Hemorrhoids are sometimes called "piles.
" They consist of inflamed veins in the anus and the rectum.
Specifically, the term "hemorrhoid" refers to areas of inflamed, blood vessel filled tissue where the anus and the rectum meet.
In common usage, however, the word refers to varicose veins of the rectal and anal areas.
The two main types of hemorrhoids are internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids are often painless, because this area does not have pain receptors.
People with internal hemorrhoids may not even know they have them unless they experience bleeding.
If internal hemorrhoids are left untreated, however, there can be complications such as strangulated and prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are those that have been pushed outside the body.
With prolapsed hemorrhoids, spasms of the anal sphincter can trap the hemorrhoid outside the body and cut off its blood supply.
This is called a strangulated hemorrhoid.
External hemorrhoids often hurt, and are usually accompanied by swelling and irritation.
Itching associated with hemorrhoids is often due to skin irritation and not the hemorrhoid itself.
External hemorrhoids are likely to develop blood clots.
Development of blood clots is called thrombosis.
Causes of hemorrhoids vary, and include straining during bowel movements, prolonged periods of sitting, and chronic constipation.
People who have hypertension of the hepatic portal vein often have hemorrhoids because of connections between capillaries of the hepatic portal vein and the vena cava in the wall of the rectum.
Other causes of hemorrhoids include poor muscle tone, poor posture, and obesity, all of which result in excess pressure on the rectal veins.
Pregnant women sometimes experience hemorrhoids for the first time as their pregnancy progresses.
Poor dietary habits, including inadequate fiber intake, excessive consumption of dairy products, and insufficient intake of vitamin E can make digestive conditions more favorable for hemorrhoid development, as can inadequate consumption of water.
Prevention of hemorrhoids is not so much connected to specific practices as it is to promotion of overall health.
Measures like ensuring adequate water intake, adequate fiber intake, regular exercise, and improved posture benefit overall health and make conditions less favorable for development of hemorrhoids.
Regular and sufficient hygiene also contributes to prevention of hemorrhoids, as does avoidance of overly tight clothing or underwear.
There are numerous treatments that have been proposed for hemorrhoids, and they vary widely from culture to culture.
Some treatments are simple and non-intrusive, while some treatments are intrusive and painful.
Hydrotherapy, cold compresses, pain relievers are three simple measures.
There are also numerous topical treatments such as witch hazel, phenylephrine, and ointments consisting of combinations of ingredients.
Hemorrhoids that are severe, however, may require surgical treatment.