What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, better known as piles, are a common problem many of us go through during some stage in our lives. It is a common condition in both men and women. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum, causing you to suffer from irritating pain or itching in the anal area.

Hemorrhoids occur mostly during pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation, or diarrhea due to straining during a bowel movement. They tend to bleed when burst or when you put a lot of pressure on the veins. They can sometimes start looking like a protruding lump and can be very unsightly. Fortunately, there are treatments available to prevent and cure them.

There are two types of hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the anus while external hemorrhoids lie under the skin around the anus. By the age 50, many people would have had to deal with hemorrhoids, although it is believed not to be a precarious problem. When you see bright red blood on your stools, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, it is the sign of internal hemorrhoids.

According to physicians, there are four degrees of hemorrhoids:

First degree: Although there is no protrusion, there can be an irritating pain or itch in the anal area.

Second degree: The hemorrhoid sticks out from the anal only during bowel movements and then returns inside immediately after.

Third degree: Here the hemorrhoid sticks out from the anal canal, but sticks out less if manually reduced.

Fourth degree: The hemorrhoids permanently sticks out from the anal canal.

You can also reduce the pain and get relief by using some home treatments and also by making some changes in your lifestyle. By establishing healthy bowel habits, you may prevent your hemorrhoids from getting worse. The use of baby wipes or other pre-moistened towels after bowel movements are advised. You can also avoid rubbing the anal area and instead rinse off in the shower.

Hemorrhoid patients can now be treated with Infrared Coagulation (IRC) which is pain-free and takes just a few minutes. It is a non-surgical treatment that uses infrared light on hemorrhoid tissue, clotting the ‘feeder veins’ that provide blood to the hemorrhoids. You can stop putting yourself through the trauma of dealing with hemorrhoids and talk to Dr. Reese today on getting rid of this uncomfortable problem!



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