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Learn More about Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid causes and hemorrhoid symptoms
Hemorrhoid causes
Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable condition that can be tied to a variety of factors. Hemorrhoids are often associated with a dietary deficiency in fiber. They can form when inner-abdominal pressure increases from straining during defecation or from lack of fecal bulk. Fortunately, this cause of hemorrhoids can easily be altered.
Hemorrhoids are also common during periods of hormonal stress and pregnancy in women. Pressure put on the anus during pregnancy and especially during delivery is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Liver disease can also cause increased pressure in the veins which can cause hemorrhoids. It is thought that these conditions lead to increased pressure in the hemorrhoid veins, thus causing them to swell. Hemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years.
Hemorrhoid symptoms
Some of the most common hemorrhoid symptoms include:
- Red blood on toilet paper or covering the stool after a bowel movement
- Swellings around the anal area
- Mucus discharge from the anus with or without itching
- Discomfort and tenderness on defecation
- Soft tissue protrudes from the anus with defecation and then retracts, with a prolapsing hemorrhoid.
In more detail, the symptoms of hemorrhoids are fairly straightforward. The most common complaint from internal hemorrhoids is painless bleeding. You will see bright red blood on the outside of your stool, on the toilet paper, or dripping into the toilet. The bleeding usually does not last long.
Hemorrhoids may lead to a condition called prolapsed hemorrhoids. This occurs when the internal hemorrhoids swell and then extend through the anus. You then can feel the hemorrhoids, at your anus, from the outside. Many times you can gently push the hemorrhoids back through the anus and solve the problem. If the hemorrhoids cannot be pushed back, then they may swell even more and become trapped outside of the anus. If your hemorrhoids become entrapped, then you will need to see a doctor.
Another hemorrhoid symptom is itching. You may develop itching in your anus from prolapsed hemorrhoids. This condition is called pruritus ani.
External hemorrhoids may form a painful condition called thrombosed hemorrhoids. When a blood clot occurs in a hemorrhoid, the hemorrhoid will become even more swollen. This swelling leads to increased pain. The pain is usually worse with bowel movements or sometimes with sitting. This too is a condition that may require a doctor's examination and treatment.
Learn More about Hemorrhoids

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