Who Gets Hemorrhoids?
by admin on 12/11/08 at 5:45 pm
Of all the aches and pains one can suffer in a lifetime, hemorrhoids are not something one should take sitting down - literally! While not a fatal condition or something that is necessarily incurable, hemorrhoids cause great physical discomfort and can disrupt daily life if left untreated. Thankfully, the more we learn about this painful irritation, the easier hemorrhoids are to treat.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Simply put, when the veins in your rectal area, or near the anus, become swollen, a hemorrhoid occurs. The infected region of your backside may be tender to the touch and you may feel a bump where there shouldn’t be one. More serious symptoms of hemorrhoids include painful itching, broken skin, and bleeding.
Who Gets Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids do not discriminate. Whether young or old, male or female, black or white, anybody is at risk to suffer hemorrhoids. In particular, the overweight and pregnant women commonly experience the swelling and irritation associated with hemorrhoids by virtue of increased weight bringing more pressure to the rectal area. Also, people with poor diets may have trouble, as constipation and straining during bowel movements - as caused by unhealthy eating - may contribute to this condition.
Are Hemorrhoids Genetic?
If your parents or grandparents suffered hemorrhoids, does this mean you will get them as well? While some scientific studies discourage a genetic link to hemorrhoids, one may argue that if you are predisposed to weight gain or a natural vitamin deficiency, those factors could lead to hemorrhoids if you aren’t careful. Consider your diet and exercise plan to counter your genetic makeup if you are concerned.
Are Hemorrhoids Treatable?
Most definitely, one doesn’t need to suffer the pain and frustration of hemorrhoids for a long period of time. If left untreated, a hemorrhoid may take as much as two weeks to clear up, provided necessary changes to diet and lifestyle are made to promote more comfortable bowel movements. Over the counter relief creams, which may contain active ingredients like witch hazel and petrolatum, may soothe the itching, swelling and pain associated with hemorrhoids, while a visit to the doctor may be in order for more serious symptoms. Most importantly, if you keep the infected area treated and clean, and make the proper adjustments to diet and exercise, hemorrhoids will become a fast disappearing irritation.
