What is hemorrhoids or piles actually? What are the cause for it?

How to prevent it and i have seen lot of people struggle with that disease. More importantly i want to know is that hereditary and a permanent one.. Thanks a lot for your replies…

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Hemorrhoids — Randy Carlson @ 1:01 am

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  1. What are hemorrhoids?

    The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.

    Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.

    Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus—internal—or under the skin around the anus—external.

    What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

    Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

    Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

    Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

    Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

    In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

    How common are hemorrhoids?

    Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

    How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

    A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

    The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.

    Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

    Illustration reprinted with permission from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Artist: Russell K. Pearl, M.D. (http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/images/Hemorrhoid.gif)

    To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon, or sigmoid, with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.

    What is the treatment?

    Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include
    > tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
    > application of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time

    Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid—not alcohol—result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

    Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

    In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.

    A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include

    Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.

    Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.

    Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.

    Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require

    Comment by Pankaj Debbarma — November 24, 2009 @ 1:01 am
  2. hemorrhoids or piles are nothing but distended veins in the rectum and anus. they get engorged and therefore lead to pain while defecating and/or bleeding. the major cause for piles is constipation. the people who get hard stools often develop hemorrhoids in their lifetime. also lack of fiber in diet leads to constipation and piles. excess spicy food is seen to worsen the condition.
    homeopathic medicines are said to cure hemorrhoids permanently. they relieve the inner swelling and distended veins and impart relief. with apt diet, exercise, drinking enough water, and right homeopathy medicines, you can get rid of piles permanently. you can contact reputed online doctors like those at http://www.drshreya.com and seek their expertise if you find any such cases.

    Comment by Aparna — November 24, 2009 @ 1:01 am
  3. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins at the edge of anal canal(external) or inside of the anal canal (internal). Excessive straining while passing stools thereby increasing the abdominal pressure making the dilated veins to protude through the anal canal. There are not hereditary.
    Prevention: Avoid constipation by taking high fibe containg diet,vegetables,fruits, whole grain and drink pleanty of fluids, over the counter stool softner. Donot strain while passing motion. Clean with wet swabs or pads to prevent rubbing. The permanent cure for piles which are inflammed or painful is by banding with rubber band, surgery, coagulation with infrared rays. These are curative

    Comment by seshu — November 24, 2009 @ 1:01 am
  4. Firstly, hemroids are akin to, but not the same as, varicose veins and hemroids only occur in the anal region - enlarged, dilated veins of the hemorrhoidal plexuses .
    The veins in this area of your body are quite flexible and stretchable to coexist with the bowel expanding and contracting. This is why a hemroid can only occur in this area of the body .

    You can prevent them through proper diet and changing the lifestyle. Hemorrhoid is neither hereditary nor permanent.

    Comment by AKA_SH N — November 24, 2009 @ 1:01 am

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