What are the causes and symptoms of external Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids, popularly known as ‘Piles,’ are enlarged or swollen blood vessels near the lower part of the rectum or anus. The inflamed veins are caused due to excessive pressure on the veins or extra strain during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are very common in men as well as women in their middle age. There are no major hemorrhoids – symptoms however these can be very painful and may cause severe itching and bleeding. What are the types of Hemorrhoids? There are various types of hemorrhoids that are classified based on the way they are caused: Internal hemorrhoids – In this type of condition, the swelling of the blood vessels is inside the rectum area. It may not cause discomfort however it may get painful during bowel movements and may cause bleeding. It may also at time protrude outside the anal opening and cause irritation. External hemorrhoids: In this condition, the swelling is around the skin of the anal area or the lower rectum area. It usually causes painful bowel movements and irritation due to itching. Thrombosed hemorrhoids: In this type of a situation there is generally a blood clot formation inside the hemorrhoid which is very distressing. What are the symptoms of external hemorrhoids? The external hemorrhoids – symptoms are: The bowel movements may not be very painful but contain blood every time you pass stool. It may even stain the tissue paper or undergarments. Severe and uncontrollable itching around the anal area. Intolerable pain in the rectum area during and after bowel movements. Discomfort while sitting or walking, along with pain and itching. Swelling of blood vessels in or around the anal fissure which may even protrude sometimes outside the anal opening. Lump in and around the anal area which is often sensitive, tender and painful may be a symptom of a thrombosed hemorrhoid. How is it caused? Every single person has hemorrhoids, it is only when they have swelling or inflammation it becomes troublesome and painful. The exact and precise cause for hemorrhoids is still not known. The increase in the pressure around the lower part of the rectum can cause swelling and inflammation in the blood vessels which may cause hemorrhoids and its symptoms. There are many other causes that lead to recurrent hemorrhoids which are: Strain or injury during bowel movements: This may happen due to constipation or pressure to pass the bowels. Diarrhea: It is also one of the causes of hemorrhoids. Chronic Constipation: The pressure put by the patient during constipation may lead to the swelling of the blood vessels. Injury to the spinal cord can also strain the veins leading to hemorrhoid formation. Pregnancy: Can lead to hemorrhoids as it tends to put pressure on the veins in the lower rectum area due to the enlarged uterus thereby causing swelling or inflammation. Sitting for prolonged periods in a place, plane, car or bus journey may put pressure on the lower rectum or anal area which may cause the blood vessels to get enlarged or swell thus leading to hemorrhoids. Irregular bowel movements: Can cause hemorrhoids due to strain or pressure during the bowel movements. Obesity can cause hemorrhoids Low fiber diet: Fiber in diet enables the smooth functioning of the digestive tract however low fiber may affect the smooth functioning of the digestive system which may lead to piles and enlarged veins in the rectum area. Inappropriate posture: Due to various reasons can lead to hemorrhoids as it may put pressure on the lower area of the rectum and anal opening. Family history: Many a times hemorrhoids are caused due to genetics as the person may have inherited it from his/her family. What are the treatment options? In most of cases of hemorrhoids, you can opt for self-treatment or home remedies as these aid in the problem going away. However, in the severe cases, medical intervention such as surgical procedures or medicines may be required for the person to recover fully. A medical intervention is the best way to manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids and nip the condition in the bud as soon as possible.

Home remedies to relieve pain and discomfort due to hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are also known as “piles” as they are swollen or inflamed veins in and around the anus region of the body that cause severe pain, along with distress and bleeding. The swelling is caused due to increased pressure around the area or due to an injury during a bowel movement. It is a very common condition that may occur in the middle ages for both men and women. However, there are numerous options available to treat it. Many people can get relief from hemorrhoids by following major lifestyle changes and precautions; in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Who is at risk of hemorrhoids? People in their 50s are generally likely to get hemorrhoids; otherwise, people who can be at risk are as follows: Pregnant women Obese people Constipation Those sitting for long periods on the toilet seat Those who have low fiber intake in their regular diet Those with an injury caused by a bowel movement What are the symptoms? The various symptoms of hemorrhoids are these: Painless bleeding during bowel movements Severe itching around the anus Discomfort and unbearable pain while sitting Swelling or inflammation around the anal region How is hemorrhoids diagnosed? Hemorrhoids are generally diagnosed by looking at it visually. The other ways to test and detect hemorrhoids include those listed here: Digital rectal examination : In this test, the doctor will first check the anus canal and rectum visually and then decide to go for the digital rectal examination. The doctor will use their finger with gloves and insert it in the rectum to feel any abnormalities or growths for identification of hemorrhoids. Sigmoidoscopy : It is a test done by the doctor when the internal hemorrhoids are difficult to diagnose as they are often soft to be felt during the rectal exam. Sigmoidoscopy is done using a small camera around the anal canal area or the lower part of the rectum. Colonoscopy : This is done by the doctor to detect hemorrhoids in cases when the patient is detected with some other digestive disorders, when there is a risk of colorectal cancer, or when the patient has been through colonoscopy recently. In this test, the patient is given medicines before the test to feel drowsy and relaxed. The doctor inserts the camera with a tube into the lower end of the rectum right up to the other end to be able to see the internal parts in the camera for a specific examination. What are some prevention measures for hemorrhoids? There are various ways to avoid getting hemorrhoids, which include these: Sufficient amount of water intake Regular exercise Fiber included in the diet Active life Avoiding constipation Eating moderate food that is easy to digest What are the home remedies to treat hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoid cures and treatment can also be done using popular home remedies, which are as mentioned: Eating fiber-rich food : The regular diet should include fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of liquids. This will help avoid acidity and will help in smooth digestion. This will also help avoid any injury to the blood vessels in the rectum area. Aloe vera : This is an incredible natural product that is beneficial to mankind in numerous ways, and it is also helpful in treating hemorrhoids. Application of aloe vera will help in reducing the irritation and itching in the rectum area. Sitz bath : This treatment is advised by the doctor to help the patient with hemorrhoids. It involves sitting in warm water for 15-20 minutes for 3-4 times a day to get relief from pain. Cleanliness : The physical practitioner will also give directives to keep the area clean and dry to avoid any further infections. Avoid perfumed or chemical-based products and keep the area dry as much as possible. Soothing wipes : Soft wet wipes can be used to clean and soothe the area from swelling. Stool softeners : In the form of liquids or tablets, these can be advised by the doctor to avoid constipation and help in easy and quick bowel movements, which will help in getting relief from pain. Cold compress : Ice packs or cold compresses to the rectum or anal area will help in relieving swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels. Witch hazel : This can be applied directly to the affected area to help reduce pain and itching.

The best treatment options for external hemorrhoids in the country Hemorrhoids is another name for piles. It is a group of swollen tissues in the channel area of the anus. It consists of blood vessels, tissues, and fibers that are mostly elastic in nature. Mostly due to our harried lifestyle and junk food habits, nowadays many people suffer from hemorrhoids, but the challenge is that the symptoms are not prominent and thus it goes untreated till the time it reaches an advanced level. Most of the citizens of the country are diagnosed with hemorrhoids or piles by the time they touch the age of 50. A doctor will be able to detect external hemorrhoid very conveniently and some of the probable hemorrhoid cures and treatments that they might advise will depend on the severity of the disease. What are some of the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids? Discomfort in and around the anus Blood in stool Pain during passing stool and the bowels seem full even after passing stool It is important to treat hemorrhoids without delay, as prolonged suffering from piles can lead to more complicated health problems. What are some lifestyle changes that can be adopted to help with hemorrhoids? The first step that required to take will be to remodel one’s lifestyle. At whatever stage piles might be, leading a controlled and balanced diet will be the most important requirement. Some important things to consider are these: Eating fibrous food Exercising regularly Checking one’s weight Being hygienic Taking warm baths to get relief from pain What are some of the common hemorrhoid medications? If the pain is not severe and the hemorrhoids are in the early stage, the doctor will prescribe medicines like lotions, emulsions, or pads. These relieve the irritation and pain for the time being. However, these are not to be used for a prolonged span of time. There are many over-the-counter medications available that can be bought online also. If the pain doesn’t subside within 7 days, it is imperative to visit a doctor. What are the various surgical options available to treat hemorrhoids? For a permanent solution, surgery is the option; however, the criticality and the techniques vary depending on the severity of a case. Some of the commonly recommended surgical options are as listed: Rubberbanding : In the process of ligation, the doctor places one or two small elastic bands surrounding the base of hemorrhoid. This cuts of the circulation of blood supply. Within 7 days, hemorrhoid weakens and shells off. Though this has proved effective for most people, some have found it to be painful. Symptoms like bleeding may start showing within two to four days of the process, and the doctor must be consulted without any delay in such a scenario. Sclerotherapy : In this procedure, the doctor will inject a medical solution, which in turn causes hemorrhoids to shrink in size. As it’s not painful, it can be used as an alternative to rubberbanding, but the latter is more effective. Laser or ultraviolet coagulation : In this procedure, infrared is used to kill the hemorrhoids. During the process, the hemorrhoid tissues get burned as they are exposed to the infrared light or heat. This might cause slight bleeding but is an effective way to shrink hemorrhoids. Removal of hemorrhoid : This is the most effective and complicated process of hemorrhoid cures and treatment. In this procedure, the doctor removes hemorrhoid from the body and thus it is the fastest permanent solution. However, it requires applying of anesthesia, either local or spinal, along with other sedation, and causes pain post surgery. Since a doctor will need to remove excess blood vessels from the body, sedation is compulsory. Regarding the post-surgery symptoms, like infection, burning sensation, or discomfort in movements, they last for a few days and can be treated with mild medications. This surgical procedure is known as hemorrhoidectomy. Stapling the hemorrhoids : In this surgical process, known as the stapled hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidopexy, the doctor will stop the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid tissue. Though this process is less painful and less complicated as compared to hemorrhoidectomy, it is not a fool-proof solution. Chances of recurrence remain, as the excess tissues are not completely removed from the body. Post-surgery problems like bleeding and urinary tract infection have been observed in this case also. While this article speaks about the general hemorrhoid cures and treatments, a doctor will be the best to judge which procedure suits a patient the best.

An overview of chronic hives Hives, also called urticaria, are an outbreak of pale and swollen plaques or red bumps on the skin. These are also called wheals on the skin and they tend to appear all of a sudden. Hives are either caused because of the body’s reaction to specific allergens or other unknown reasons. Generally, they cause itching and might also sting and burn. Hives can appear almost anywhere on the human body like the throat, lips, face, ears, and tongue. These red bumps on the skin vary in their size. They can be as small as an eraser and as large as a plate. They can even join together for forming large patches called plaques. Urticaria can last for several hours and even for days before fading. These itchy welts appear and fade repeatedly with the skin reaction running its course. This health condition becomes chronic hives when these plaques or bumps on the skin appear for over six weeks and keep re-occurring over months and even years. Most of the time the cause of this chronic condition is not very clear. However, the condition can be quite uncomfortable and can even interfere with regular activities and sleep. Anti-itch medicines and antihistamines tend to be good relievers for this condition. Below is some information about the symptoms of hives, its causes, and more. What are the symptoms of chronic urticaria? Viewing pictures of hives rash can help in knowing if you are suffering from hives. The signs and symptoms of chronic urticaria can last anywhere from a few minutes to several months and even years. While they generally resemble big bites, these welts can be very different in a number of ways. Some of the symptoms of chronic urticaria are: Welts varying in size and changing shape. These appear and fade on a repeated basis with the reaction running its course. Patches of skin-colored or red welts or wheals that appear almost anywhere on the human body. Painful inflammation or swelling of the eyelids, lips, and the interior of the throat. This is called angioedema. Severe itching A tendency of the symptoms and the signs flaring with triggers like exercise, stress, and heat. Pressing the center of the red bump makes it turn white, this is called blanching. The symptoms tend to persist for several months and to re-occur unpredictably and frequently, sometimes for months and even years. What are the causes of urticaria? The cause of chronic urticaria is difficult to determine and, in most cases, it might be impossible. However, there are cases where the main cause might be hepatitis, cancer, infection, or thyroid disease. The red bumps appear because of the condition and arise when specific cells release histamine and various other chemicals into the bloodstream of the sufferer. The pressure exerted on the skin by wearing a tight waistband or by anything else can also be the cause of urticaria. Foods like eggs, nuts, shellfish, and peanuts might trigger this condition. Pain medicines like ibuprofen, penicillin, and antibiotics can cause chronic urticaria. Bacterial infections like strep throat and urinary tract infections can cause chronic hives. Additionally, latex; pollen; pet dander; physical stimuli like cold, pressure, sun exposure, and heat; insect stings and bites; blood transfusions; certain plants like poison ivy and poison oak and viral infections like infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and the common cold can lead to hives. How to manage chronic urticaria? Avoiding known triggers is the best way to manage and treat chronic hives. Seeing an allergy specialist who can look for the triggers and suggest the right medicines can also help in preventing the condition. Cool compresses for relieving the itching can help in managing this condition. What are the medical treatments for urticaria? Medical treatments for hives include: Use of antihistamines for reducing itchiness Use of steroid tablets like prednisone Using calamine lotion Making use of diphenhydramine like Benadryl Visiting the dermatologist for persistent or severe urticaria might be recommended