About Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.

 

How common are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About 50% of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives

 

Are there various types of hemorrhoids?

Yes, there are two: Internal hemorrhoids or External hemorrhoids. Internal and external hemorrhoids differ based on where they originate - inside the back passage(internal), or around the edge of the entrance to the area(external). Many people may experience a combination of both types of hemorrhoids.

 

Causes of hemorrhoids

Dry, hard-to-pass stool (constipation) is a major cause of hemorrhoids. Sitting or standing for long periods can also be a factor. Other causes include heavy lifting, lack of exercise, too much strenuous exercise, chronic cough, poor bowel habits (such as straining to pass stool or sitting on the toilet for long periods of time), and anal intercourse. Many women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

 

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include anal itching, anal ache or pain, especially while sitting, bright red blood on toilet tissue, painless rectal bleeding, pain during bowel movements and/or one or more hard tender lumps near the anus.

The severity of hemorrhoids can reach a point where surgery may be the only option.
It is for this reason that IRC is a great course of treatment, because it cures the problem before surgery is the only option.

 

How to tell If it’s hemorrhoids?

If you have the above mentioned symptoms most likely you have hemorrhoids. In spite of that, it is still advisable to seek the help of our medical doctor since the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids could be similar to other more dangerous medical conditions (ex: cancer or polyps)