It doesn’t really matter how you spell it, hemorrhoids hurt! Many times people suffer quietly, not really knowing where to turn or which medications to use to find relief.

So what exactly are hemroids? Hemorrhoids are abnormally swollen veins in the rectum and anus. They are much like varicose veins you might see on a person’s legs.

Internal hemorrhoids occur when one or more of the blood vessel sacs inside the rectum become swollen and inflamed. Because of the difficulty in detecting internal hemorrhoids, they are often very difficult to diagnose. They usually do not cause pain because there are no pain receptor located in that area. They may, however, bleed when irritated. Usually no mass can be felt in internal hemroids, unless the hemroids have prolapsed through the anus. This condition is called prolapsed internal hemroids.

External hemorrhoids are under the skin around your anus. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. the swelling and itching cause discomfort and pain. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus), resulting in severe pain, swelling and inflammation.

The causes of hemorrhoids may include constipation, chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, postponing bowel movements, and fiber-deprived diet. Genetics may also play a part in the development of hemroids. Hard stools and constipation can be caused by not drinking enough fluids during the day. Hard stool can irritate the hemmorhoids. Drinking too much of diuretic liquids such as coffee or cokes can cause this. An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of milk products such as cheese, can cause irritation and a reduction of consumption can bring relief.

Additional factors that can cause hemorrhoids, for those with a genetic predisposition, are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Non surgical treatment of hemorrhoids is always preferable but in extreme cases surgery may be necesary.

As with most ailments, the best treatment is prevention.

They include:

Tub baths or Sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes

Application of a hemorroidal cream

Suppositories placed in the rectum

The surgical options for removal of hemorrhoids include:

Rubber band ligation - A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. Cutting off blood circulation causes the hemmorhoid to wither away within days.

Sclerotherapy - A chemical solution injected around the blood vessel shrinks the hemorrhoid.

Infrared coagulation - Hemorrhoidal tissue is burned with a special device.

Hemorrhoidectomy may be required in severe cases. The hemorrhoid is removed surgically.

Constipation causes straining which puts pressure on the blood veins in the rectum causing the recurrence of hemorrhoids. To prevent this you need to prevent constipation. Doctors often recommend a high fiber diet and increased consumption of non alcoholic fluids. Drinking six to eight glasses of water and eating the right amount of fiber results in a softer, bulkier stool. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminate straining to eliminate the hemmorhoids from protruding.