Hemorrhoids are swollen and stretched-out veins that line the anal canal and lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may either bulge into the anal canal or protrude out through the anus, in which case they are called "prolapsed." External hemorrhoids occur under the surface of the skin at the anal opening. Regardless of type, hemorrhoids cause cruel distress: They hurt, burn, itch, irritate the anal area, and, very often, bleed.

About one-half to three-fourths of all Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. There are a number of factors that contribute to them, some of which can be avoided.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms Could Mean
Something Else

Hemorrhoids aren't the only cause of itching in the anal area. Poor anal hygiene, perianal warts, intestinal worms, medication allergies, psoriasis, other forms of dermatitis or local infection, or even too much coffee can cause itching. Pain can result from fissures -- small cracks in the skin around the anus.

If you find blood in the area, don't assume it's from hemorrhoids. Bleeding can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, which kills 56,000 people every year, according to the American Cancer Society. While bright-red blood usually heralds hemorrhoids, don't try to make a diagnosis yourself. If you notice blood, see your doctor.
  • Gravity. Humans stand upright, which causes a downward pressure on all veins in the body, including those in the anal canal and rectum.
  • Family history. If one parent has hemorrhoids, it is more likely that his or her child will develop them in adult life; if both parents have hemorrhoids, it is a
    near certainty.
  • Age. While hemorrhoids usually begin to develop when an individual is 20 years old or even earlier, symptoms usually do not appear until the 30s and beyond.
  • Constipation. Difficulty in passing fecal matter creates pressure and possible injury to veins in the anal canal and rectum.
  • Low-fiber diet. Highly refined foods (white flour products, sugar, foods high in fat and protein and low in complex carbohydrate) result in a fiber-deficient diet, with
    resulting constipation and hemorrhoids.
  • Obesity. Added pounds put more
    pressure on veins. What's more, overweight individuals may be more likely to favor refined foods and a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Laxatives. Improper use of these products is a major cause of constipation and therefore likely plays a leading role in the development of hemorrhoids.
  • Pregnancy. As the fetus grows, it puts additional pressure on the rectal area. Pregnancy-related hemorrhoids usually retract after the baby is born, unless they were present beforehand.
  • Sexual practices. Anal intercourse also puts pressure on veins in the anal canal.
  • Prolonged sitting. Without some form of regular exercise, the heart muscle is less efficient at returning blood from the veins to the heart.
  • Prolonged standing. The pull of gravity continues unabated on the body's veins in individuals who are on their feet all day.

Fortunately, most cases of hemorrhoids respond to basic self-care methods, so you may never have to tell a soul about them. On the next page, learn about those home remedy methods to get the burning and itching under control.

To learn about more home remedies for related ailments, visit these links:
 This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.