Hemorrhoids are commonly known as Piles and many people irrespective of their age are suffering from this condition. The medical condition is a consequence of smoking, alcoholism, tobacco addiction, fast paced lifestyle, less physical activity, low fiber in diet and food habits that are unhealthy. Heredity is also considered to be a cause for the occurrence of this disease. Hemorrhoids are termed internal or external hemorrhoids depending on their origin. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside rectal canal and external hemorrhoids near the anal opening. Hemorrhoids are not fatal but they can cause excruciating pain for the affected.

External hemorrhoids can be spotted with the presence of veins that are swollen which create soft lumps along the anal opening. Hemorrhoids surface when the veins in the anal region are inflamed or irritated. When the blood clots develop, the lumps can harden and cause severe pain. People suffering from external hemorrhoids experience extreme pain since the tissues around the anal opening are flanked by nerve endings. Among the two kinds of hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoid is considered to be the commonest one.

Causes

The major cause of external hemorrhoids is straining your anal muscles a lot while defecating or during bowel movement. Obesity, weight gain problems, pregnancy, diarrhea, liver cirrhosis, constipation, heredity and bowel disorders are considered to be factors that cause external hemorrhoids in many cases. Irrespective of the cause, the treatments prescribed for external hemorrhoids remain the same.

Symptoms

It is easy to spot external hemorrhoids with the following symptoms:

• Bleeding or finding blood in the toilet seat, bowl, toilet tissue paper and stool indicates external hemorrhoids. Bleeding can be caused because of many reasons and hemorrhoids being one, it is hard to conclude that it is a definite sign of hemorrhoids.
• Hard lump around anal region accompanied with acute pain can be a symptom of external hemorrhoids. In this condition, the affected develops blood clots and the hemorrhoid is termed thrombosed hemorrhoids.
• The enlarged tissue near the rectal area results in mucus secretion which is a major symptom of external hemorrhoids.
• Itching sensation and irritation are signs of external hemorrhoids. The itching/irritation is more in the case of external hemorrhoids since the hemorrhoids comes in contact with the undergarments, which can inflame them.
• Unbearable pain in the rectal region definitely indicates external hemorrhoids and when the hemorrhoids prolapse, the pain can become agonizing.

Prevention

In any case, prevention is better than cure and hemorrhoid is no exception. It is always better to find ways of preventing the occurrence of external hemorrhoids rather than curing them later.

• Obesity is a factor that causes external hemorrhoids so, it is better to watch your weight and rethink your eating habits a bit. Lessen your waist size and simultaneously, the risks of external hemorrhoids.
• Being physically active can save you from spending your money on medication. Jog, walk, exercise or play for at least twenty minutes every day. This helps to remove the toxins in your body and to stay healthy and fit.
• Increasing your water intake can be helpful in easing your bowel movement and avoiding the retention of a lot of solids in the digestive tract.
• Eating a high fiber diet and avoiding junk food avoids the occurrence of constipation and related problems.
• Laxatives and stool softeners can be used, if you suffer from constipation. This will prevent you from applying too much pressure on the anal muscles.
• If you are in front of the computer most of the time in your work place or home, try to take short walks now and then. Try doing some stretch exercises.
• Get adequate sleep, rest well and avoid getting yourself worked up at every instance. Stress can sometimes cause of external hemorrhoids.
• Don't strain during bowel movements and don't suppress the urge to defecate.
• Adopt a clean lifestyle. Stay away from smoking and alcohol addiction.

Cure

• External hemorrhoids can be surgically removed, if it is in the advanced stage. You must consult a doctor before opting for Sclerotherapy, Rubber band ligation, Laser coagulation therapy, Infrared coagulation therapy and Hemorrhoidectomy. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids will be done after analyzing the laboratory tests and your fitness level. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is recommended by doctors. Thrombectomy and excision are also treatments suggested for external hemorrhoids.
• You can also cure external hemorrhoids in the initial stages by making sits bath a habit. Applying aloe vera gel and ice pack on the swollen or painful region can alleviate pain. Natural remedies also include eating whole grains, vegetables, fiber rich fruits, high fiber food and many more.
• Use lubricants, petroleum jelly, cortisone creams and hermorrhoidal creams that control itching, irritation and relieve pain. Clean the anal area with hazel pads after bowel movement to stay clean and hygienic.