Introduction to hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that are found in the rectum or anus. The swelling is a result of strain during bowel movement. Pregnancy, chronic constipation and diarrhea also cause an increased pressure in the rectum resulting in hemorrhoids. There are two types of hemorrhoids, external and internal.
External Hemorrhoids:
External hemorrhoids like its name sake means that the hemorrhoid is located outside the anus. It feels like a small lump that is sensitive to the touch. An external hemorrhoid is usually itchy and irritating. It is also a lot more painful than internal hemorrhoids.
Internal Hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids usually do not hurt and they definitely do not hurt as much as an external hemorrhoid even when it does. They are found inside your rectum itself and may occasionally bleed. Because of this you may sometimes see blood on your toilet paper or in your toilet bowl after bowel movement.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:
The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are also detected easily because the main symptoms are irritation around the anus as well as painful swelling. There may also be sensitive lumps around the anus area. An odd itch inside your rectum is also a symptom of internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Prevention:
Having the right diet is the best prevention method for hemorrhoids. Drinking a lot of water helps soften the stool thus easing strain during bowel movement. Eating a lot of processed food is also unhealthy. Instead, in order to prevent hemorrhoids, add some fiber to your diet. Foods such as bran, fruits and vegetables (just to name a few) will help your chances to avoid hemorrhoids.
Certain toilet habits can also help hemorrhoid prevention. Reading in the toilet is an unhealthy habit because sitting on your toilet for a long time could cause straining. Because of this, try to get the ‘job’ done within 5 minutes without reading.
Moving around and exercising can also help prevent hemorrhoids. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, make an effort to get up