Hemorrhoids and Ways to Alleviate the Discomfort

Most people have heard of hemorrhoids, or "piles," but there is some confusion about what they actually are.
In common usage, the word hemorrhoid is used to refer to varicose veins in the rectum and anus.
Technically, it refers to cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels located where the anus and the rectum meet.
It's difficult to impossible to attribute the cause of hemorrhoids to any one thing.
They can be caused by constipation, straining during bowel movements, and sometimes long periods of sitting down.
Hypertension is a predisposing factor, particularly hypertension of the hepatic portal vein.
The capillaries of the hepatic portal vein and the vena cava connect in the wall of the rectum, which is why hypertension of the hepatic portal vein predisposes people to hemorrhoids.
Sometimes pregnant women experience hemorrhoids as their pregnancy progresses.
Excessive intake of dairy products can result in excess lactic acid in the stool and can promote development of hemorrhoids.
Often reduction or elimination of dairy products can help significantly.
Adequate intake of vitamin E can help prevent development of hemorrhoids, but excessive consumption of vitamin E can cause other problems, so mega-doses of vitamin E should be avoided.
Hemorrhoids may be internal or external.
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and are only noticed if there is bleeding.
Internal hemorrhoids can become prolapsed, or projected outside the anal opening.
If this occurs, then spasms of the anal sphincter can strangulate the hemorrhoid.
External hemorrhoids can be painful, and are often accompanied by itching, irritation, and swelling.
External hemorrhoids are more likely to develop blood clots.
This process is called thrombosis.
When it comes to hemorrhoids, prevention consists of basic practices of healthy living, including regular exercise, sufficient water intake, consuming enough fiber, and better posture.
Some hemorrhoid experts think that wearing tight fitting clothing and underwear can irritate tissues that are prone to hemorrhoids.
Regular and adequate hygiene also contribute to the prevention of hemorrhoids.
Treatment for hemorrhoids varies from simple to complex, and from topical to invasive.
Cold compresses and hydrotherapy are common, as are topical vasoconstrictors like phenylephrine and astringents like witch hazel.
Severe hemorrhoids sometimes require surgery for relief.