Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the rectal, which can bring discomfort and swelling. Hemorrhoids are classified into two categories based on their occurrence—internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids happen when the tissue supporting the veins in the anal canal weakens and swells, and can protrude out. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur under the surface of the skin at the anal opening.
What Causes Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids may form for various reasons. Usually, the swelling and inflammation of veins outside the anal verge are the results of long-time pressure caused by one's difficulty in passing fecal matter. The following factors may also be the causes of hemorrhoids.
- Age. Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. While hemorrhoids usually begin to develop when one is in his 20s, hemorrhoid symptoms only appear at the age of 30 years old. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50.
- Diet. A low-fiber diet can make fecal matter hard and dry. Highly refined foods such as white flour products and foods high in fat can result in a fiber-deficient diet. As a result, pain and bleeding may occur following a bowel movement.
- Gravity. Hemorrhoids are also associated with people who are required to sit or stand for a long period. The pressure of heavy sitting or prolonged standing puts stress on the anal tissues and veins of those who are on their feet all day, eventually causing hemorrhoids.
- Laxatives. Laxatives are substances most often taken to induce bowel movement or to loosen stool. However, increased straining during bowel movements caused by the purgative may lead to hemorrhoids, especially if one sits on the toilet for too long.
- Obesity. Excessive weight gain could cause hemorrhoids. Obese weight can put so much pressure on the rectal vein that causes one to strain, triggering hemorrhoids.
Home Remedies to Help Ease Hemorrhoid Conditions
Treatments abound for all types of hemorrhoids. Over-the counter remedies such as creams, ointments, and suppositories can give a temporary relief to the swelling and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. But then again, basic self-care methods can easily soothe aching bottoms and flaring hemorrhoids. The remedies that follow can help a man ease hemorrhoid conditions at home.
- Avoid delaying the urge to move bowels. The longer the fecal matter stays in the lower part of the digestive tract, the harder it becomes. On the other hand, move bowels only when there is the urge to do so.
- Drink plenty of water. Water keeps the digestive system moving. A minimum of eight large glasses can prevent fecal matter from becoming a hard and dry stool, which causes one to strain during bowel movement.
- Eat more fiber-packed foods. High-fiber diet can help ease a severe constipation problem. Fiber-packed foods produce soft fecal matter that can pass easily, avoiding pressure and strain.
- Say goodbye to hemorrhoids with a sitz bath. Boil a few cups of water and let it cool down. Once the water cools down to a bearable temperature, pour it on a basin or on a sitz bath for hemorrhoids. The water should be about six to seven inches in height. Add Epsom salt or baking soda to relieve the swelling and irritation. Do this three times per day for 15-20 minutes each soak for an instant relief from painful hemorrhoids.
- Slimming down, and shaping up helps ease hemorrhoids. The pressure of a bulging tummy can cause veins outside of the anal verge and of the superior rectal arteries to swell. To slim down is to ease the current hemorrhoid condition and to prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids.
- Take on a regular exercise. Exercise can help one’s digestive system to be more efficient. Brisk walks or non-strenuous aerobic exercises can drive the whole body to its optimum level. Exercise is also one of the best ways to keep the secretion of the digestive juices moving. Likewise, kegel exercises can promote tightening for the pelvic floor.
Topical medications, lifestyle changes, and a good hygiene are what most patients need to control symptoms of hemorrhoids," said Professor Peter Rohdewald, a co-author of the study. Practice good hygiene, starting with keeping the rectal area well cleaned. Gently soap and then rinse the area with clean water. Wipe with moistened wipes made for anal care, instead of the regular toilet tissue.
Effective home remedies for hemorrhoids can ease symptoms and conditions, but they could not make hemorrhoids disappear. The biggest mistake that people make about hemorrhoids is not consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis, especially when there is bleeding. Consult your doctor to know more about proven hemorrhoid cures that can provide instant relief from the condition.
Reference:
Hemorrhoids, NIH Publication No. 07–3021, November 2004, Digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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