If you are reading this article, you probably already know what bleeding hemorrhoids are … but you may refer to them as ‘piles’ – a term coined because it is dilation of rectal veins within the anal canal to which hemorrhoids refer. A similar condition, often found in legs, is varicose veins – where a similar dilation takes placein veins in the legs. And both conditions are found in people like you and like me … because human beings maintain an erect posture – and gravity is a powerful motivator in the downward movement of many aspects of our body, including blood vessels …
But bleeding hemorrhoids of themselves can be treated effectively if symptoms are identified early. So what are the symptoms? Common complains include discomfort and itchiness. And bleeding.
Bleeding hemorrhoids can cause an enormous anxiety. Often first noticed after passing stool, this evidence of blood can be frightening. And should be treated promptly.
Bleeding Hemorrhoids – and how we suffer
From the outset, though, it should not be assumed that blood evidence on passing stool is related to hemorrhoids. If the blood is bright red, then there is a chance that it is from hemorrhoids, but darker blood indicates a fissure further up the anal canal. In both cases, medical advice should be sought to ascertain the exact reason for the appearance of blood.
Millions suffer silently from bleeding hemorrhoids but getting help early could prevent the condition for getting worse and more painful. And while application of topical treatments is often the first step medically, changes to lifestyle may also eliminate the cause of the bleeding, which is generally straining to pass stool which may be small and hard.
As far as lifestyle changes are concerned, the first one to look at is a change in diet. Increasing fluids and increasing dietary fibre will often be enough to cause the sufferer to eliminate previous straining at stool, and thus adding pressure to the rectal veins, and consequent bleeding.
Bleeding Hemorrhoids and Excercise
Exercise, also, is beneficial – particularly if your lifestyle is currently quite sedentary. Perhaps your occupation, for example, sees you sitting for long periods. This lifestyle will support bleeding hemorrhoids. But don’t be alarmed, vigorous exercise is not necessary! Just adjusting your lifestyle to walk those short distances instead of taking the car, climbing the stairs instead of riding the elevator … you will be surprised how such a minimal adjustment can achieve some major results.
Bleeding hemorrhoids may first be noticed on toilet tissue. Or ‘splashes’ after straining at stool. But if the bleeding becomes more profuse, the risk of a resulting infection increases. This is a relatively simple complication if treated prompted. However, if left, infections as a result of hemorrhoids can result in conditions ranging from septicaemia to gangrene, where there is lack of blood supply to tissue around the hemorrhoids resulting in the skin nearby literally dying.
Bleeding hemorrhoids are considered the worst form of hemorrhoids – they are not only painful, but the sight of blood is worrying. However, although bleeding hemorrhoids are not normal, they are also not unusual. Confirm with your medical specialist the reason for your bleeding hemorrhoids and start treatment now.
