Typically everyone has 3 internal hemorrhoids, also known as piles but not everyone has trouble with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are venous pads that in general cause problems when they become inflamed and swollen. In addition, hemorrhoids can be external – on the outside or mixed which is a combination of internal and external hemorrhoids
One of the main causes of hemorrhoid problems is straining with bowel movements. Constipation and diarrhea also contribute to difficulty with hemorrhoids. People who sit for long periods of time and those that do heavy lifting are at risk for hemorrhoids.
Over ten million people in the United States currently have problems with hemorrhoids. The peak age for problems is between 45 to 65 years of age.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids typically include a combination of bleeding, pain or discomfort with or without a bowel movement, itching, and fullness. Bleeding can be slight with just a little blood on the toilet tissue or massive with a large amount of blood in the bowl. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem and needs to be thoroughly evaluated by a health professional.
Pain can range from a slight discomfort to fairly excruciating pain. Pain with a bowel movement can be a sign of another problem known as a fissure that can also be treated in an office setting.
Patients can experience itching, which can be slight and infrequent or daily itching that can wake you up at night.
Fullness is feeling the urge to have a bowel movement at times when there is no stool present. Some patients have a problem cleaning up after a bowel movement. They have to wipe many times to remove all the stool. This can create a great deal of anxiety and feeling unclean.
Ohio Valley Hemorrhoid Center 