated at home. There are suppositories and topical creams that can be helpful in getting relief from the pain, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.

Ice packs are also used to relieve swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers will usually relieve any discomfort. If symptoms worsen, or are accompanied by severe pain or persistent bleeding, a doctor should be consulted.

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