Hemorrhoids is a fairly common health condition, which happens when the veins around the anus or rectum are swollen, colored, and painful or sometimes bleeding.

The reasons attributed to this condition can be chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, aging, or long periods of sitting on the toilet, anal intercourse, obesity, and genetics. The Live Science ezine reports Google search patterns in the US show that interest in the term “hemorrhoids” more than doubled in that country between 2008 and 2013, which indicates it is a pretty common health condition.

In extreme cases, hemorrhoids can be unbearably painful and uncomfortable, but in most situations, it can be treated with some simple life practices. Hemorrhoids tend to get worse with time, so it is better to get it treated as soon as possible. Older people have a high probability of suffering from hemorrhoids. Also, hemorrhoids are more common among men than among women.

The common symptoms of hemorrhoids

As pain or bleeding in the anus or rectum region can happen due to many different reasons, so here are some common symptoms with which you can identify hemorrhoids: Tissue lumps protruding from the anal area, swelling in the anal area, painless bleeding, itching in the anal area, pain or discomfort in the anal region, swelling, or leaking feces. Internal hemorrhoids often lay hidden without any perceptible symptom till such a tissue lump starts bleeding during bowel movements or protrudes out. The protruding hemorrhoids are also known as prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Harvard Medical School suggests some remedies to alleviate the common symptoms:

A fiber-rich diet with lots of fluids: The fiber and fluid will help to soften the stool and will prevent bleeding or pain during bowel movement.

Daily exercise: Simple walking for 20 minutes a day will stimulate the bowel function.

Regular bowel habit: Do not delay a bowel movement when you get a natural urge. Backed-up stool can cause more pressure.

Take a sitz bath: A warm-water bath for the buttocks (sitz) can help ease the pain and pressure on the sphincter muscle.

Use an analgesic lotion or an ice pack on the buttocks: Applying an analgesic or an ice pack on the anal region can also help with the pain or swelling.

When to consult a doctor

According to Medical News Today, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it may be better to consult a doctor. Rectal bleeding can be caused by other diseases, so just for your peace of mind, go to the doctor if you notice any bleeding during your bowel movement. The doctor usually conducts proper tests to determine whether rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids or some other ailment. Here are some key facts to remember about hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are more common in men than women.

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable but can be treated quite easily

A woman is more likely to get hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Older people have higher probability of developing hemorrhoids.

Bleeding in the anal or rectal area may indicate hemorrhoids.

A doctor will conduct proper diagnostics to confirm if you have hemorrhoids.

In usual cases, patients can take simple steps to alleviate the symptoms.

Sometimes, hemorrhoids have to be treated with surgery.