Hemorrhoids: Information and Treatment
Hemorrhoids are simply swollen, inflamed veins. They can lie internally, in the rectum, or externally, under the skin around the anus, and are among the most common of ailments.
Some symptoms of hemorrhoids are bloody, usually painless bowel movements, anal irritation, pain and itching, protruding hemorrhoids, fecal leakage, and swelling or a sensitive lump in the anal area.
The veins in the anal region stretch when under pressure, causing swelling and bulging. Straining during the passage of stools, sitting too long on a toilet, pregnancy, diarrhea or constipation that is considered chronic, or anal intercourse – these are all causes of this increased pressure. The tendency towards hemorrhoids can be hereditary. In addition, the tissues that support the veins become weaker with age. This is why hemorrhoids become more common as people age.
There are numerous hemorrhoid treatments available that can relieve symptoms, though they cannot make hemorrhoids vanish. For relief of minor discomfort, there are ointments, creams, suppositories and pads available without prescription. These products typically contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel, known to be effective in the temporary relief of pain and itching. The use of these products for longer periods than recommended can cause skin rashes, skin thinning, and/or inflammation, so it is important to follow the recommendations on the package. Bathe the anal region with warm water and without every day. Avoid soap in this area, as it can cause further irritation. Use of a hair dryer to reduces moisture can be effective. Two or three warm baths a day can also be helpful. Swelling can be reduced by applying cold compresses or ice to the anus. Moist wipes or wet perfume and alcohol-free toilet tissue are preferable to dry toilet paper. Finally, a sitz bath can give relief. These are available at pharmacies and medical supply stores.
If over-the-counter products do not give you enough relief, or if hemorrhoids are causing frequent and/or excessive bleeding, or if you are experiencing more than mild pain, you should see a physician. In addition, if you are passing stools that are tarry, or maroon or black in color, or if blood or blood clots can be seen in the stool, you should see a doctor. These symptoms signal further problems in the digestive tract. A noticeable change in one’s bowel movements that occur at the same time as the appearance of hemorrhoids is also a signal that a doctor’s advice should be sought out. In-office procedures may be necessary for relief of more serious hemorrhoid symptoms. Blood clots can form in external hemorrhoids, and can be removed with a small incision by a physician. There are other minimally invasive outpatient procedures for the relief of painful or bloody hemorrhoids. If these minimal procedures are not effective, or if the hemorrhoid is large, surgical procedures, such as a hemorrhoidectomy, which can involve an overnight stay in a hospital, must be considered..
Prevention is, of course, the preferred remedy. It is best to try to prevent hemorrhoids with a high-fiber diet consisting of more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Also drink a lot of fluid. Eight glasses of non-alcoholic liquids a day are recommended. Lastly, it is best not to sit or stand for extended periods, and to exercise regularly. Following these tips will cause the stools to soften, give the veins a relief from pressure, thus eliminating the most common causes of hemorrhoids.
This author writes on a variety of health related topics and is especially interested in natural and homeopathic remedies for common ailments such as hemroids. The author would like readers to know that many problems facing Americans such as obesity, heart disease and even ordinary problems such as hemorrhoids can be controlled or perhaps even seriously decreased with simple life style changes.
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