Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Who experiences symptoms from hemorrhoids?


Who experiences symptoms from hemorrhoids? 

 Hemorrhoids are an extremely common ailment—in fact, more than half of all Americans will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point. They affect males, females and patients of all ages. Constipation, diarrhea, straining, pregnancy, obesity, exercise, airplane travel, truck driving, prolonged sitting, and genetics are all linked to dilation of hemorrhoids.

In addition, these factors may cause hemorrhoids:
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Anal intercourse
Read below for more description of the symptoms and causes of hemorrhoids.
Constipation- Straining at bowel movements or sitting on the toilet for longer periods of time put pressure on the blood vessels in and around the anus, which can cause hemorrhoids. Similarly, sitting on a hard surface, (such as concrete or tile) or at a desk or table for prolonged periods of time may irritate the skin and cause hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea- While unpleasant to talk about, diarrhea is even more unpleasant for the skin around the anus. One symptom of diarrhea is runny bowel, which results in many trips to the bathroom or prolonged sitting on the toilet, which may be a culprit of a hemorrhoid outbreak.
Pregnancy and Obesity- During pregnancy the added weight and strain to the pelvic area may trigger hemorrhoids in those ordinarily too young for the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Similarly, being of an unhealthy body weight puts added strain on the pelvic area and tissues around the anus.
Anal intercourse-Without adequate lubrication, anal intercourse or frequent anal intercourse exposes the skin of the anus and rectum to unaccustomed stress. Other factors, like aging and hormonal changes, may play a part as well.
This list is not exhaustive, as any activity that puts strain on the tissues and blood vessels in anus and lower rectum may cause hemorrhoids, or make existing hemorrhoids worse. Yet, If you have any of these risk factors, hemorrhoids are a likely event. Although hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable to talk about, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider on the proper treatment of this common ailment.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors

About 75 percent of people will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Knowing your personal risk factors for hemorrhoids may help you take steps to avoid this painful and inconvenient condition. Although hemorrhoids can affect anyone, certain people face a higher risk of developing the condition.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Age

While hemorrhoids can and do occur in younger people, they are more common in middle-aged and older adults. The age bracket with the highest risk factor for hemorrhoids is 45 to 65.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Pregnancy

Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids because of the increase in hormones during this time. The hormone progesterone can weaken the vein walls, which may encourage hemorrhoids to form.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Weight

People who are overweight may be more likely to develop hemorrhoids, as the extra weight forces the veins surrounding the anus and rectum to endure additional pressure.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Genetics

Hemorrhoids can be hereditary. If you have relatives who suffered from the condition, you may be more likely to develop it in the future.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Diet

Diet and other lifestyle choices can have a profound effect on hemorrhoid development. People who lack sufficient fiber in their diet may be more prone to constipation and straining, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Eating too spicy of a diet can also exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Bathroom Habits

Your bathroom habits can affect your likelihood to develop hemorrhoids. People who experience constipation may strain more during bowel movements, a tendency which can cause hemorrhoids to form. Sitting too long can also be a problem, and doctors don’t recommend lingering or reading in the restroom.

Hemorrhoid Risk Factors: Occupation

Did you know that your job could affect your risk of developing hemorrhoids? People who site for prolonged periods of time during the day with little to no movement are at high risk of hemorrhoids. For this reason, truckers and bicyclists get hemorrhoids way more than the general populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If my close relatives suffered from hemorrhoids, am I sure to develop them?
A: Although hemorrhoids can be hereditary, you are not guaranteed to develop the condition just because your relatives suffered from hemorrhoids.
Q: Are women or men more likely to develop hemorrhoids?
A: Women and men are equally likely to develop hemorrhoids, although women commonly suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk for getting hemorrhoids in the long term?
A: Certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help protect you from hemorrhoids. We recommend drinking plenty of water and eating a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid lingering in the restroom and straining. You may want to consider taking a fiber supplement.
Q: Are certain racial groups more at risk for developing hemorrhoids?
A: No racial group faces a higher risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Q: Can young people get hemorrhoids?
A: Yes, hemorrhoids can occur at any age.

Contact Our Hemorrhoid Experts

Monday, February 18, 2013

How To Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms & Cures for Hemorrhoids

 

 Like varicose veins, they are swollen veins that can cause itching and pain–in this case, especially when you’ve been sitting for a while. Since the veins of the anus are more delicate than other veins, they can easily bleed, leaving bright red blood in your feces, in the toilet, or on toilet paper, scaring the heck out of you. It’s a good thing to be scared, however. Other, more serious conditions–such as colon polyps–also cause bleeding. So never assume you have a hemorrhoid when you see red. Make an appointment with your doctor to rule out other possible problems.
Although most hemorrhoidal flare-ups resolve on their own in just a few days, the swelling will return–and more hemorrhoids may form–unless you get at the original cause.

Do This Now

To quickly soothe the itchiness and pain of a hemorrhoid, follow these steps.
  1. Draw a hot bath and add a handful of Epsom or sea salt. Get in and sit down with your knees raised for 10 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
  2. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoidal cream such as Preparation H after each bath.

Why It Works

The warm water brings more blood to the affected area, reducing pain. It also relaxes your anus and rectum, which reduces pressure on the hemorrhoid. The salt helps shrink the blood vessels. In one study, 28 people with hemorrhoids sat in warm baths of varying temperatures for 10 minutes. The hottest temperature used in the study, 122°F, reduced pain for the longest time–as long as 70 minutes.
As for the cream, although it won’t cure your hemorrhoid, the witch hazel it contains cools the burning and itching and shrinks swelling.

Other Medicines

Herbs and Supplements
Flavonoids. Flavonoids such as rutin or quercetin (sold as citrus flavonoids), pycnogenol, or grapeseed strengthen blood vessels and also reduce swelling through their anti-inflammatory action. Take 500 milligrams citrus flavonoids, 50 milligrams pycnogenol, or 100 milligrams grapeseed extract twice a day.
Ginkgo. Supplements made from this large shade tree increase blood flow and improve blood vessel function throughout the body. In one study, 22 people with hemorrhoids who took ginkgo supplements for a week experienced less bleeding, pain, and discharge than before taking the supplement. Take 2 capsules of standardized extract (24% flavonoids, 7.5% terpenoids) twice daily.


Witch hazel. This natural anti-inflammatory shrinks swollen veins, bringing immediate relief. Chill the witch hazel for 15 minutes, then soak a wad of cotton in it and place the cotton ball near the hemorrhoid. This remedy works particularly well at night, helping to relieve pain and itching so you can sleep.


Prescription Drugs

Doxium (calcium dobesilate). Used to treat diabetes and various blood disorders, this medication can provide efficient, fast, and safe relief from your symptoms by strengthening your blood vessels. In a study of 29 patients, hemorrhoid symptoms improved within two weeks in 86 percent of those taking the drug.


Other Approaches

Fiber. Straining during a bowel movement is a major cause of hemorrhoids. To stay regular and pass soft stool, you need to eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day, but the average American consumes only 8 to 15 grams. A daily fiber supplement, along with a fiber-rich diet that includes whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables, will get you to that goal.
Psyllium and other over-the-counter soluble fiber supplements also help soften stool, making it less painful to pass (and less likely to irritate your hemorrhoid). Studies find these fiber supplements reduce the bleeding and pain associated with hemorrhoids, while increasing the effectiveness of other therapies, such as surgery, possibly by reducing future flare-ups. The best fiber supplement for you is the one you’ll most likely take. Choose one that tastes good and dissolves easily in water or food and follow package directions.
Careful hygiene. You can easily nick a hemorrhoid, making it bleed. So use baby wipes or Tucks pads instead of toilet paper to wipe carefully and gently after bowel movements. When showering, avoid perfumed soaps, which can irritate hemorrhoids.
Guided imagery. Hemorrhoids can cause insane itching, but giving in and scratching may irritate your hemorrhoid further, prolonging and intensifying your symptoms. Most people can ignore the itching during the day, but find it drives them crazy at night. The good news: The relaxation technique called guided imagery can teach you to use mind over matter to ignore the itching and pain. In a study of 86 people recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, participants who listened to a guided imagery CD reported less pain and improved sleep compared to patients who did not listen to the tape.
Rubber band ligation. In this procedure, a physician places a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
Sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a physician injects a chemical solution around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
Surgery. As a last resort, a surgeon can remove your hemorrhoid via a hemorrhoidectomy. Consider this method only after more conservative treatments, including rubber band ligation, fail. Although hemorrhoidectomy has a better success rate than other surgical procedures, its potential risks include postoperative bleeding, infection, and incontinence.

Prevention

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. In addition to helping your body to process the extra fiber, the water softens stools.
Eat a high-fiber breakfast. In a study of 47 people, those who ate breakfast were seven times less likely to have hemorrhoids than people who didn’t, possibly because many breakfast foods–such as bran cereals–are high in fiber.
Take a 30-minute walk every day. Regular exercise helps you have regular bowel movements.