What are the causes and symptoms of external Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, popularly known as ‘Piles,’ are enlarged or swollen blood vessels near the lower part of the rectum or anus. The inflamed veins are caused due to excessive pressure on the veins or extra strain during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are very common in men as well as women in their middle age.

What are the types of Hemorrhoids?
There are various types of hemorrhoids that are classified based on the way they are caused:

• Internal hemorrhoids – In this type of condition, the swelling of the blood vessels is inside the rectum area. It may not cause discomfort however it may get painful during bowel movements and may cause bleeding. It may also at time protrude outside the anal opening and cause irritation.
• External hemorrhoids: In this condition, the swelling is around the skin of the anal area or the lower rectum area. It usually causes painful bowel movements and irritation due to itching.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: In this type of a situation there is generally a blood clot formation inside the hemorrhoid which is very distressing.

What are the symptoms of external hemorrhoids?
The external hemorrhoids – symptoms are:

• The bowel movements may not be very painful but contain blood every time you pass stool. It may even stain the tissue paper or undergarments.
• Severe and uncontrollable itching around the anal area.
• Intolerable pain in the rectum area during and after bowel movements.
• Discomfort while sitting or walking, along with pain and itching.
• Swelling of blood vessels in or around the anal fissure which may even protrude sometimes outside the anal opening.
• Lump in and around the anal area which is often sensitive, tender and painful may be a symptom of a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

How is it caused?

Every single person has hemorrhoids, it is only when they have swelling or inflammation it becomes troublesome and painful. The exact and precise cause for hemorrhoids is still not known. The increase in the pressure around the lower part of the rectum can cause swelling and inflammation in the blood vessels which may cause hemorrhoids and its symptoms.

There are many other causes that lead to recurrent hemorrhoids which are:

• Strain or injury during bowel movements: This may happen due to constipation or pressure to pass the bowels.
• Diarrhea: It is also one of the causes of hemorrhoids.
• Chronic Constipation: The pressure put by the patient during constipation may lead to the swelling of the blood vessels.
• Injury to the spinal cord can also strain the veins leading to hemorrhoid formation.
• Pregnancy: Can lead to hemorrhoids as it tends to put pressure on the veins in the lower rectum area due to the enlarged uterus thereby causing swelling or inflammation.
• Sitting for prolonged periods in a place, plane, car or bus journey may put pressure on the lower rectum or anal area which may cause the blood vessels to get enlarged or swell thus leading to hemorrhoids.
• Irregular bowel movements: Can cause hemorrhoids due to strain or pressure during the bowel movements.
• Obesity can cause hemorrhoids
• Low fiber diet: Fiber in diet enables the smooth functioning of the digestive tract however low fiber may affect the smooth functioning of the digestive system which may lead to piles and enlarged veins in the rectum area.
• Inappropriate posture: Due to various reasons can lead to hemorrhoids as it may put pressure on the lower area of the rectum and anal opening.
• Family history: Many a times hemorrhoids are caused due to genetics as the person may have inherited it from his/her family.

What are the treatment options?
In most of cases of hemorrhoids, you can opt for self-treatment or home remedies as these aid in the problem going away. However, in the severe cases, medical intervention such as surgical procedures or medicines may be required for the person to recover fully. A medical intervention is the best way to manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids and nip the condition in the bud as soon as possible.