Signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are of two types: internal & external. They are essentially swollen veins found in your anus or lower rectum and consist of blood vessels, elastic fibers, and multiple tissues. It is a common medical condition and found among most US citizens before they touch the age of 50. However, out the two, internal hemorrhoids are riskier as the symptoms are not as evident as that of the external case.

What are some of the factors resulting in hemorrhoids?

• Genetics: If you have a family history of hemorrhoids, you might have the chance of suffering from hemorrhoids. So, take a proper diet and go for regular health check-ups.
• Stress: A very common factor in today’s world and it is the cause of many other severe diseases also. Stay away from the mounting pressure and live a healthier life.
• Obesity: This can also lead to hemorrhoids by creating an extra pressure on your lower rectum. This affects the flow of blood in the anal vessels and may result into swelling.
• Pregnancy: As in the case of obesity, pregnancy can also result in hemorrhoids since the uterus presses upon the veins. However, this is not that severe mostly and can be treated at home with proper care.
• Heavy lifting: The lifting of heavy goods regularly can also be a reason for hemorrhoids. Thus, if you are into weightlifting, practice under guided instructions.
• Lingering constipation.
• Prolonged sitting in one place.
• A poor diet which mostly does not include high fiber foods.
• Exerting excess pressure while passing stool.

What are some of the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids?
Let us take a look at some of the causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• Bleeding during the passing of stool: This is mostly very minimal during the first stages and not painful. Though it is tough to understand, it is one of the most prominent internal hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Discomfort in the anal area: Mostly irritation and a burning sensation are caused during a bowel movement.
• Pain: Not very common in internal hemorrhoid, but an enduring pain is a common symptom of external hemorrhoid. A lump is felt around the anus area if it is external hemorrhoid.

What are some techniques to prevent hemorrhoids?

• Drink a good quantity of water i.e. minimum 2-3 liters of water per day.
• Go for regular exercises and avoid lifting heavy weight if you do not have an instructor. It relaxes your muscles and prevents you from gaining extra weight.
• Do not refrain from your bowel movement. If you constantly stop yourself from passing a stool when you have the urge to, it will harden your stool, causing constipation, which can further lead to hemorrhoids.
• Do not sit in one place for a prolonged period. If you are in a desk job, take small walks in between your work.
• Consume fruits and vegetables with high fiber. In case you have always abstained from fiber, introduce it to your diet slowly or your body will not be able to digest it.
• Increase the consumption of whole grains. It will help in loosening your stool.
• You can also opt for fiber supplements. However, these supplements can cause constipation or aggravate it if you do not drink a lot of water. For a normal person six glasses of water are good, but if you are on a fiber supplement, you need to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water during the whole day.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

• Though hemorrhoids is not a life threatening medical condition, it is best treated at an early stage. There are various home remedies that you can use as a precautionary measure and protect yourself.
• You can also purchase any of the over the counter medicines, ointments or gels for temporary relief. But, if your symptoms persist for more than seven days, it is advisable to visit a doctor. The mentioned symptoms might not be only due to hemorrhoids. It can be a symptom of a more severe disease like cancer.
• Diagnosing external hemorrhoids is simpler as compared to internal hemorrhoids, which requires to be examined digitally. So, your doctor will be the best judge and will give the best treatment depending on your symptoms.