The hemorrhoid is a common disease that affects the masses at large. Every three out of four people suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in time in their lives. The disease is not fatal and may or may not come with symptoms. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include a feeling of discomfort, bleeding, and itching. The disease is also referred to as piles and is categorized by the swelling of the veins in the lower rectum and the anus.

Causes of Hemorrhoids
There are several causes of hemorrhoids. Swollen veins around the anus and within it can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum. The veins tend to strain and stretch under this pressure and well up. Hemorrhoids may also be a result of age. With age, the veins in the anus and the rectum weaken and stretch. Here are a few of the most common causes of hemorrhoids.

• Higher risk of contracting the disease if you strain during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet may result in the onset of the disease as well
• Chronic constipation and diarrhea also lead to the disease
• Obesity too is a cause of the disease
• Pregnancy may lead to the disease as well
• Maintaining a low fiber diet may result in the disease as well.
• Practicing anal intercourse too leads to the disease.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The symptoms of the disease include:

• Discomfort and pain in the area around the anus
• Swelling around the anus
• Irritation and/or itching and bleeding in your anal area
• The development of a lump around the anus. The lump may or may not be harmful

Hemorrhoids treatment
Hemorrhoids treatment aims at easing the symptoms of the disease until the symptoms end up clearing up on their own. There are several treatment options available on the market. You can choose to practice home remedies or buy over the counter medications, whatever suits you best. Here are a few of the best treatment methods for hemorrhoids.

• Taking a warm bath
  Taking a warm water bath can help to reduce swelling and irritation. It is one of the most common treatment methods for the causes of hemorrhoids. Fill the tub with water enough to cover your legs. You can also choose to add an assortment of other ingredients to the bath to further help ease the symptoms of the disease. Apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt is a popular combination often used. You can also choose to directly apply apple cider vinegar on the hemorrhoids.
• Coconut oil
  It helps to reduce irritation and swelling. It also helps other symptoms of hemorrhoids and acts as a natural moisturizer. It helps reduce the urge to scratch and it is readily available on the market.
• Aloe Vera
  Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties and helps heal the wounds associated with hemorrhoids. It helps provide for quick relief from hemorrhoids and can be highly effective in providing relief from burning, swelling, and itching when applied to the anus. Make sure that you use the purest version of this substance as additive preservatives can end up doing more harm than good.
• Ice Packs
  Ice packs can help ease the swelling associated with the disease and help provide relief from pain. Apply ice packs on the affected area on an hourly basis. Let it rest for up to 15 minutes each time you apply it. Ice packs do wonders when hemorrhoid flares up.

The veins in our rectum begin to weaken and stretch with age. This may lead to the onset of the condition. You may also suffer from swollen, weakened veins in the anus and around it if you follow a diet low in fiber, practice anal intercourse, strain during the bowel movements, or if you suffer from constipation. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and try to eat food items rich in fiber. These include the likes of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Quit smoking and drink moderately. Drinking two servings of alcohol per day is good for health, while anything more than that does more good than bad. Go for the above-mentioned treatment methods, bring about a change in your lifestyle, and be aware of the causes of hemorrhoids to successfully treat and maintain the progress of the condition.