In medical terms, hemorrhoids are referred to as swollen veins in the rectal area and in common terms they are referred to as piles.
It's a very common condition affecting many people of various ages, both men and women are affected, but women more so due to pregnancy and childbirth.
a Those in their forties are entering the risk category with the risks increasing until the early seventies.
There is also an increased tendency towards developing piles if there is a family history of the condition.
The most common causes of hemorrhoids include spending excess time on the toilet and extra pressure caused by constipation, obesity, sitting or standing too long in the same position, excessive diarrhea and heavy lifting.
There are two basic types of hemorrhoids which are known as internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
They share some, but not all, of the same symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids often don't have any symptoms except the presence of blood on the stools or on toilet paper in more advanced stages.
Internal hemorrhoids can at times bulge outside the rectum.
This called a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can usually be gently pushed back inside if it does not do so on its own, unless it has reached a very advanced stage.
External hemorrhoids on the other hand nearly always exhibit additional symptoms due the sensitive tissue being exposed.
These symptoms include an itchy burning feeling and sometimes pain.
In the worst cases, a clot will form in the hemorrhoids causing extreme pain.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.
Also, a person can suffer simultaneously from internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
The remedies vary from simple to complicated, just as the symptoms do.
Some common sense remedies include trying not to engage in the activity that is likely to be a contributing factor.
Avoid heavy lifting and sitting in the same position for too long.
Overall good health is a factor.
Exercise, weight control, plenty of water and a fiber rich diet all help.
If you are prone to constipation try not to strain for long periods of time or even to sit on the toilet too long.
There are many over the counter hemorrhoid treatments as well as natural hemorrhoid remedies that can offer hemorrhoid relief and promote a hemorrhoid cure.
Instead of toilet paper after a bowel movement try medicated anal wipes or wipes that contain aloe.
Also, pads soaked in witch hazel are readily available and can be good for fast hemorrhoid relief at home.
You can also search the internet for reviews on natural hemorrhoid remedies.
If the simpler measures are not helping, you may need to seek a doctor's advice regarding other medical alternatives.
Your doctor should have a number of suggestions in finding a suitable hemorrhoid cure for your personal condition.
* Sclerotherapy is the name for a treatment that consists of injecting a chemical in and around the hemorrhoids.
* Lasers can be used to burn the hemorrhoid tissue.
* Sometimes piles surgery is performed wherein the piles or hemorrhoids are cut out.
This mode of piles surgery is called hemorrhoidectomy.