While the subject of hemorrhoids is embarrassing and often avoided, it is estimated that most Americans, both male and female, will experience hemorrhoids at least once in their lives. Hemorrhoids can develop at any age, but the incidence increases after age 30. About half of people older than age 50 have had hemorrhoids at some time in their life.

Hemorrhoids are veins on or around the anus. Most people perceive hemorrhoids as "abnormal", but they are actually present in everyone. It is only when the hemorrhoid vein walls have weakened, allowing blood to pool, that hemorrhoids can cause problems and begin to expand and enlarge. Bleeding hemorrhoids may occur if the weakened veins burst, resulting in the presence of blood during and after bowel movements.  It is important to note, however, that blood in your stool can be a sign of a serious medical condition and should be treated by a trained medical professional immediately.

For some, hemorrhoids may just be a mild discomfort. For others, they can be accompanied by extreme pain and swelling making normal daily activity vitually impossible. In the extreme case, the pain can be excruciating making it difficult to lay down, sleep or stand.

Most medical professionals will classify hemorrhoids as either "internal" or "external" in nature.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal Hemorrhoids can be manifest as a single bump or multiple Hemorrhoids. The swollen or dilated blood vessels can protrude for the intestinal wall and remain undetected for some time. In some cases they only manifest themselves through an exam, or through bleeding during bowel movements. Many people will not experience any pain associated with internal Hemorrhoids. However, they can be become painful if they are continually pressed on by the anal muscles. Occassionally, you may see mucus produced by an internal hemorrhoid.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are technically the same as internal hemorrhoids. The obvious difference is location on the exterior of the anal cavity. The other difference relates to the symptoms of external hemorrhoids in comparison to the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. Typical symptoms include:

• Pain and itching
• Swelling around the anus
• A protruding bump

Sometimes blood clotting occurs resulting in severe pain, swelling and inflammation. This is often referred as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Both internal and external hemorrhoids may require a doctor's examination and treatment.

There are several causes that can contribute to Hemorrhoids and it is quite common that those afflicted can suffer from more than one cause. Combined factors can increase the intensity or frequency of occurrences. Most causes are related to circulatory and colon health. Proper diet and exercise is the best preventative and long term solution. However, here is no cure for Hemorrhoids. Surgery is definitely not a cure. Also, many of the popular creams, ointments and suppositories only offer temporary relief and many actually prolong the agony of Hemorrhoids.

Common Hemorrhoid Causes

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Besides the hemorrhoids symptoms mentioned, symptoms can be multifold. Bleeding, seepage, or blood present in the stools may be the first signs that something is not right. Any pain in the anal area is an area for concern and should at least start with self-examination. Should you find anything like a bump or protrusion in the anal area, you probably have your confirmation. Backing that up with a visit to your doctor would be prudent. Be sure to share with him or her any additional information starting with the quality of your bowel movements and daily frequency. Let them know the area of discomfort and associated symptoms. Be certain to share any medications you are taking or over the counter items such as stool softeners. All aspects of your diet, lifestyle, and bathroom habits should be discussed in your visit.

External hemorrhoids can be quickly diagnosed simply by looking at the condition. Internal hemorrhoids, can easily be confused with anal fissures, polyps, and even colon cancer. A correct diagnosis usually requires the insertion of a rubber-gloved finger into your rectum. Your doctor may also examine the lower portion of your colon and rectum with an anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope. These technologies use lighted tubes that allow your doctor to see into your anus and rectum. Your doctor may want to do a more extensive examination of your entire colon using colonoscopy.   

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References

1. Stelzner M (2001). Hemorrhoids section of Anorectal problems. In DC Lynge et al.,20 Common Problems: Surgical Problems and Procedures in Primary Care, pp. 112–127. New York: McGraw-Hill.

American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology, 126(5): 1463–1473.

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There are a multitude of hemorrhoid treatment options from homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, surgical options, topical ointments, and cryogenic devices.

What is the best treatment option? Is there a cure?

In today's economy, many have lost health benefits and can't afford a surgical procedure. Some types of surgery cost upwards of $10,000. For many others, they have become disgruntled with their primary health provider. For whatever reason, often doctors do not have the understanding of how painful and debilitating hemorrhoids can be. Believe it or not, hemorrhoids in extreme cases can actually be deadly. People have required life-saving blood transfusions in cases of severe blood loss from bleeding hemorrhoids.

The most extreme cases of hemorrhoids stem from what is called prolapsed hemorrhoids. These hemorrhoids have grown to the point where they are an external appendage and cause great discomfort. Many suffering with prolapsed hemorrhoids are recommended by their doctor to consider a surgical approach to their suffering. However, there is currently no known cure for hemorrhoids, and docotor's will not guarantee that your hemorrhoids will not return. If this is the condition you are suffering with and you have seen a doctor, he may be recommending one of the following options:

• rubber band ligation or ‘banding'.
• Scierotherapy, the process where a doctor injects a chemical into your hemorrhoids. The injected chemical obstructs the flow of blood and causes the Hemorrhoid to shrink until it falls off.
• Coagulation, use such technologies as laser therapy, or electrical current, and may also involve the use of infrared light to burn away the Hemorrhoid.
• Hemorrhoidectomy, involves removing the hemorrhoid surgically while under local or a general anesthetic.

Creams and Ointments

Running to your local pharmacy to purchase all the latest and greatest creams and ointments may seem like the best place to start, but be aware that many of the most common ointments, creams and suppositories do little to help and many may prolong the healing. Short term relief for long term agony may be the trade-off with some of the topical options for easing your hemorrhoid symptoms.

Natural Remedies

There are several effective natural treatments available today that are significantly less expensive options to perscriptions and will provide long term relief.

More Americans than ever are looking to the natural or herbal approach to their health issues and general well-being. Before the advent of modern medicine, herbs were widely used for treating all kinds of afflictions. Some are very common, and yet other herbs are more obscure but have shown to hold tremendous merit. The natural products industry has benefited and risen to the call from people seeking better solutions to their health problems or just for improving overall health. 

We have researched a multitude of products available in the U.S. and Europe for the best herbal approach to Hemorrhoids. All the herbal ingredients present in any formula should address strengthening the vascular system. The proper herbal combination should address the weakened state of the vein(s). Without question the most effective product had Witchazel (or Witch Hazel) as a primary ingredient. This herb has a long tradition of use to treat multiple circulatory conditions including hemorrhoids. Witchazel is known to help Hemorrhoids externally when used as a liquid extract, but is also effective for both internal and external conditions when taken orally; however, proper preparation and usage is essential.

Hemorrhoid Treatments Reviewed
Advanced Health Choices has researched the marketplace to help visitors select the best treatment solution for their Hemorrhoids. Click here to review products that met all of our criteria - fast acting, no irritation, no harmful side effects, and excellent results. All of these products were extremely effective at eliminating hemorrhoids, and preventing future occurrences.

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Establishing healthy bowel habits, may prevent future hemorrhoids from developing and should keep your existing hemorrhoids from getting worse.

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more. If you need to use a nonprescription pain reliever, choose one that is not an NSAID, such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol).