Although most commonly referred to as hemorrhoids, this medical condition is also known as emerods or piles. Whatever you chose to call it, hemorrhoids are essentially enlarged and dilated veins of the haemorrhoidal plexuses, which is a vein in the rectum and anus.
Unlike virtually every other vein in the body, these veins can stretch to remarkable sizes, mainly due to their purpose: to flex and stretch so as to coexist with the bowel expanding and contracting.
However, when a weakened portion of the vein is exposed to increased pressure from various causes (i.e., straining while using the toilet), the vein expands. If, for various reasons (as set forth below), the vein is prevented from returning to its normal size, a haemorrhoid is the result.
The good news is that at least one study has suggested that approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of patients with hemorrhoids symptoms can be treated without resorting to surgery. As a result, if you are suffering from hemorrhoids symptoms, properly educating yourself might be a great way to prevent you from becoming the unfortunate five percent (5%) that need piles surgery.
Step 1
First, You Need To Determine What Type Of Hemorrhoids You Have.
There are two main types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids occur outside of the anal canal. Usually associated with pain, swelling and irritation, external piles often result in bleeding and itching. Moreover, external hemorrhoids are likely to thrombosis.
A thrombosed haemorrhoid occurs when that vein develops a blot clot or ruptures and usually manifests itself in a the form of a hard lump around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are, for the most part, just that: internal. Fortunately, most people experiencing internal hemorrhoids may not even know they have them since that area generally does not have pain receptors.
Of course, if irritated, they will bleed (which is usually sufferer’s first indication that they have an internal haemorrhoid. However, diagnosis and treatment of internal piles is important because if left untreated, they may result in prolapsed hemorrhoids (where the vein is actually internal but so distended that they end up outside the anus) or strangulated hemorrhoids (where a prolapsed haemorrhoid is trapped outside the anus and its blood supply is cut off as a result of a spasm of the anal sphincter muscle.
Because internal hemorrhoids are hard to diagnose (especially if you are unaware that you have them), there are hemorrhoids symptoms you should be on the look-out for. First, one of the most common internal pile symptoms is bleeding (usually bright red).
Second, because the internal haemorrhoid may increase in size so to block normal bowel passage, you may experience an incomplete bowel movement if you have an internal haemorrhoid. This is a rather serious complication as it may cause the haemorrhoid to become infected.
Additionally, anal itching is a sign that you might have an internal haemorrhoid. Patting or gently wiping the area, not scratching, is recommended because irritation will be increased by scratching; thereby making the feelings worse not better.
Step 2
Second, You Need To Know What The Causes of Hemorrhoids Are.
Like most things in life, if you want to prevent something from occurring, you need to determine what the causes are and stop doing those causal activities (i.e., if you can’t breathe due to excessive smoking, stop smoking). Finding a treatment for hemorrhoids is no different.
The following activities have been shown to contribute to the haemorrhoidal process:
- Being over-weight. Obesity, which is often accompanied by poor posture and muscle tone, puts an extreme amount of pressure on the rectal veins.
- Extended bouts of sitting. This does not necessarily need to be on the toilet either. If you sit at a desk job for long periods of time, your risk of hemorrhoids increases.
- Hypertension.
- Straining during bowel movements. Whether caused by constipation or diarrhoea, hemorrhoids may result from increased straining while moving your bowels.
- Pregnancy. As a result of increased hypertension and bowel movement strain, hemorrhoids often result during pregnancy.
Step 3
Third, There Are Several Lifestyle Changes That You Can Do To Prevent Hemorrhoids.
Prevention of hemorrhoids can result by religiously doing the following activities:
- Drink more fluids, especially water.
- Exercise.
- Improve your posture.
- Try not strain when moving your bowels.
- Do not wear tight clothing and underwear, which contributes to irritation and poor muscle tone in the anal region.
- Eat more dietary fibre.
- Practice kegel exercises which improve the pelvic floor.
- Squat, do not sit, when moving your bowels.
Step 4
Natural Haemorrhoid Treatments May Successfully Treat An Outbreak Of Hemorrhoids.
In the event you experience symptoms of hemorrhoids or are, in fact, diagnosed with piles, surgery may not your only option. Natural haemorrhoid treatments may provide you with needed haemorrhoid relief.
1. Natural Astringents.
Many haemorrhoid sufferers claim that they have experienced lessening (and in some cases reversal) of chronic pile outbreaks by using topical application of Witch hazel.
2. Natural soothing agents.
Others claim success in utilizing natural soothing agents such as Aloe Vera, and even honey.
3. Using an ice pack.
Leaving an ice pack on for ten (10) or fifteen (15) minutes may relieve the itching and swelling associated with an external haemorrhoid.
4. Sleeping with legs raised.
Especially effective for those suffering from hemorrhoids due to poor circulation in the veins, properly raising the legs at night often results in the reduction or elimination of external hemorrhoids.
5. Utilize witch-hazel suppositories in conjunction with drinking chamomile tea.
6. Take dietary supplements such as Butchers Broom, a historically effective substance in treating varicose veins due to its vein-strengthening ability. Similarly, take Horse-chestnut contains chemicals shown to reduce pain and swelling associated with vein weakness.