It has been estimated that 50 percent of all Americans over the age of 50 suffer from thrombosed and bleeding hemorrhoids.
It is also estimated that as many as 89 percent of the population will have hemorrhoid problems and symptoms over their life time.
Definition of hemorrhoids (piles) Hemorrhoids can be defined as clumps or cushions of tissue in the anal canal, which is the last four centimeters from where the stool passes to the exterior via the anus.
They contain blood vessels and supporting muscle and elastic fibers.
Hemorrhoids are present in everyone.
They are only considered a disease or abnormal when the cushions enlarge with blood and become enlarged and cause problems.
It is though not known exactly why hemorrhoids enlarge.
Possible reasons for hemorrhoids enlarging include lack or water and fiber intake, prolonged sitting on the toilet or at a desk and chronic straining to pass stools caused by constipation.
Excessive straining in passing hard stools due to constipation interferes with the blood flow causing it to pool and enlarge the blood vessels.
Lifting of heavy objects has also been linked to hemorrhoid problems.
Long periods of standing may also cause symptoms.
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Pregnant women Women who are pregnant can get enlarged hemorrhoids thought to be caused by the downward pressure of the baby in the last six months of pregnancy.
And in the birth process hemorrhoids can break out.
However the problem may go away shortly after birthing and never arise again.
One theory of what causes hemorrhoid problems are that the pulling down and searing of a hard stool drags the hemorrhoid down and enlarges it.
The process of aging and excessive consumption of caffeine and/or alcohol and digestive upsets has also been linked to hemorrhoid problems.
Connective tissues that support and hold blood vessels in place can become weaker with age causing hemorrhoids to enlarge, bleed and prolapse.
Some people may only have a single occasion of bleeding hemorrhoids and pain while others are continuously plagued by ongoing symptoms.
Two types of problem piles There are two types of problem hemorrhoids, internal and external.
External prolapsed ones are located outside the annual sphincter and can become very itchy and painful.
Internal hemorrhoids can also cause itching and discomfort.
Pain while going to the toilet, blood on the stool and on the toilet paper are signs of hemorrhoids.
There may as well be a localized itching, burning or pain in the area of the anus and sometimes a discharge of mucus.
Hemorrhoids by themselves are rarely serious, but they can be extremely troublesome.
However, they need proper diagnosis by a doctor as bleeding could be a result of colon or rectal cancer or something else may be the problem.
Preventive tip Add fiber.
Increase your fiber intake either through foods or fiber supplements or both.
When fiber is taken with adequate liquids it softens the stools making them easier to pass to the exterior reducing the pressure on the hemorrhoids and helping reduce bleeding, enlarging of the blood vessels and inflammation.
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