Hemorrhoids are among the most common of ailments, These swollen, inflamed veins are found internally, in the rectum, and externally, under the skin of the anal region.
Bloody, yet painless, bowel movements, irritation, itching and pain of the anal area, protruding hemorrhoids, a painful lump or swelling around the anal region, and leakage of feces are all symptomatic of hemorrhoids.
The veins in the anal region stretch when they are under pressure, and this can cause bulging or swelling. Some causes of this increased pressure are straining while passing stools, sitting too long on the toilet, pregnancy, diarrhea or constipation that is chronic, or anal intercourse. The tendency towards hemorrhoids can be hereditary. Moreover, since the tissues that support one’s veins weaken with age, hemorrhoids become more common with age.
There is an abundance of hemorrhoid treatments available that will relieve symptoms, however none can make hemorrhoids vanish. For those with mild hemorrhoid discomfort, there are ointments, creams, pads and suppositories available without a doctor’s prescription. The common ingredients in these products are hydrocortisone or witch hazel, which offer temporary relief of itching and pain. Please note that the use of such products for periods beyond that, which is recommended, can cause skin inflammation, rashes, and thinning.. Taking several warm baths a day, and bathing the anal area with warm water and without soap, which can cause further irritation, is recommended. Apply cold compresses or ice to the anus to reduce swelling. Moist wipes or wet toilet tissue that is free of alcohol and perfume is preferable to dry toilet paper. A sitz bath, available at pharmacies and medical supply stores, can give relief. Finally, using a hair dryer on the area to minimize moisture is also effective.
If over-the-counter remedies do not give you results, or if hemorrhoids are causing frequent and/or excessive bleeding, or if you are experiencing more than mild pain, you had better see a doctor. Also if the stools you pass are maroon, black or tarry, or if blood clots or blood is visible in the stool, it is advisable to see a physician. These symptoms can signal additional bleeding in the digestive tract. Also, see a doctor if hemorrhoid symptoms appear along with notable changes in bowel movements. In-office procedures could be necessary to relieve more serious hemorrhoid symptoms. A physician can remove blood clots that form in external hemorrhoids with a tiny incision. Other minimally invasive outpatient procedures are available to relieve hemorrhoids that cause pain and heavy bleeding. If these more minimal procedures do not work, or if the hemorrhoid is very large, a surgical procedure, such as a hemorrhoidectomy, which may include an short stay in a hospital, could be necessary.
Prevention is the preferred remedy. You can try to prevent hemorrhoids by sticking to a high-fiber diet, meaning more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, and by drinking eight glasses of non-alcoholic liquids a day. Try not to sit or stand for extended periods, and exercise regularly. Following these tips will serve to soften the stool, relieve pressure on the veins, and thus eliminate the most common causes of hemorrhoids.
This author writes on a variety of health subjects 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.
