What are and how do you get hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They can be external, meaning they protrude from the anus, or internal, meaning they remain inside the rectum.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, including:
* Chronic constipation: Straining to have a bowel movement can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell.
* Diarrhea: Diarrhea can cause the skin around the anus to become irritated, which can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
* Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy can cause the veins in the rectum and anus to swell.
* Obesity: Obesity can put extra pressure on the veins in the abdomen, which can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
* Aging: The muscles and tissues around the rectum and anus can weaken with age, which can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
How to get hemorrhoids:
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, including:
* Eat a high-fiber diet: Eating a diet rich in fiber can help to keep your stools soft and easy to pass, which can reduce the risk of straining and developing hemorrhoids.
* Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep your stools soft and prevent constipation.
* Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to improve your circulation and reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
* Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can help to reduce the pressure on the veins in the abdomen and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
* Avoid straining: Straining to have a bowel movement can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, so it's important to avoid this.
* Use a stool softener or laxative: If you have constipation, you may want to use a stool softener or laxative to help soften your stools and make them easier to pass.
If you develop hemorrhoids, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort, including:
* Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories: These products can help to relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
* Sitz baths: Sitz baths can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
* Rubber band ligation: This is a procedure in which a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to shrink and fall off.
* Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure in which a solution is injected into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
* Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove severe hemorrhoids.