What are Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or around the anus that have become damaged due to straining. Many people who feel discomfort while having bowel movements and/or whom see some blood in their stool are prompted to ask what is a hemorrhoid and to seek ways to alleviate the problem.
What is a Hemorrhoid
If you wonder what is hemorrhoid because you have discomfort, pain and bleeding while having bowel movements you should know that hemorrhoids which are also referred to as ‘piles’ can be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or they can develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). If you were to look around the internet to find an explanation of what are hemorrhoids, you may be surprised to read that there have been medical records found for remedies and treatments for hemorrhoids dating back to before 2260 BC. Around 400 BC Hipporcratic Treatises described the treatment of this condition using excision and cauterization.
One may also discover when searching for the answer to what is a hemorrhoid that there is not a precise definition available but that hemorrhoids are typically described as being masses or clumps of tissue which are made up of blood vessels and surrounding tissue. Another interesting fact one will discover when looking for an explanation as to what is hemorrhoid is that this condition is present in almost everyone. It is only when the hemorrhoidal masses enlarge that hemorrhoids can cause problems or be considered abnormal.
Not many people like to talk about hemorrhoids for obvious reasons. Because this condition occurs in one’s ‘private areas’ hemorrhoids can be a source of embarrassment. However, this does not have to be because it is a common condition that scores of people suffer with daily. Knowing what is a hemorrhoid and why the condition occurs can help you prevent it from happening to you. Weight gain and pregnancy can both put stress on the circulatory system. This stress causes extra pressure to build in the anal region which can lead to hemorrhoids. Not eating enough fiber-rich foods or drinking enough water can also increase the risk of hemorrhoids developing. It is therefore very important that the general population knows what hemorrhoids are and the main causes of hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids are generally more painful than internal hemorrhoids. This is because there are many pain sensors located in and around the anus. External hemorrhoids can cause pain when sitting or using the toilet. External hemorrhoids can secrete both blood and mucous which typically causes itching or burning sensations. It is this uncomfortable feeling which leads many sufferers to seek out a clear definition of what is hemorrhoid so that they can find relief.
In conclusion, hemorrhoids are very common and they result from increased pressure. This pressure causes veins to swell. Hemorrhoids can occur just inside the anus at the beginning of the rectum or outside the anus area. A physician can easily diagnosis hemorrhoids based on hemorrhoids symptoms wherein a treatment plan can be devised which may include OTC creams, stool softeners and a change of diet. In severe cases wherein there is a lot of bleeding and/or pain and in which other forms of therapy have not helped, surgical procedures can be performed to help alleviate the condition.