Hemorrhoid care
Hemorrhoids are a common ailment involving dilated veins which can result in bleeding, itching, and pain. Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue and varicose veins located in and around the rectal area. Hemorrhoids can be a source of extreme discomfort and pain to both men and women. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that have been stretched from the pressure of normal bodily functions. These swollen blood vessels, which can bleed, itch and/or cause great pain and discomfort, are classified as either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids lie within the rectum, but can sometimes grow large enough so that they protrude outside the anal sphincter. External hemorrhoids lie within the anus area and, likewise, are often quite painful. Once swollen, additional discomfort can be caused by such simple tasks as walking, when friction causes rubbing of the swollen area. Depending on the severity of the condition, there are various treatments and medical procedures which are presently used to alleviate the pain or to remove hemorrhoidal veins and swollen tissue. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in and around the anus and lower rectum. Dilation may result from an increased pressure in the hemorrhoidal vein. Constipation, including the frequent straining to pass hard stools increases pressure in hemorrhoidal veins, is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, a low fiber diet, and obesity. As the hemorrhoidal vein becomes more dilated from the increased pressure, the venous valves of the hemorrhoidal vein may begin to fail and become incompetent. This can exacerbate the dilation of the hemorrhoidal vein as reflux of blood is allowed in the vein by the open incompetent valve. The vein may eventually form a sac-like protrusion if the condition is allowed to persist. Hemorrhoids are generally classified as being either internal or external, depending on their location relative to the dentate line. The dentate line is easily identified as the demarcation between the pink mucosa that form the anoderm. The dentate line separates the internal and external hemorrhoid systems. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anus above the dentate line. External hemorrhoids are located below the dentate line. Either can extend out of the anus. Treatment is generally based on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may be controlled by conservative, non-invasive techniques such as drinking fluids, adhering to a high-fiber diet, use of stool softeners, and/or use of stool-bulking agents such as fiber supplements. In addition, treatments for symptomatic relief may include corticosteroid cream and/or warm baths to reduce pain and swelling. People suffering from minor hemorrhoids are ordinarily advised to use laxatives or stool softeners to reduce pain. Additionally, less severe cases are typically treated with topical ointments, such as petroleum jelly based products, to lubricate and, in some instances, numb the inflamed hemorrhoidal mass. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to reduce pain and inflammation by injection of cortisteroid drugs or other medicinal drugs having the effect of reducing swelling and pain. Otherwise, banding may be required in order to push the hemorrhoids back into the rectal cavity. For more severe cases involving severe pain and itching in patients who have not responded to conservative therapy, surgical intervention may be required to prevent more serious complications. For example, frequent or prolonged bleeding may result in iron deficiency anemia.
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