CAPITAL HEALTH

What are hemorrhoids?

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

How common are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.

Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum. What is the treatment?

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include

warm tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time

Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.

A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include

Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.
Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy.
How are hemorrhoids prevented?

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.

Do you want to treat your hemorrhoids naturally and without surgery? Then perhaps what you have been looking for is the Hemorrhoids Miracle. Click here for more about H-Miracle.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

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Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

By: Hemorrhoids Miracle
Posted: Oct 28, 2010

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What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are normally present veins in the anus and rectum that become swollen and inflamed. Over three-quarters of people in the United States have hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. The peak age is between 45 to 65 years.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Internal hemorrhoids (ones that are inside the anal cavity) usually cause painless bleeding at the end of a bowel movement. Blood can be a sign of a serious problem so it’s important to be evaluated by a health professional.

Other symptoms are a sensation of fullness, usually described as feeling the urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool. Straining worsens the discomfort.

There may be acute pain, itching, and irritation around the anus. This often occurs when the hemorrhoid has prolapsed and can be seen outside the anus or it can be caused when a blood clot develops or the hemorrhoid becomes twisted. There may be a painful lump or swelling around the anus. These may be serious and requires evaluation.

External hemorrhoids (outside the anus) can often be felt as a bulge in the anus. Although they can be itchy and painful, they sometimes don’t cause typical symptoms.

Hemorrhoids Are Often Confused With Anal Fissures

When people see spots of blood on the toilet paper and have pain with bowel movements, they often immediately think it’s hemorrhoids when the problem may really be a small but painful tear called an anal fissure.

Anal fissures are often caused by constipation. If stools are dry and hard, the anal sphincter is forced open wider than normal, resulting in a tear, or anal fissure. There are often some spots of bright red blood on the toilet paper.

Anal fissures also cause a sharp, stinging, often severe pain with the passage of each bowel movement (whereas hemorrhoids often cause bleeding but no pain).

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Here are five natural remedies that are used for hemorrhoids.

1) Fiber

Fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. It can soften stool and increase its bulk, which helps to reduce straining. Seven randomized trials with a total of 378 participants have found fiber improved symptoms including itching, discomfort, and pain.

There are plenty of ways to get more fiber. Start by eating foods high in fiber, such as whole grains and vegetables. Psyllium, a powdered fiber supplement, is another option, one that’s inexpensive and readily available. A typical amount of psyllium is one teaspoon of the husks in water followed by another glass of water.

Another option is ground flaxseeds. Whatever the source of fiber, it’s important to drink sufficient water or constipation may worsen.

2) Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are a type of plant compound that are thought to work by stabilizing and strengthening blood vessel walls and by decreasing inflammation. They have been found to reduce anal discomfort, pain, and anal discharge during an acute hemorrhoid attack. Side effects of bioflavonoids appear to be mild and rare, making them a promising treatment for hemorrhoids in pregnancy (the flavonoid tangeretin however, shouldn’t be used by people taking tamoxifen for breast cancer).

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The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits, diosmin, herperidin, and oxerutins, appear to be beneficial. Daflon, a product made with citrus bioflavonoids was found to improve symptoms in pregnant women by day four of taking it and to reduce symptoms of pain, heaviness, bleeding, itching and discharge.

3) Witch Hazel Compress or Cream

This drug store staple is made from the leaves and bark of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. It is not be taken internally but is instead applied topically to the anal area in the form of witch hazel distilled liquid, ointment, or medicated pads.

Witch hazel is thought to decrease the bleeding of hemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It may also relieve pain, itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

4) Butcher’s Broom

The plant butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), which is also known as knee holly, box holly, and sweet broom, gets its name because it was once used by butchers in Europe to clean their chopping blocks. Butcher’s broom has a long history of traditional use for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is often used when there is underlying poor circulation in the veins.

How does butcher’s broom work? Although scientists haven’t confirmed the effectiveness of butcher’s broom for hemorroids, butcher’s broom extract contains anti-inflammatory and vein-contricting properties that are believed to improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. The active compound is called ruscogen.

Butcher’s broom is usually recommended in capsule or tea form. The tea has a slightly bitter taste, so a bit of stevia or honey can be used to sweeten it. The tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Butchers broom has also been shown to be effective when applied topically as an ointment or compress.

Butcher’s broom should not be used by people with high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by pregnant or nursing women, or by people taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs unless otherwise recommended by their doctor.

5) Horse Chestnut

The herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), like Butchers broom, is often recommended when there is poor circulation in the veins, or chronic venous insufficiency. In folk medicine, it is used to relieve symptoms such as swelling and inflammation and strengthen blood vessel walls. The active compound is believed to be aescin.

Horse chestnut can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. It can also be applied externally as a compress. People with an allergy to the horse chestnut family, bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners should not take horse chestnut. Only products made from the seeds or bark of the young branches should be used. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. Although uncommon, side effects have included kidney damage, severe bleeding, bruising, and liver damage.

6) Other Natural Remedies

Triphala. An Ayurvedic compound of three fruits. It is well-known as a bowel tonic that gently relieves constipation without being a harsh stimulant.

Topical application of chamomile or calendula. Can be applied as a compress or ointment.

Prevention of Hemorrhoids

The three basics that may reduce hemorrhoids symptoms are:

Adequate water intake (a minimum of six glasses a day)
Adequate fiber in the diet
Exercise
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Constipation. One of the top causes of hemorrhoids is constipation. Straining puts greater pressure on these veins.
Pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are a common problem caused by hormonal changes and increased pressure by the growing fetus, which forces the veins to work harder to pump blood.
Chronic venous insufficiency. Hemorrhoids can be a sign of general weakness in the veins. Contributing factors are standing or sitting for long periods, being overweight, not exercising enough, and smoking.
Inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may be the underlying cause of hemorrhoids.
Portal hypertension. Increased pressure within the portal vein blood from the intestines to the liver. A condition called liver cirrhosis is the most common cause.
Aging. Starting in the thirties, there is a progressive weakening of the support structures in the area.
Getting Diagnosed

A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Do you want to treat your hemorrhoids naturally and without surgery? Then perhaps what you have been looking for is the Hemorrhoids Miracle. Click here for more about H-Miracle.

Hemorrhoids Miracle – About the Author:

This author writes about H Miracle at Cure Your Hemorrhoids Center

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/natural-remedies-for-hemorrhoids-3563088.html

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Related Hemorrhoids Articles

Hemorrhoids FAQs
What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen but normally present blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

The increased pressure and swelling may result from straining to move the bowel. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, heredity, aging, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching (pruritus ani), have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

How Common Are Hemorrhoids?

Both women and men commonly experience hemorrhoids. About half of the population have hemorrhoids by age fifty. Women often experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?

A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool lasts more than a couple of days. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

The doctor examines the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.

Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.

What Is the Treatment for Hemorroids?

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids initially is aimed at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:

Warm tub or sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes.
Ice packs to help reduce swelling.
Application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.

Prevention of the recurrence of hemorrhoids is aimed at changing conditions associated with the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue and are performed under anesthesia. The doctor will perform the surgery during an office or hospital visit.

A number of surgical methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include:

Rubber band ligation–A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
Sclerotherapy–A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.

Techniques used to treat both internal and external hemorrhoids include:

Electrical or laser heat (laser coagulation) or infrared light (infrared photo coagulation)–Both techniques use special devices to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.
Hemorrhoidectomy–Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is the best method for permanent removal of hemorrhoids.
How Are Hemorrhoids Prevented?

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass.

 

Do you want to treat your hemorrhoids naturally and without surgery? Then perhaps what you have been looking for is the Hemorrhoids Miracle. Click here for more about H-Miracle.

Many people think that hemorrhoids are a condition that only affect older people, or pregnant women. In fact, more than half of all Americans over age 30 will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Hemorrhoids are also a common problem for people with IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who suffer with diarrhea and/or constipation. The good news is that hemorrhoids are very treatable.

What Is a Hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoid is actually a form of vericose vein. The veins in and around the rectum and anus become swollen. The two forms of hemorrhoids are internal and external.

Internal. This form of hemorrhoid is inside the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids usually don’t cause pain, but may bleed and rarely protrude from the anus during bowel movements. An internal hemorrhoid may prolapse, or extend outside the anus and be quite painful.

External. This form of hemorrhoid is located around the anus and when inflamed feels like a hard lump. They are covered by skin, are very sensitive to touch, and can bleed, especially while straining during a hard bowel movement.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

Anal itching
Bleeding during bowel movements (often bright red on the paper or on the outside of the stool)
Pain
Protrusion during bowel movements
Sensitive lumps around the anus
What Causes Hemorrhoids?

A variety of reasons may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Some of these include:

Age
Chronic constipation
Chronic diarrhea
Pregnancy
Straining during bowel movements
Overuse of laxatives
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of hemorrhoids are similar to those of an anal fissure, a fistula, or an abscess, it is important to be seen by a physician and be diagnosed. However, many people suffer from their hemorrhoids and treat them with over-the-counter medications without ever talking to their doctor. Rectal bleeding should always be checked out by a doctor, even if it is suspected to be from a hemorrhoid.

To diagnose hemorrhoids, a physician will need to examine the anal area. Patients may be asked to remove clothing from the waist down, change into a hospital gown and lie on one side on an examination table. The physician will examine around the anus and rectum. A doctor may also perform a quick rectal exam with a gloved and lubricated finger. This may be painful for a moment if external hemorrhoids are present, but is helpful in making a correct diagnosis.

In some cases, the physician may need to take a closer look at the area with an anoscope. An anoscope is a small tube with a light that when inserted into the rectum can help the physician see any internal hemorrhoids.

What Is the Treatment?

Mild hemorrhoids. Most hemorrhoids are considered mild, and symptoms are often relieved by a few changes in diet and lifestyle. One goal of treatment is to ensure that stool should is soft and easily passed. Increasing fiber in the diet will help stool to be more easily passed without straining. Drinking more water will help to prevent constipation and hard, difficult to pass stools.

For people with IBS, soluble fiber (brown rice, oatmeal, psyllium husks, etc.) is often better tolerated than insoluble fiber (wheat bran, whole grains, cereals, seeds, etc.). People with IBD who are following a low-fiber diet on the advice of a physician will want to talk to their doctor before adding fiber to the diet. In both IBS and IBD, treating the underlying symptoms of constipation and diarrhea will help the hemorrhoids to heal more rapidly.

Keeping the anal area clean is also important to recovery. Sitz baths (sitting in warm water) relieves symptoms and can be taken either in the bathtub or with a store-bought plastic seat that fits over the toilet bowl. Over-the-counter wipes for hemorrhoids may also be helpful as they contain witch hazel, which is a natural astringent.

Creams, gels, and suppositories that are also sold over-the-counter may help reduce swelling and provide relief from symptoms. A diagnosing physician may provide a prescription for stronger medications to relieve symptoms.

With proper treatment, hemorrhoids may start to improve over a few days to a week. In four to six weeks, the “lump” from an external hemorrhoid should decrease in size.

Severe hemorrhoids. When hemorrhoids become persistent or very painful, other treatments may be necessary. Most of these treatments have complications, and most doctors try to avoid them, and use them only as a last resort.

Clot removal. This procedure used on clotted external hemorrhoids is minor surgery and is usually done under local anesthetic in a physician’s office. A small incision is made and the clot is lifted out.
Rubber band ligation. This treatment is often used for internal hemorrhoids that extend beyond the anus during bowel movements. A small rubber band is positioned around the hemorrhoid, which effectively cuts off its blood supply. The band and the hemorrhoid tissue will be discharged in a few days and heal over a period of one to two weeks.
Sclerotherapy (injection therapy). This procedure may be used on small internal hemorrhoids. A hardening agent is injected into the hemorrhoid, resulting in a loss of circulation that causes the hemorrhoid to shrivel.
Infrared coagulation. Infrared light is aimed at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to clot, then shrivel and finally recede.
Hemorrhoidectomy. During this procedure, the hemorrhoid (the tissue that is bleeding or protruding from the anus) is surgically removed under local anesthesia. A recovery period and hospitalization may occasionally be necessary. It may be used when external hemorrhoids clot repeatedly, the ligation procedure is not successful, a protruding hemorrhoid is not responding to treatment, or there is ongoing bleeding.

Do you want to treat your hemorrhoids naturally and without surgery? Then perhaps what you have been looking for is the Hemorrhoids Miracle. Click here for more about H-Miracle.

Discover what causes hemorrhoids in this free home health video series. Expert: Dr. Susan Jewell Bio: Dr. Susan Jewell is a British born educated bilingual Asian with a British accent and can speak Cantonese. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan
Video Rating: 4 / 5