Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Hemorrhoids
the lining of the anus or wall of the rectum that affect millions. Because it is such a sensitive issue to many, perhaps we will never know the true extent of this problem. When viewing the number of over the counter creams, pads and pills one can only image the millions who are too embarrassed to seek advice from their medical professional, or for that matter even tell their closest friends. Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by straining during bowel movements, diarrhea, chronic constipation, aging and heredity. The good news is that hemorrhoid do not threaten your health, the bad news is that they are irritating, painful and nearly impossible to get rid of. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include persistent itching or discomfort around the anus. Hemorrhoids can bleed. If you have bleeding with your hemorrhoids tell your doctor, since this could be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Internal Hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids are not visible to the naked eye and located high up in the anal canal. Bleeding is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. If internal hemorrhoids push through the anal opening while straining during a bowel movement, this is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. It is painful and often difficult to push back into the rectum. External Hemorrhoids External hemorrhoids occur outside the anus and are visible. They are enlarged veins covered by skin and are blue in appearance. They are often not accompanied by symptoms. However, when they are inflamed, they become red, tender, and can bleed. Blood clots can sometimes form inside an external hemorrhoid. When this happens, it is called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. This form of hemorrhoid is a tender, firm mass in the anal area, usually as small as a blueberry, and cause excruciating pain. Symptoms of Hemorrhoids The symptoms and signs of hemorrhoids include: • Blood covering the stool or on toilet paper after wiping • Incomplete bowel movements • Excessive straining or constipation • Painful swelling or hard lump around the anus • Rectal itching What Causes Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids may occur at any time in men and women but generally become more common with advancing age, during pregnancy, and in women who have had children. Causes of hemorrhoids include: • Genetic predisposition • Constipation and straining during bowel movements • Prolonged sitting • Diarrhea • Pressure and strain due to standing for long periods • Lifting objects that are too heavy • Vomiting • Pregnancy • Coughing • Sneezing Maintaining an active lifestyle, combined with a high-fiber diet, are vital components to preventing hemorrhoids. Help and Treatment for Hemorrhoids The treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed at relieving and reducing symptoms. Holistic and natural hemorrhoids treatments are also effective way to help with discomfort. Treatment of hemorrhoids includes herbal and homeopathic remedies which contain natural ingredients and are safe, effective, and gentle to use without the risk of dependence. Herbs such as Aloe ferox act as a natural stool softener and are a gentle remedy for constipation, which is what causes hemorrhoids quite often. Aloe is also widely recommended for inflammatory digestive disorders. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) contains bitter principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver and digestive system. In addition, Passiflora incarnata is one of nature's most well-regarded carminitives, and helps to provide hemorrhoids relief and ease muscle tension in the bowel. There are also many herbs well known for their beneficial effect on circulation, including Ginkgo biloba, Cratageous oxycanthus, and Gotu cola, while herbal creams can assist with the itching, inflammation, and hemorrhoids relief. Always remember to obtain your natural medicines from a reputable company, such as Native Remedies, to ensure maximum safety and efficacy. They also have a well trained staff to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
of the world where diets rich in high fiber and unrefined foods are favored. A low fiber diet, high in refined foods, contributes greatly to the development of hemorrhoids. Those who consume a low fiber diet tend to strain more during bowel movements since their smaller, harder stools are more difficult to pass. This straining increases the pressure in the abdomen, which obstructs venous blood flow. This intensified pressure increases pelvic congestion and may significantly weaken the veins, causing hemorrhoids to form. Many health care professionals believe that a high fiber diet could possibly be the most significant component in prevention of hemorrhoids. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains promotes peristalsis. Furthermore, many fiber components attract water and form a gelatinous mass that keeps the feces soft, bulky, and easy to pass. The net effect of a high fiber diet is considerably less straining during defecation. Bulking Agents Natural bulking compounds can also be used to lessen fecal straining. These fibrous substances, particularly psyllium seed and guar gum, possess mild laxative action due to their ability to attract water and form a gelatinous mass. They are by and large less irritating than wheat bran and other cellulose fiber products. Several double blind clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementing the diet with bulk forming fibers can markedly reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids (bleeding, pain, itching, and prolapse) and improve bowel habits. Hydrotherapy A warm sitz bath is an effective noninvasive therapy for uncomplicated hemorrhoids. A sitz bath is a partial immersion bath of the pelvic region. The temperature of the water in the warm sitz bath should be between 100 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm sitz bath is soothing, but like creams and ointments its relief is not long lasting. Topical Therapy Topical therapy, in most circumstances, will only provide short-term relief. But when an individual is suffering from hemorrhoids even a short period of relief can provide a much needed break from the pain and general discomfort. Topical treatments include suppositories, ointments, and anorectal pads. Many over the counter products for hemorrhoids contain primarily natural ingredients, such as witch hazel (Hamamelis water), shark liver oil, cod liver oil, cocoa butter, Peruvian balsam, zinc oxide, live yeast cell derivative, and allantoin. Flavonoids Flavonoid preparations have been shown to help hemorrhoids by strengthening the veins. Early studies featured rutin. More recent and much more extensive studies have been performed using hydroxyethylrutosides (HER). Rutin and citrus bioflavonoid preparations can be viewed as providing similar effects to HER, but in all probability not as potent. In a handful of double blind clinical studies, HER has been found helpful in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Some of the studies involved pregnant women; HER was shown to be of great benefit in improving venous function and helping relieve hemorrhoidal signs and symptoms during pregnancy. In one study, 90% of the women who were given HER (1,000 mg per day for four weeks) experienced relief from symptoms, compared to only 12% in the placebo group. Similar results have been reported using HER to treat hemorrhoids not associated with pregnancy. Aortic GAGs Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are structural components vital to maintaining the health of arteries and other blood vessels. A mixture of high purified bovine-derived glycosaminoglycans that are also naturally present in the human aorta (including dermatan sulfate, herparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and related glycosaminoglycans) has been shown to protect and promote normal artery and vein function. Two double-blind studies have compared aortic GAGs (72 mg per day) to hydroxyethylrutosides (1,000 mg per day) in the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The aortic extract produced far better results. In fact, the authors of the hemorrhoids study suggested that aortic GAGs should be used as the “drug of first choice” in the nonsurgical treatment of acute hemorrhoidal pain and disease. Botanicals Any of the botanical described in Varicose Veins, particularly butcher’s broom, are useful for enhancing the integrity of the veins of the rectum. Helpful Suggestions for Self Care There are numerous natural hemorrhoids self-care steps that can help to alleviate and serve as effective, gentle hemorrhoids treatments and provide hemorrhoids relief. * Eat a high fiber diet * Bathe in a warm tub of plain water for about ten minutes to soothe and ease the pain and discomfort * Use ice packs to help reduce swelling * Apply petroleum jelly, cortisone creams, hemorrhoidal cream or suppositories to the affected area for a limited period to relieve the itch and pain * Increase your intake of fiber such as fruit, whole grains and vegetables into your diet * Drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily for softer, bulkier stools * Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to avoid irritation and discomfort * After bowel movements, clean the anus area gently by patting with moist toilet paper, pads or even ‘baby wipes’
Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen or aspirin to relieve pain. Bulk stool softeners or fiber supplements are also recommended to soften stools. In more severe cases when natural hemorrhoids care isn't enough, hemorrhoids treatments may include endoscopically or surgically to destroy the hemorrhoid tissue. Surgical Procedures There are procedures to remove hemorrhoids, such as laser treatment or use of a harmonic scalpel. Hemorrhoids treatments for internal and external tissues includes procedures such as rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, photocoagulation or ectomy may be performed. If a thrombosed external hemorrhoid develops, drainage of the hemorrhoid or a ectomy is recommended. Rubber band ligation (listed above) has been around for years and has benefited many hemorrhoid sufferers. It is a simple procedure that uses a rubber band to eliminate blood flow to the hemorrhoid. After a week or so the hemorrhoid will simply fall off. There are certain criteria (not to mention the embarrassment) that must be met to be eligible for this procedure. Check with your doctor to see whether this procedure could be right for you. Natural Remedies and Supplements for Hemorrhoids
A is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to relieve anal itch, burning sensations and overall discomfort. Anal Itch Assist is safe to use and will not harm delicate anal tissue and membranes. This natural remedy soothes skin in the anal area, without harmful side effects and contains a selection of homeopathic ingredients known to internally address anal irritation and discomfort. Continue
Recto Rex Balm - Support tissue health in anal area and provide relief - Continue |
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