Hemorrhoids: Causes and Remedies
Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen areas of tissue and varicose veins in the anal or rectal area. Often they itch, and sometimes they bleed. In healthy people going to take routine exams with a doctor, two-thirds reportedly have hemorrhoids in some form. Recurring hemorrhoids tend to get worse over time, and an estimated 89 percent of Americans have them at some point in their lives. Fortunately, hemorrhoid treatment is easy to do, and a safe, gentle method exists for almost any sufferer.
Because hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas, changing normal bowel habits is a good place to start correcting the problem. Too much strain and pressure cause blood to pool in veins, and the veins swell, stretching the surrounding tissue. One of the major causes of this condition is rushing and straining through a bowel movement. Pushing the bowels out should be a relaxed, natural process, even if it is difficult or you are constipated or have diarrhea. Overextending yourself by pushing hard is what causes the rectal pressure that leads to hemorrhoids.
Other factors that can lead to hemorrhoids include being overweight, pregnancy, and labor, medical conditions like liver and heart disease and pelvic tumors. Each of these conditions triggers increased pressure in the pelvic area or makes conditions ripe for blood to pool in the veins.
There are nonsurgical procedures (called fixative procedures) that can be done to treat hemorrhoids. These procedures aim to decrease the blood supply to the hemorrhoid so that it will shrink or go away. In rubber band ligation, the hemorrhoids are tied off with a rubber band. Coagulation therapy allows scar tissue to form by using heat, electric current or lasers to get rid of the hemorrhoid. If none of these procedures is able to stop the bleeding, a surgical hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary. The surgery has more risks and a longer recovery, so it is not always recommended for seniors over 70 or those who struggle with bad health.
Things you can do in the normal routines of your life can help prevent symptoms from worsening and relieve hemorrhoids. Using baby wipes or tissue slightly moistened with water to blot the anus after bowel movements helps. You should avoid rubbing the anal area no matter how much it itches. Switch your soap, too, if it contains perfume or dyes that could irritate the area.
Some have had relief from using ice and heat compacts alternatively several times a day for 10 minutes at a time. A sitz bath, in which you sit in a tub of shallow water just high enough to cover the anal area, works, too. Soak for about 15 minutes, but do not make the water too hot. Afterwards, pat the anal area dry and make sure you wear cotton underwear to avoid moisture buildup.
Hemroid treatment [http://articleaptitude.com/best-hemroid-treatment/] can also include over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, an anti-itch formula. Pain relievers and numbing anesthetics offer similar relief. It is important if you suffer from hemorrhoids [http://articleaptitude.com/best-hemroid-treatment/] to know, which treatment is right for you and when to call for reinforcements to assist your home treatment efforts. If your hemorrhoids persist for longer than two weeks, it is probably time to consult a doctor.
Because hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas, changing normal bowel habits is a good place to start correcting the problem. Too much strain and pressure cause blood to pool in veins, and the veins swell, stretching the surrounding tissue. One of the major causes of this condition is rushing and straining through a bowel movement. Pushing the bowels out should be a relaxed, natural process, even if it is difficult or you are constipated or have diarrhea. Overextending yourself by pushing hard is what causes the rectal pressure that leads to hemorrhoids.
Other factors that can lead to hemorrhoids include being overweight, pregnancy, and labor, medical conditions like liver and heart disease and pelvic tumors. Each of these conditions triggers increased pressure in the pelvic area or makes conditions ripe for blood to pool in the veins.
There are nonsurgical procedures (called fixative procedures) that can be done to treat hemorrhoids. These procedures aim to decrease the blood supply to the hemorrhoid so that it will shrink or go away. In rubber band ligation, the hemorrhoids are tied off with a rubber band. Coagulation therapy allows scar tissue to form by using heat, electric current or lasers to get rid of the hemorrhoid. If none of these procedures is able to stop the bleeding, a surgical hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary. The surgery has more risks and a longer recovery, so it is not always recommended for seniors over 70 or those who struggle with bad health.
Things you can do in the normal routines of your life can help prevent symptoms from worsening and relieve hemorrhoids. Using baby wipes or tissue slightly moistened with water to blot the anus after bowel movements helps. You should avoid rubbing the anal area no matter how much it itches. Switch your soap, too, if it contains perfume or dyes that could irritate the area.
Some have had relief from using ice and heat compacts alternatively several times a day for 10 minutes at a time. A sitz bath, in which you sit in a tub of shallow water just high enough to cover the anal area, works, too. Soak for about 15 minutes, but do not make the water too hot. Afterwards, pat the anal area dry and make sure you wear cotton underwear to avoid moisture buildup.
Hemroid treatment [http://articleaptitude.com/best-hemroid-treatment/] can also include over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, an anti-itch formula. Pain relievers and numbing anesthetics offer similar relief. It is important if you suffer from hemorrhoids [http://articleaptitude.com/best-hemroid-treatment/] to know, which treatment is right for you and when to call for reinforcements to assist your home treatment efforts. If your hemorrhoids persist for longer than two weeks, it is probably time to consult a doctor.
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