I'm sure at some point in our lives we've considered someone a pain in the butt. Maybe it was a teacher who would excessively critique your papers or a boss who rode you all day long after he decided it was your fault he got a flat tire on his way to work this morning. For many people a pain in the butt is a real problem and they suffer everyday from it. I'm talking about hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that develop in the anal canal. Although they are uncomfortable at times, it is a common condition which rarely causes serious problems. Normally, the tissue surrounding the inside of the anus fills with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure causes the veins within these cushions to swell and stretch.

Nearly everyone has hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. They can develop at any age, but the frequency increases after age 30, about 50% of people older than 50 have had hemorrhoids at one point or another in their life.

Here are the five must-know facts everyone should be aware of about hemorrhoids:

1. Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or at the anus (external hemorrhoids).

a. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:

i. Rectal bleeding is probably the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. You will notice bright red streaks of blood on toilet paper or bright red blood in the toilet bowl after a normal bowel movement. You may also see blood on the surface of the stool.

ii. Internal hemorrhoids can range from small, swollen veins in the wall of the anal canal to large, sagging veins and tissue that bulge out of the anus all the time. Internal hemorrhoids can be quite painful if they protrude all the time and are squeezed by the anal muscles or if they become clotted.

b. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

i. Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea

ii. You might notice streaks of bright red blood on toilet paper after straining to have a bowel movement, and it may be difficult to clean the anal area.

2. Hemorrhoids are caused by:

a. Straining

b. Work strain (lifting, etc.)

c. Straining while defecating

d. Chronic constipation

e. Passing hard, dry, or small stools

f. Laxative abuse

Do not assume rectal bleeding is only caused from hemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.

3. Prevention and Treatment

a. Home treatment is recommended for most external hemorrhoids. Treatment includes sitting in a warm bath several times daily, gradually increasing fiber and water in your diet, and occasional use of stool softeners. Topical treatment creams such as Preparation H can also be used.

b. Most internal hemorrhoids can be treated at home with the same measures used for external hemorrhoids. Generally, more severe hemorrhoids can be treated with non-surgical procedures such as tying off hemorrhoids with rubber bands (rubber band ligation); scarring the tissue around them (coagulation therapy); injecting them with chemicals or surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy).

c. You can often prevent hemorrhoids or keep them from becoming worse by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a fiber-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; drink plenty of water; and exercise regularly.

d. Avoid sitting on the toilet for a long time. All doctors recommend leaving the newspaper in the other room, do your business and get out.

4. See your doctor if you don't show any improvement or the symptoms become worse.

Seek the opinion of your doctor before following of any diet treatment and regiment. Only a doctor can provide you with advice on what is safe and most effective for you.