Hemmroids, most commonly known as Hemorrhoids (the proper term) are abnormally large sacs of varicose veins, tissue and mucous membranes in the rectum. Hemmroids is also one of the most common anorectal disorders affecting approximately 5% of the entire population. So that's about 336 million people suffering from hemmroids as of September 2008.

Hemmroid's most common symptoms are : Presence of blood in the stool, Feeling of obstruction caused by swollen veins in the anus, Protruding lumps hanging from the anus, Itching and inflammation around the anus.

Hemmroid causes : includes long periods of sitting or standing, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation which resulted from poor eating habits and diet. Hemmroids often develop during pregnancy because of the pressure the fetus exerts in the abdominal area, as well as the hormonal changes that cause the veins to enlarge. Stress is another cause of hemmroid.

Hemmroid Diagnosis/Test : It is diagnosed based on a rectal examination. To diagnose internal hemmroids, the doctor will insert an anoscope , a thin, lighted tube to view the lower rectum. A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may also be performed to examine the inside of the colon and rule out any other causes of bleeding.


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Causes of Hemmroids

causes of hemmroids picExactly what causes hemmroids are unknown, but we do know that hemmroids are usually caused by increased pressure in the anus. The upright posture of humans alone forces a great deal of pressure on the anus, which sometimes makes them to bulge.

Other causes of hemmroids includes:

o Sitting in one place to often
o Straining while moving bowels (from constipation or hard stools). This is the most common cause.
o Excessive rubbing, or cleaning around the anus
o Diarrhea
o Sitting on the toilet too long
o Severe coughing
o Childbirth
o Lifting heavy objects
o Anal infection

Other contributing factors that causes hemmroids are:

o Aging
o Chronic diarrhea or constipation
o Pregnancy
o Misfortune of Heredity
o Frequent use of laxatives or enemas resulting in faulty bowel function
o Straining during bowel movements
o Too much reading on the toilet

Whatever the causes of hemmroids, the bottom line is the tissues are stretched. As a result, the veins dilate; and the vein walls become thin and bleed. If the pressure continues to stretch, they become weakened and protrude out of the anus. Hemmroids are also very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth

Hemmroids are one of the most common ailments known. More than half the population will develop hemmroids, usually after age 30. The average person suffers in silence for a long period before seeking medical care. Today's hemmroid treatment methods make some types of hemmroid removal much less painful.

Often described as "varicose veins of the anus and rectum", hemmroids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum. There are two types of
hemmroids: external hemmroid and internal hemmroid, which refer to their location.

o External (outside) hemmroids develop near the anus and are covered by very sensitive skin. These are usually painless. However, if a blood clot (thrombosis) develops in an external hemmroid, it becomes a painful, hard lump. The external hemmroid may bleed if it ruptures.

o Internal (inside) hemmroids develop within the anus beneath the lining. Painless bleeding and protrusion during bowel movements are the most common internal hemmroid symptom. However, an internal hemmroid can cause severe pain if it is completely "prolapsed" protrudes from the anal opening and cannot be pushed back inside.

What are Hemmroids Symptoms

If you notice any of the following, you could have hemmroids:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Protrusion during bowel movements
• Itching in the anal area
• Pain
• Sensitive lump(s)

Hemmroid Treatment

Mild symptoms can be relieved frequently by increasing the amount of fiber and fluids in the diet. Eliminating excessive straining reduces the pressure on hemmroids and helps prevent them from protruding.

However, probably 95% of patients with hemmroid trouble can be treated without hemmroid surgery. The principles of non-operative treatment of hemmroids are:

• A high fiber diet or taking a fiber supplement
• Having soft, formed bowel movements
• Avoid sitting on the toilet beyond the time needed for each bowel movement (Do not read or watch TV on the toilet. If you did not really need to go or are not sure if you’re done, get up and come back if needed)
• Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper if you have pain, itching or irritation
• A sitz bath - sitting in plain warm water for about 10 minutes - can also provide some relief .

With these measures, the pain and swelling of most symptomatic hameriods will decrease in two to seven days, and the firm lump should recede within four to six weeks. In cases of severe or persistent pain from a thrombosed hemmroid, your physician may elect to remove the hemmroid containing the clot with a small incision. Performed under local anesthesia as an
outtpatient, this procedure generally provides relief.

Severe hemmroids may require special treatment, much of which can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Ligation – the rubber band treatment - works effectively on internal hemmroids that protrude with bowel movements. A small rubber band is placed over the hemmroid, cutting off its blood supply. The hemmroid and the band fall off in a few days and the wound usually heals in a week or two. This procedure sometimes produces mild discomfort and bleeding and may need to be repeated for a full effect.

• Injection and Coagulation can also be used on bleeding hemmroids that do not protrude. Both methods are relatively painless and cause the hemmroid to shrivel up.

Hemmroid stapling – this is a technique that uses a special device to internally staple and excise internal hemmroidal tissue. The stapling method may lead to shrinkage of but does not remove external hemmroids. This procedure is generally more painful that rubber band ligation and less painful than hemorroidectomy.

Hemmroidectomy – surgery to remove the hemmroids - is the most complete method for removal of internal and external hemmroids. It is necessary when (1) clots repeatedly form in external hemmroids; (2) ligation fails to treat internal hemmroids; (3) the protruding hemeoriods cannot be reduced; or (4) there is persistent bleeding. A hemmroidectomy removes excessive tissue that causes the bleeding and protrusion. It is done under anesthesia using either sutures or staplers, and may, depending upon circumstances, require hospitalization and a period of inactivity. Laser hemmroidectomies do not offer any advantage over standard operative techniques. They are also quite expensive, and contrary to popular belief, are no less painful.

And in order for your hemeroid to keep it from coming back, you should try to avoid what causes of your hemmriods. But you should have to consult your doctor if hemmroid conditions becomes worse.

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