Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. It is a common problem, which
while painful is not usually serious. Internal hemorrhoids are veins swollen
within the canal; external hemorrhoids swell near the opening of the anus.
Often patients have both internal and external hemorrhoids. Often people
misspell this conditions as hemroids and hemeroids while searching for natural
hemorrhoid
treatment.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Excess
pressure on the veins in the pelvic, rectal and anal canals causes hemorrhoids.
Tissue inside the anus fills with blood to aid in bowel movements. Extra
straining from constipation or other bowel movement problems can cause the veins
in these tissues to swell or stretch, very similar to varicose
veins.
Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids in the later stages
of pregnancy from the increased pressure on the pelvic area’s blood vessels.
Straining during labor can make hemorrhoids worse as well.
Obesity and
being overweight can also increase the pressure in the anal canal or pelvic
areas.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Internal
hemorrhoids may cause bright red streaks of blood during bowel movement or on
toilet paper. Often the hemorrhoids may cause the veins to bulge out of the
anus, which may cause mucus to pass with the bowel movement.
In
external hemorrhoids, the blood may clot or lump during bowel movements.
Rectal bleeding may be a symptom of other medical
conditions, including color or rectal cancer. So it is important to seek
medical treatment if bleeding occurs.
Treatment for Hemorrhoids
In many cases, especially in external hemorrhoids; the
treatment may include more fiber, more water and over the counter ointments or
creams to stop itching or reduce swelling.
For internal hemorrhoids,
the same treatments may be recommended along with stool softeners.
In
more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the hemorrhoids. In
this case, general or spinal anesthesia is administered before incisions are
made in the tissue around the hemorrhoid. The veins are tied off to prevent
bleeding, and the hemorrhoid is removed. The surgeon can use a scalpel, laser
or cauterizing tool to remove the hemorrhoid.
Natural Cures for
Hemorrhoids
The most effective natural treatments for
hemorrhoids center on regular and well managed bowel habits. This includes a
diet rich in high-fiber foods, especially grain and vegetable fibers. Drinking
ample water on a daily basis is also essential to maintaining balanced bowel
habits. Exercise and proper posture will help alleviate the strain on the
pelvic and anal areas. Additionally, natural colon
cleanse products that contain psyllium fiber can significantly help to
cleanse the colon, and free up bowel movements more, which reduces
strain.
Wearing restrictive clothing can also increase the irritation of
external hemorrhoids.
Hygienic changes that reduce the irritation and
friction in the anal area will also aid in the natural treatment of
hemorrhoids. Wipes designed for anal hygiene are good substitutes for toilet
paper, but the wipes should be used gently and without scrubbing or rubbing the
area.
Prolonged sitting or excess straining during bowel movements will
increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids; so limiting time on the toilet will aid
in natural hemroids treatment.
Avoiding soda, citrus fruit and juices
and beer and wine have been recommended as natural remedies and healing methods
by lowering the acid ph balance of stools. Coffee and other caffeinated
beverage increase flatulence, which can create anal skin sensitivity.
