Nobody wants to talk about hemorrhoids, but they can be very uncomfortable, leading to rectal pain and bleeding. It can disrupt your day to day life, but it doesn’t have to. Hemorrhoids are more common than most people think.
Studies show, it is likely every individual experience hemorrhoids at some time before the age of 40. Despite their prevalence, there are a number of misconception surrounding them.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are like varicose veins. If they develop inside the rectum, they’re called internal hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids that develop under the skin around the anus are called external hemorrhoids.”
Hemorrhoids Misconceptions That Are Just Not True
Hemorrhoids Only Occur In Older People
Hemorrhoids don’t age discriminate. While they are typically more common in older people, hemorrhoids can happen at any age. Contributing factors include dietary choices, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Hemorrhoids Can Be Caused By Spicy Foods
While spicy foods can cause gastrointestinal tract discomfort, they don’t directly lead to hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids develop because of increased pressure on the blood vessels in the rectum. This can be caused by chronic constipation, straining while having a bowel movement, or pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids Are Always Very Painful
The level of discomfort and pain hemorrhoids cause varies. Symptoms range from irritation to severe pain, itching and bleeding. The severity often depends on the location and size of the hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids Are Something You Learn To Live With
This just isn’t true, thank goodness. For most people, hemorrhoids are a condition that is temporary. Over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle modifications can often help improve them. In come cases, medical attention may be necessary to provide relief. If you’ve been suffering from hemorrhoids for over a week, it is time to contact the team at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.
Hemorrhoids are unpleasant and can be downright painful to deal with. The team at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida can help you get relief with treatment.