What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus, which sometimes occur outside the anus and can be seen (external type); at other times they occur inside the rectum and cannot be seen (internal type). Hemorrhoids are probably the most common cause of visible blood in the digestive tract, especially blood that appears bright red.
What causes hemorrhoids?
There are many contributing factors related to hemorrhoids: straining to have a bowel movement; passing hard, dry stools (constipation); sitting for long periods of time; having frequent diarrhea stools, and pregnancy (the pressure it puts on the bowel). Others include diet, overuse of laxatives, inflammation or infection of the rectal area, heredity and other conditions of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are a very common problem. People between the ages of 20 and 50 experience the largest number of symptoms from hemorrhoids. |
Do you have hemorrhoids? Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:
- Rectal/Anal Pain
- Itching
- Bleeding with bowel movements or wiping
- Bulge sensation
Hemorrhoids inside the rectal opening are usually painless, but often bleed. Straining to have a bowel movement can aggravate the problem. Other symptoms include increased moisture or itching around the rectum, or finding a small bulge that is very tender to the touch outside the rectum. |
