Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are also commonly known as piles. This condition is characterized by swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. They are enlarged veins, and can be either, external, internal, or both. When the condition becomes chronic and severe, it causes bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anal canal, whereas external hemorrhoids are visible as protrusions of fleshy lumps around the anus.

Bleeding is usually caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area, because, as more pressure is exerted blood begins to collect in veins and causes them to dilate. As the condition becomes frequent, the veins develop a perpetual swelling, stretching the surrounding tissue as well and resulting in the formation of hemorrhoids. There are many reasons why the veins swell up; constant straining or exertion during bowel movements, bowel conditions like diarrhea and/or constipation, sitting for too long periods on the toilet, obesity, pregnancy and during labor, or pelvic tumors.

Hemorrhoids with Bleeding

Symptoms
Symptoms depend upon whether its development is internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen or felt, but exerted pressure causes it to bleed. Sometimes, it can protrude causing pain and discomfort. External hemorrhoids can be easily felt as well as seen in the form of a clot (lump); thrombus. Bleeding and itching while passing motions is a common symptom. Besides them, other symptoms include small amounts of red blood spotting even when one is not experiencing bowel movement. Pain, discomfort, swelling and lumps around your anus, tenderness and sensitivity, and a constant itching or irritation in the anal area are all indications of the same.

Treatment
Cure involves drugs to reduce inflammation, and home remedies and lifestyle changes to relieve this discomforting condition. Your physician will decide the course and duration of the treatment after a physical rectal examination and a colonoscopy.

Medications and Surgery
Suppositories including some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are given for pain. Ointments with a composition of zinc oxide are also prescribed for relining, which gets rid of the irritation and helps soothe the skin. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids; hemorrhoidectomy is also part of the treatment for hemorrhoids that are large, internal and occur with uncontrolled bleeding. Non-surgical treatment to reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink are also used.

Home Remedies
Diet plays a major role in formation and controlling the size of the hemorrhoids, eat plenty of fibrous food; green and fresh fruit. Bowel habits also need to be less strained, avoid straining and sitting for too long. Keep the anal area clean to avoid the occurrences of secondary infections. Avoid the use of soaps that may carry irritants, use mild baby soaps to keep the area clean. Use cold and heat compresses to reduce inflammation. An excellent way to manage discomfort is to sit in a tub of warm water several times a day, mainly after having passing stool. Wear well fitting undergarments made of cotton fabric which will ensure that perspiration does not irritate the hemorrhoids further.

Hemorrhoids are common in men and women both, and can be managed with some basic lifestyle changes, but when it graduates to bleeding, it requires medical care.