What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen blood vessels in the anal area that stretch under pressure. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids may develop either inside the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).

What causes Hemorrhoids?

There are two basic causes of hemorrhoids: (1) a genetic weakness in the wall of the veins and/or (2) excessive pressure on those veins. That pressure is often due to chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements but may also be caused and aggravated by chronic diarrhea.

The most frequently recognized cause of constipation is a low-fibre diet; however, other factors such as lactose intolerance, inadequate water intake, low thyroid function and magnesium deficiency may also cause or contribute to the condition.

Excess pressure on the veins can also result from abdominal muscle strain stemming from heavy or improper lifting or from pushing during childbirth while in labor (thus placing a great deal of pressure on the anus).

Pregnancy itself, due to the accompanying hormonal changes that cause blood vessels to expand, may cause hemorrhoids. The increased intra-abdominal pressure present in pregnancy as the fetus grows can also lead to development of hemorrhoids.

This same type of increased intra-abdominal pressure can result from defecation, violent coughing, sneezing, vomiting, physical exertion or portal hypertension due to cirrhosis of the liver. Prolonged sitting or standing also exerts excessive pressure on veins, which can cause them to weaken and herniate.

Other factors that can cause or contribute to development of hemorrhoids include obesity, lack of exercise, liver damage, food allergies or sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Not everyone who has hemorrhoids will have symptoms. When present, hemorrhoids may cause or display any or all of the following signs and symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal pain
• Burning
• Swelling of tissue/inflammation
• Protrusion of tissue (prolapse)
• Painful bowel movements
• Engorgement with blood
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Mucous discharge
• Itching

How common are Hemorrhoids?

According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research “Hemorrhoids are among the most common of health ailments, affecting more than 1 in 2 of us at some point in our lives”

http://www.badgut.com/index.php?contentFile=hemorrhoids&title=Hemorrhoids (01/08/06)

What health problems are caused by Hemorrhoids?

When bleeding occurs, it is generally bright red (a sign of fresh blood) and usually indicative of internal hemorrhoids, which occur in the anal canal, out of view. This may be the only symptom displayed with internal hemorrhoids.

Some bleeding should not be cause for alarm unless the bleeding is dark and/or lasts for more than a few days, in which case medical help should be sought. Bleeding can also be a sign of other conditions such as polyps, ulcerative colitis or even rectal or colon cancer and so should be thoroughly investigated.  

Internal hemorrhoids can cause a great deal of pain when they herniate (prolapse) or collapse and protrude below the anal sphincter when straining to pass stools. A mucous discharge and itching may accompany the prolapsed hemorrhoid. This is generally the only time that itching is experienced as a result of hemorrhoids. Anal itching can be a sign of other problems, however, such as parasites, Candida albicans, food allergy or tissue irritation from the vigorous use of harsh toilet paper. 

External hemorrhoids are visible to the eye, since they occur in veins outside the anus. These ballooned, skin-covered veins often appear as hard bluish lumps. There is generally no pain with an external hemorrhoid unless it ruptures and forms a blood clot (thrombus). This clotting can also occur with prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. In time, the clot is replaced by fibrous connective tissue, and the hemorrhoid may shrink and not be detectable.

Where there is no prolapse, there may be bleeding from a hemorrhoid, but there is no pain; with prolapse, there is pain and possibly bleeding. Occasionally, a hemorrhoid will prolapse to such a degree and for so long that its blood supply is blocked by constriction of the anal sphincter. Such a strangulated hemorrhoid usually thromboses (fills with blood) and is very painful.

What can be done to help with Hemorrhoids?

The following products can help make for easier bowel movements. This reduces (or eliminates) any straining that may be required. 

• Place a device that places the body in the optimal position which is knees above waist for elimination from the colon. This helps to avoid pressure and straining during bowel movements.

• CleanseMORE - is a colon support formula that can be taken as needed to hydrate the bowel (softening hardened fecal matter) and increases peristalsis (the muscular movement of the colon). 

• FibreSMART - a daily fibre supplement. Fibre is vital for normal bowel function.

• OilSMART - a daily Essential Fatty Acid supplement that lubricates the colon, making stool easier to pass.