Hemorrhoids Diagram
Hemorrhoids are an inflammation or swelling of the veins in and around the anus and lower rectum. Considered to be one of the most common medical afflictions, it is easily treatable through not only a variety of medications, but through a number of remedies found in the home and through lifestyle changes.
Home Prevention
One of the simplest ways to treat or prevent hemorrhoids is to eliminate the variety of factors that can cause or aggravate the condition.
When cleaning yourself after a bowel movement, only use white-colored, soft, non-perfumed toilet paper, preferably dampened under a faucet, and wipe from front to back in smooth, light strokes.
Avoid heavy lifting, as it can mimic the effects of straining too hard while on the toilet.
Watch your weight, as an increased weight provides more pressure on the lower extremities, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
Home Treatment: Non-specific
In addition to following the preventative measures outlined above and the many types of creams and medications available at drugstores, there are a variety of household remedies to alleviate the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
First and foremost, scratching the hemorrhoid should be avoided at all costs. Much like scratching a mosquito bite, it will only exacerbate the condition in the long run and increase the risk of damaging the walls of the veins.
A sitz bath, wherein the sufferer sits in a bathtub filled with warm water with the knees raised, is considered by most to be one of the most effective ways to treat hemorrhoids. The warm water has a twofold effect: Not only does it help alleviate the pain; it increases blood flow to the area, aiding in shrinking the swollen veins.
Watch your diet. Certain foods, such as coffee, sodas and anything spicy, have a tendency to lead to a greater level of pain when you have to make a bowel movement, which could make the hemorrhoids especially painful and itchy.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen, can provide a modicum of relief to hemorrhoid pain.
Cold packs can help reduce swelling and provide a brief level of relief from the discomfort.
Witch Hazel
Marvin Schuster, M.D., chief of the Department of Digestive Diseases at Francis Scott Key Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, suggests the application of witch hazel to the rectum with a cotton ball to help treat external hemorrhoids. He says that witch hazel causes blood vessels to shrink and contract, and this is why barbers use it before shaving.
Stoneroot
According to Richard Mabey in his book "New Age Herbalist," stoneroot (collinsonia) is known strengthen the structure and function of the veins and can be taken to control hemorrhoid symptoms. Grady Deal, D.C., Ph.D., a nutritional chiropractor and psychotherapist in Koloa, Kauai Hawaii, says it acts as an astringent, which may be helpful.
The proper dosage is two capsules (375 milligrams each) with a glass of water between meals. As with all homeopathic remedies, a doctor should be consulted before beginning a regiment to ensure safety and the minimizing of serious side effects.
Tags: alleviate pain, bowel movement, warm water, Watch your, ways treat, witch hazel