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Hemorrhoids can be described as masses or clumps ("cushions") of tissue within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and the surrounding, supporting tissue made up of muscle and elastic fibers. The anal canal is the last four centimeters through which stool passes as it goes from the rectum to the outside world. The anus is the opening of the anal canal to the outside world.

Although most people think hemorrhoids are abnormal, they are present in everyone. It is only when the hemorrhoidal cushions enlarge that hemorrhoids can cause problems and be considered abnormal or a disease.

Hemorrhoid causes and how to prevent Hemorrhoids -

It is not known why hemorrhoids enlarge. There are several theories about hemorrhoid cause, including inadequate intake of fiber, prolonged sitting on the toilet, and chronic straining to have a bowel movement (constipation). None of these theories has strong experimental support. Pregnancy is a clear cause of enlarged hemorrhoids though, again, the reason is not clear. Tumors in the pelvis also cause enlargement of hemorrhoids by pressing on veins draining upwards from the anal canal.

One theory proposes that it is the shearing (pulling) force of stool, particularly hard stool, passing through the anal canal that drags the hemorrhoidal cushions downward. Another theory suggests that with age or an aggravating condition, the supporting tissue that is responsible for anchoring the hemorrhoids to the underlying muscle of the anal canal deteriorates. With time, the hemorrhoidal tissue loses its mooring and slides down into the anal canal.

The most common causes of hemorrhoids include:

habitually straining (due to constipation)
diarrhea
coughing
sneezing
vomiting
prolonged sitting
pregnancy (pressure on the lower abdomen caused by the uterus)
sedentary lifestyle
eating a low-fiber diet
overweight
standing or lifting too much
cirrhosis of the liver
anal intercourse
anal or rectal infection
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

There are two types of nerves in the anal canal, visceral nerves (above the dentate line) and somatic nerves (below the dentate line). The somatic (skin) nerves are like the nerves of the skin and are capable of sensing pain. The visceral nerves are like the nerves of the intestines and do not sense pain, only pressure. Therefore, internal hemorrhoids, which are above the dentate line, usually are painless.

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

small amount of blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after wiping
incomplete bowel movements
rectal itching
soft lump felt at the anal opening
Treatment of Hemorrhoids:

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is initially aimed at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:

warm tub or sits baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
ice packs to help reduce swelling
application of petroleum jelly, cortisone creams, hemorrhoidal cream or suppositories to the affected area
wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing
cleaning the anus after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads
taking acetaminophen or aspirin

Source: healthscout.com

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