Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be internal, external or even both. Whatever kind of hemorrhoid you develop, you will want to know how to get hemorrhoid relief and what hemorrhoid treatment to use.

The problem with hemorrhoids is that they can cause many uncomfortable symptoms for their sufferers although they are never dangerous or life threatening. The main cause of hemorrhoids is a blockage in the veins of the rectum. Constipation can be the reason for this blockage as well as the pressure of the fetus in pregnant women. If this blockage continues, the pressure in the veins increases to such an extent that the veins cannot resist. Many hemorrhoids are very small and present no symptoms. Others appear at the opening of the anal passage and resemble soft lumps in bunches. There is a mucus covering that can become damaged so they might start to bleed. Other hemorrhoids may occur deep inside the rectum, sometimes bulging outside the anus. One of the more unpleasant hemorrhoid symptoms is itchiness. Often accompanying hemorrhoids is anal fissures.

Often just a change to your lifestyle and diet will give you hemorrhoid relief:

• Change to a high bulk diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals such as brown rice, bread and pasta as this provides fiber in your diet. You can even add bran or other fiber supplements.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day to help soften the stools.
• Always go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need as putting off this action may cause bigger and harder stools to form.
• A mild painkiller such as paracetamol can be taken to ease the pain.
• Take warm, soaking baths to soothe and relax the anal area.
• Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper when using the toilet.
• Wash the anal area carefully with water only, after going to the toilet and dry very gently. Remember not to scrub or rub.
• Apply ice packs, cool compresses or a cool cotton pad soaked in witch hazel several times per day.
• You can use a special hemorrhoid toilet seat which has an innovative shape with a narrow opening that prevents the hemorrhoid veins from stretching while regulating the bowel movement time. The seat can be fixed to a regular toilet seat.
• You can use a hemorrhoid pillow which is donut-shaped-foam to relieve pressure on the sensitive hemorrhoid area. Some people prefer to use a normal small pillow or cushion. This will make you more comfortable if you have to sit for any length of time.
• Exercise is another good way to avoid constipation and hemorrhoids. You need to promote good muscle tone. Lack of exercise means slack muscle tone. Walking, running, swimming, aerobics, Pilates and Yoga will all promote good muscle tone.

Then for hemorrhoid treatment, you can carry out treatment at home as follows:

• By using an over-the-counter product such as creams and suppositories which can be used to reduce swelling, burning, itching and other discomforts
• By using a natural medication available on line and which is gentle and safe to use.

In the majority of cases, hemorrhoids will respond to good home treatment and care.

But in the case of severe or chronic hemorrhoids which have either been neglected or have not responded to any other treatment, there are other types of surgery and/or treatment which can be used and these are:

• Hemorrhoidectomy – which is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid under an anesthetic
• Laser coagulation - which involves an electric current which is applied to the hemorrhoid via an electrode probe
• Infrared photocoagulation – where an infrared light is used to coagulate the dilated vein which also promotes tissue shrinkage.
• Rubber band ligation – which involves wrapping a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood flow and causing the hemorrhoid to dry and fall off. This method is used for internal hemorrhoids.
• Staple hemorrhoids surgery – which is the latest method for internal hemorrhoids and removes the abnormally lax and expanded hemorrhoidal supporting tissue that has allowed the former internal hemorrhoids to prolapse downwards and become chronic.

However, with good hemorrhoid relief and hemorrhoid treatment at home there should be no need to resort to surgical solutions for the healing of your hemorrhoids.

More Hemorrhoids Articles

What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid Banding
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment
Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Hemorrhoids Surgery
Hemorrhoids Relief
Home Treatment for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids Cure
External Hemorrhoids Treatment
Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treatment
Hemorrhoid Causes