Let’s take a “fly-over” look at hemorrhoids today:

- Just what are they, anyway?

Hemorrhoids (sometimes called piles or lumps) are blood vessels in the rectum or around the anus that have become irritated, swollen, and thick. Inside the rectum they are called internal hemorrhoids and around the anus they are designated as external hemorrhoids.

- What causes them?

There are a variety of conditions that can cause hemorrhoids. The most common ones are constipation, straining to have a bowel movement, chronic diarrhea, obesity, pregnancy, aging, and lack of exercise.

- How do I know I have them?

Some folks who have hemorrhoids would answer this question by saying, “you’ll know…believe me, you’ll know!”. Others have symptoms that may be not quite so bothersome, but still annoying. The signs may include bulges or swelling around the anus, bleeding, itching, pain, burning, difficulty sitting still.

- Are they dangerous?

Typically they are not dangerous as much as they are a pain (you already know where!). However, if you experience a sudden onset of severe rectal pain, an internal hemorrhoid may have fallen through the anus and become squeezed and deprived of its blood supply (strangulated). This is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention.

- How are they treated?

Usually home-care aimed at symptom prevention and relief is adequate. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers (no aspirin though because it can cause bleeding), apply creams, or ointments designed for hemorrhoids, apply pads soaked with witch hazel, soak in a tub or pan of warm water for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.

- Can they be prevented?

Usually, yes. The most important thing you can do to prevent the formation of hemorrhoids (or worsening of those you already have) is to increase your intake of fiber. Fiber will keep the bowels moving so as to avoid constipation. Bowels that are “bound up” produce hard, dry fecal matter. Sharp edges irritate and cut delicate blood vessels causing bleeding hemorrhoids. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and take an over-the-counter fiber supplement to get your daily intake up to 25-30 grams per day. Drink extra water too.

- What is the most important thing to know?

Make sure that what you are calling hemorrhoids are actually hemorrhoids! Rectal bleeding is an extremely important symptom that should never be ignored. See your health care professional to make sure you’re not dealing with a situation far more serious than hemorrhoids!

- Finally, can hemorrhoids be cured for good?

YES!        You can Learn How    Right Here

External hemorrhoids are exactly what the name implies: they are on the outside. The outside of…what? Well, the outside of your body. They are connected to you though because they “grow out of” your anus (which you probably know is the medical term for the opening through which you move your bowels).

How do you know if you have external hemorrhoids? They typically have a bluish and lumpy appearance. Bowel movements can be painful, especially if you have become someone constipated (“bound up”). The sharp edges of the hard stool can cut into the hemorrhoids and make them bleed.

Itching sometimes occurs. This may be because you have not cleaned the anal area thoroughly after a bowel movement due to tenderness of the hemorrhoids. Piles can also cause a mucus-like discharge which can cause itching.

The hemorrhoids may also become swollen or create a sensation of pressure which can cause discomfort while sitting, or even walking.

Occasionally the hemorrhoid may develop a blood clot (thrombosis) which can cause a great deal of pain for several days. A thrombosed hemorrhoid may require medical treatment, but if the pain is manageable, at-home measures (warm soaks, over-the- counter creams) may be adequate.

The best way to deal with hemorrhoids is by making a few changes in your lifestyle.

• Increase your daily intake of fiber. Eat fruits, vegetables, and

whole grains. You need at least 30 grams of fiber everyday. A medium-sized apple has 5 grams, a cup of cole slaw has 4 grams, and a slice of whole wheat bread has 2 grams. If you have trouble reaching your fiber goal, ask the pharmacist at your drug store to show you the over-the-counter selections of high fiber products.

• Drink plenty of water and other beverages (preferably avoiding

those with high sugar or caffeine content…water is always best).

• Establish a regular time for bowel movements. This is one of the

ways to prevent constipation. Sit on the toilet for no longer than 10 minutes at a time though because more than that will make your hemorrhoids worse.

Take action today. Relief is on its way! RIGHT HERE and NOW