Hemorrhoids - how to prevent and treat them

Many people, at some point in their life, will suffer from the embarrassing and painful condition called hemorrhoids. But these can be easily treated and prevented if you know what causes them and.

Also called piles, hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. They are caused by straining during a bowel movement and are also common during pregnancy, when there is increased pressure on the veins.

There are actually different types of hemorrhoids that include:

• External. This type of hemorrhoid is painful but doesn't typically require medical treatment. It is the most common and can be cured at home.
  
• Internal. While these generally aren't painful, they can be bothersome because they itch and bleed or protrude from the anus.     These are treated by the doctor in a variety of different ways.
  

The severity of hemorrhoids are categorized by degrees:

• First degree. These do not protrude from the anus.
  
• Second degree. These protrude during bowel movements, then go back into the anus afterwards on their own.
  
• Third degree. These also protrude from the anus during bowel movements, but they require being manually pushed back in.
  
• Fourth degree. These always protrude.

There are different ways to treat them, depending on their severity, and include:

• Over the counter or home remedies.
  
• Fixative procedures. These work to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, usually by rubber band litigation (tying off the hemorrhoid with rubber bands), injecting the hemorrhoid with a chemical that shrinks it, or by scarring the tissue with heat or a laser.
  
• Surgery. Also called hemorrhoidectomy, this surgery removes internal hemorrhoids and is also performed when there are both internal and external hemorrhoids.

However, hemorrhoids can be treated and avoided, making surgery or painful fixative measures unnecessary. The best way to treat and avoid hemorrhoids include the following:

Always keep the area clean.
Make sure you always keep the area where hemorrhoids are present clean. Sometimes, this will require more than toilet paper. Use a flushable wipe or warm wash cloth to ensure it remains clean at all times after using the restroom.

Treat with heat
If you have hemorrhoids, you can treat them by applying heat, which will help to kill the bacteria that accumulates in the area. After showering or bathing, use a blow drier to thoroughly dry with heat the area where hemorrhoids are present. Don't put the drier too close, and move it if it starts to burn or cause pain. As a general rule, only apply heat in 30-second blasts.

Soak in the tub
Another good way to treat existing hemorrhoids is to soak in the tub when you are experiencing a flare-up. Add a few drops of bath oil as well, which will also help. Make sure the water is fairly hot, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

Get plenty of fiber.
Often, hemorrhoids are the result of straining while using the bathroom. Eating plenty of fiber, taking a supplement, or using a stool softener will help you to strain less while using the restroom. This is a great preventative measure as well.

If you have more severe hemorrhoids that always protrude or that are causing you pain, it's best to see a doctor to discuss treatment options. The above tips are some of the best ways you can treat and avoid hemorrhoids.