Hemorrhoids – Why They Appear and How to Control Hemorrhoidal Disease

Over time, certain conditions or habits can have side effects that can turn into diseases. One such example is hemorrhoids, which appear at the anus and can be quite painful depending on their location. What are they? Medically speaking, they are abnormal venous dilations. When it comes to what we feel, pain during defecation is the first sign that should prompt us to take steps for relief.

What causes hemorrhoids? There are several risk factors due to which not only adults but also children can suffer from hemorrhoidal disease. It occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits.

Next, we will learn about the causes that lead to the appearance of hemorrhoids, their symptoms, and types. We will also discover natural remedies that can help us manage this condition.

Hemorrhoids – definition, causes, manifestations, and types

The etymology of the word hemorrhoid comes from the Greek language, where *haima* means blood and *rhoos* means to flow. Based on this definition, they are abnormal venous dilations that can occur in the rectum and/or anus. Hemorrhoidal disease forms in the veins that make up the lining of the anus and rectal canal. These formations are actually sacs filled with blood whose role is to ensure anal continence. When they dilate, edema can occur, which will further lead to one of the most common symptoms: hemorrhoidal pain.

The appearance of hemorrhoids can have several causes, dividing them into two categories: internal and external, with the former having several stages. Mixed hemorrhoidal disease is also possible. It is characterized by the presence of both types of hemorrhoids. Depending on these characteristics, they can generate symptoms that should send us to the doctor.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The main cause of hemorrhoids is the decreased tone of the venous wall. This leads to vein dilation, causing the sensation of pain.

Other causes or risk factors that can lead to the appearance of hemorrhoids are:

• chronic constipation caused by a sedentary lifestyle and a diet deficient in fiber;
• from a dietary perspective, the consumption of spicy products and condiments is a common cause of hemorrhoidal disease incidence among adults;
• low fluid intake;
• in women, hemorrhoids can appear during pregnancy.

What else causes hemorrhoids? According to doctors, other risk factors include:

• chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or other digestive tract conditions;
• natural childbirth and premenstrual syndrome in women;
• prolonged use of laxatives or suppositories;
• obesity;
• sitting or standing for long periods.

Hereditary factors should also not be ignored, so if we have relatives in the family who have or have had hemorrhoids, the risk that other family members may suffer from this condition is high.

Hemorrhoids and their symptoms

Bleeding is one of the first manifestations of hemorrhoidal disease. This occurs particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids that do not cause pain. Other symptoms we may feel are:

• a feeling of itching or irritation in the anal area;
• discomfort or a burning sensation;
• tenderness or pain near the anus due to the hardening of nodes in that area;
• anal pain that occurs after sitting for a long time, after strenuous physical exertion, or after constipation.

It is important to know that the symptoms of hemorrhoids largely depend on their type. Therefore, consulting a specialist doctor is the first step towards controlling hemorrhoidal disease. However, we can also resort to natural remedies to alleviate and prevent this condition. In this regard, Siberian blueberry is one of the very good natural remedies for hemorrhoids. It can be consumed in the form of Siberian Blueberry Juice at 3L ECO. It has several properties, being considered a probiotic food that helps balance intestinal flora. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation.

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External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are in the form of blueish pouches or formations that appear outside the anus. Most often, they appear spontaneously. The main causes that lead to their formation are constipation and intense physical exertion. They manifest by the formation of a blood clot in the vessels on the anal walls. The pressure leads to skin damage, followed by bleeding and pain.

We often hear that external hemorrhoids recede on their own, which is true. However, this happens only in the early stages of hemorrhoidal disease. Also, observing a diet can promote their regression.

Internal hemorrhoids

The second type of hemorrhoids are internal ones. They form 2-4 cm inside the rectal canal and therefore often do not cause pain. Instead, their main symptom is bleeding.

Internal hemorrhoids are classified according to the following 4 grades:

Grade 1 internal hemorrhoids. These appear as small swellings on the inner lining of the anus and lower rectum. They cannot be seen or felt. These are some of the most common.

Grade 2 internal hemorrhoids. They appear as larger swellings and can be partially pushed out of the anus. This can happen during constipation after straining to defecate. In this phase, they can retract on their own.

Grade 3 hemorrhoids. These feel like swellings that “hang” from the anus. They can retract on their own or be manually repositioned inside the anus.

Grade 4 hemorrhoids. This is the most severe form of hemorrhoidal disease. At this stage, hemorrhoids permanently hang and cannot be pushed back inside.

Mixed hemorrhoids

In addition to internal and external hemorrhoids, one can also suffer from mixed hemorrhoidal disease. This occurs when both types of hemorrhoids are present and swell at the same time. At this stage, the condition can cause an increased sense of discomfort most of the time. Therefore, it is important that the measures or remedies we resort to are taken before reaching this stage.

Hemorrhoids – incidence in the population

According to studies, hemorrhoids have a high incidence among people over 50 years old. Pregnancy can also favor their appearance in women. Today, however, even children can suffer from hemorrhoidal disease due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. We can say, therefore, that the condition can occur regardless of sex and age group.

Hemorrhoids in men

Men can suffer from both internal and external hemorrhoids. These fall under the classic symptoms listed above. Moreover, men over 50 years old are often the most affected by this disease.
The first symptom that should make a man think about this condition is pain, especially in the case of internal hemorrhoids. Bleeding is its second manifestation. For a clear diagnosis, however, a visit to a proctologist is necessary. Depending on their type and grade, the specialist will guide the patient towards the optimal solution. Most often, dietary changes are the first option for symptom relief.

Hemorrhoids in women

As with men, women can also suffer from hemorrhoidal disease throughout their lives. It can occur in both younger and older women. They can suffer from both internal and external hemorrhoids. One of the factors that cause them is premenstrual syndrome, which is often accompanied by constipation. Thus, straining during defecation puts pressure on the anal walls.

Another additional risk factor for females, however, is pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids in women, especially in the last trimester. They form due to the pressure created by the growing uterus. Childbirth is also another contributing factor to hemorrhoidal disease in women. However, it should be known that symptoms significantly improve once this period has passed.

Hemorrhoids in babies and children

Hemorrhoids are quite rare in children. However, the disease can occur at various ages. Therefore, it is possible for babies to suffer from hemorrhoidal pain. Most often, the following factors are the main culprits for this condition:

• both for older children and for babies over 6 months old, lack of hydration and fiber-rich food can lead to hemorrhoids;
• constipation and diarrhea can favor the appearance of hemorrhoids in babies and children;
• sedentarism and prolonged sitting favor the formation of hemorrhoids in schoolchildren;
• prolonged sitting on the potty can create a conducive environment for the development of hemorrhoids in babies.

In addition to these, inflammatory bowel disease is another cause of hemorrhoids among children.

Remedies for hemorrhoids

When it comes to hemorrhoids, in the early stages, we can resort to natural remedies and changes in diet or a strict diet. However, if the condition worsens, consulting a specialist doctor is recommended. Even they may recommend a diet to alleviate symptoms, with surgical interventions to remove the formations being necessary only in severe cases.

Natural treatment for hemorrhoids

For hemorrhoids, natural treatment often works for people of any sex and age. It can consist of consuming teas, including:

• wormwood tea;
• burdock tea;
• basil tea;
• yarrow tea;
• chamomile tea;
• mallow tea;
• blueberry tea.

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In addition to these natural remedies, rigorous hygiene of the anal area is also recommended. Also, certain ointments can help relieve pain caused by hemorrhoids.

Avoiding sedentarism

Sedentarism is one of the main factors for the onset of this disease among the modern population. Therefore, eliminating it will help improve health. What exercises can be done when you have hemorrhoids? Gentle movement, such as walking, yoga, Pilates, as well as practicing low-intensity sports are recommended. All of these can be combined with a fiber-rich diet and optimal hydration.

Diet and meal plan when suffering from hemorrhoids

One of the well-known things about hemorrhoids is that a proper diet can help alleviate symptoms. What foods or what diet can be adopted for this disease? Fiber-rich products, including:

• oilseeds, such as nuts;
• Vegetables such as beans, peas, cauliflower, and potatoes;
• bran and whole wheat flour;
• fruits rich in collagen, such as apples, citrus fruits, and berries, are recommended if you have hemorrhoids.

In addition to these, hydration is essential in hemorrhoidal disease. Thus, the 2 liters of water that should be consumed daily should be included in the diet for treating hemorrhoids.

Avoiding certain products is also part of the hemorrhoid diet, including:

• white bread and other products made from white flour;
• milk and cheese products that promote constipation;
• meat, especially red meat;
• fast food products and ultra-processed products, such as cold cuts.

All natural remedies can reduce the symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids, avoiding the need for invasive interventions.

In conclusion, hemorrhoids are one of the diseases that today can affect men, women, and children. Their alleviation consists of a balanced diet and effective natural remedies. Also, regular exercise is one of the best remedies for this disease.

References:

1. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
2. Hemorrhoids and what to do about them – https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids_and_what_to_do_about_them
3. Treatment of Hemorrhoids – https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/treatment