How Common Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids
While they may be a terrifying occurrence, bleeding hemorrhoids are actually relatively common. While everyone has hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, some are lucky enough to never know it.
Ninety percent of people, however, experience noticeable hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
For many of these people home treatment is enough. While the sight of blood may be terrifying to most people, particularly those who have never experienced hemorrhoids before, many bleeding hemorrhoids are completely safe, even though they can be quite uncomfortable.
The following paragraphs are not intended to substitute for the advice of your doctor, but can help you better understand bleeding hemorrhoids.
Bleeding hemorrhoids that produce large amounts of blood or do not seem to stop bleeding should always be examined by a doctor, as well as rectal bleeding when there are no other indications that a hemorrhoid is present.
The following information applies only to bleeding hemorrhoids that are not severe and producing significant amounts of blood loss. These smaller hemorrhoids are often easily treatable at home, with minimal effort and minor changes in diet.
Bleeding hemorrhoids are common, as a hemorrhoid is simply a mass of veins and blood vessels that have swelled and ballooned, creating a large and often bleeding mass.
The first treatment many people seek is a cream or ointment to alleviate pain and itching. These products also work to shrink the swollen tissue and can be quite effective in the prompt treatment of these hemorrhoids.
Perhaps the best treatment for itching is a warm bath. By soaking your hemorrhoid in a warm bath, you can alleviate pain and itching while also gently cleansing the area.
When your bath is complete, however, be certain to very gently pat the area dry to prevent any complications. Frequently taking care of a bleeding hemorrhoid will lessen the likelihood of an infection while also increasing the rate at which the hemorrhoid clears up.
Adding fiber and adequate hydration to your diet is another excellent treatment. While typically best as part of an everyday diet, these things work well when hemorrhoids appear, as they help to regulate bowel movements, reducing strain and helping to prevent extra pressure being applied to the hemorrhoid.
When made permanent, these changes can prevent the recurrence of bleeding hemorrhoids for many people.
Bleeding hemorrhoids are more common for certain people. In addition to people who suffer from conditions like IBS and Crohn’s disease, these hemorrhoids are also more common in older people, who may have weaker venal walls. People who sit a majority of the time, such as those with desk jobs are also more likely to develop hemorrhoids of any type than people who have more active jobs.
For all people exercise and a proper diet can go a long way in the prevention of hemorrhoids. In short, bleeding hemorrhoids are a common affliction and are not always a medical emergency.
If you have questions it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional, but for many people, the treatment of a bleeding hemorrhoid begins and ends at home.