What You Should Know About Hemorrhoids

One of the health issues that many people face but none really want to talk about is hemorrhoids. Having hemorrhoids is actually quite common, but many people, even those who may be afflicted with the condition, know very little about hemorrhoids. Learn some of the important facts about hemorrhoids as well as the treatment options available to help you deal with them. Then, you can be sure that you take proper care of yourself if and when you find yourself dealing with hemorrhoids. 

Everybody Has Hemorrhoids

The most surprising fact about hemorrhoids for most people is that everybody (yes, everybody) has hemorrhoids. Under normal circumstances, hemorrhoids are simply anal tissues (specifically blood vessels) that help to prevent stool and gas leakage. As such, hemorrhoids in and of themselves are actually good things. Hemorrhoids only become an affliction or a problem when something goes wrong with them. When hemorrhoids become swollen, sore, itchy, and otherwise symptomatic, you will not only notice them but wonder what you can do to deal with them. 

Excess Pressure Can Cause Hemorrhoids

One of the primary causes of hemorrhoids is excess pressure in the abdominal region. If you suffer from chronic constipation, for example, the strain to try to have a bowel movement can cause those blood vessels in the anal canal to become stretched out or to bulge, causing symptomatic hemorrhoids. Pregnancy, being overweight, and even extreme workouts that greatly increase abdominal pressure can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids. These symptomatic hemorrhoids can occur inside the anal canal or can occur externally. 

Hemorrhoids Can Cause Bleeding

In addition to pain and discomfort, hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding. If you notice bleeding when you have a bowel movement in addition to your pain, you may very well have hemorrhoids. The bleeding in and of itself is not something to panic about. It occurs because those swollen blood vessels may begin to leak or can burst. However, because you may not know for sure if you have internal hemorrhoids especially, you should talk to your doctor about rectal bleeding. If it is hemorrhoids, they can help you treat it, and if the bleeding is from something else, you will know and better be able to handle the situation. 

Hemorrhoid Treatments Are Available

There are numerous treatment options to help you deal with your hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter options including special wipes, creams, and more can help to relieve some hemorrhoid symptoms. Warm baths can also help to relieve some of your discomfort. Even ice packs can help you to feel better. However, if you have particularly large or problematic hemorrhoids, further treatment may be necessary. One option is a hemorrhoidectomy surgical procedure in which a doctor will remove the symptomatic hemorrhoids, which can help stop excessive bleeding and relieve discomfort. 

Knowing these facts about hemorrhoids, you can better deal with the situation if you ever have them.