How to Live with Hemorrhoids
When the blood veins which are located in lower rectum, or within the anus become swollen and engorged and start itching and causing pain, the diagnoses is often hemorrhoids. This condition of swollen painful veins can be either internal, or external, causing the vein to protrude from the anus. On occasion, both types will occur at the same time for some unlucky sufferers.
Inordinate amounts of pressure on the veins of the anus often result in hemorrhoid formation. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements due to constipation. Conversely, frequent diarrhea can also cause strain, which can form hemorrhoids. A lack of fiber in the diet, or an inadequate fluid intake can raise your risk of suffering from hemorrhoids. Overweight people have a greater risk of hemorrhoids, and the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, as well as the strain of labor and delivery can make hemorrhoids a common problem for women. Hemorrhoids are also a risk factor for individuals who have jobs that keep them seated for extended periods of time.
One or more of the following issues often indicate the presence of hemorrhoids; anal itchiness, anal pain, a burning sensation when moving bowels, signs of fresh blood that occur with bowel movements, and irregular lumps or protrusions around the anal area. Hemorrhoids can usually be diagnosed by a family physician during a routine physical examination.
There is no denying that having hemorrhoids is not fun, but fortunately, they seldom pose a serious problem to health. On rare occasions, they can become severe enough to cause extreme pain or considerable bleeding. Any rectal bleeding should be brought to the attention of one's physician, as there are more serious diseases for which that can be a symptom. Treating the first stages of hemorrhoids usually involves an over-the-counter cream, or the use of medicated pads. These treatments are only used to temporarily reduce the symptoms and should not be considered for long-term use. Some helpful home remedies include sitz baths, wiping the irritated area with cotton soaked in witch hazel, or using stool softeners to ease any constipation. Stubborn cases that fail to respond to simple home remedies can indicate that surgery should be considered, though surgical intervention is usually a last resort. Hemorrhoidectomy, and stapling to block blood flow to the inflamed tissue are invasive procedures that are used only when other remedies have failed. A chemical injection may be considered to shrink swelling tissue, and rubber band ligation, or laser light/heat may be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
In order to prevent a return of the hemorrhoids, a change of lifestyle may be in order. A diet that is high in fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables (or a fiber supplement if necessary) could help keep the digestive system healthy and prevent the reoccurrence of constipation. In addition, the importance of an adequate intake of fluid (a minimum of 8 glasses daily) cannot be stressed enough. Exercise also helps to keep the body healthy and the digestive tract regular.
Modification of one's lifestyle is often prescribed to attain and then maintain a life free of hemorrhoids. A sufficient fluid intake (drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water every day) is crucial to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Exercise also keeps the body healthy and bowel movements more regular, which in turn prevents the reoccurrence of constipation, and thus the reoccurrence of hemorrhoids. A revision of diet to include foods fiber rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables (or the addition of a fiber supplement if needed) will also help retain a healthy digestive system. Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, and while they may not be a major health concern, they are certainly an undesirable one but hemorrhoids are both avoidable and treatable.
Inordinate amounts of pressure on the veins of the anus often result in hemorrhoid formation. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements due to constipation. Conversely, frequent diarrhea can also cause strain, which can form hemorrhoids. A lack of fiber in the diet, or an inadequate fluid intake can raise your risk of suffering from hemorrhoids. Overweight people have a greater risk of hemorrhoids, and the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, as well as the strain of labor and delivery can make hemorrhoids a common problem for women. Hemorrhoids are also a risk factor for individuals who have jobs that keep them seated for extended periods of time.
One or more of the following issues often indicate the presence of hemorrhoids; anal itchiness, anal pain, a burning sensation when moving bowels, signs of fresh blood that occur with bowel movements, and irregular lumps or protrusions around the anal area. Hemorrhoids can usually be diagnosed by a family physician during a routine physical examination.
There is no denying that having hemorrhoids is not fun, but fortunately, they seldom pose a serious problem to health. On rare occasions, they can become severe enough to cause extreme pain or considerable bleeding. Any rectal bleeding should be brought to the attention of one's physician, as there are more serious diseases for which that can be a symptom. Treating the first stages of hemorrhoids usually involves an over-the-counter cream, or the use of medicated pads. These treatments are only used to temporarily reduce the symptoms and should not be considered for long-term use. Some helpful home remedies include sitz baths, wiping the irritated area with cotton soaked in witch hazel, or using stool softeners to ease any constipation. Stubborn cases that fail to respond to simple home remedies can indicate that surgery should be considered, though surgical intervention is usually a last resort. Hemorrhoidectomy, and stapling to block blood flow to the inflamed tissue are invasive procedures that are used only when other remedies have failed. A chemical injection may be considered to shrink swelling tissue, and rubber band ligation, or laser light/heat may be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
In order to prevent a return of the hemorrhoids, a change of lifestyle may be in order. A diet that is high in fiber found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables (or a fiber supplement if necessary) could help keep the digestive system healthy and prevent the reoccurrence of constipation. In addition, the importance of an adequate intake of fluid (a minimum of 8 glasses daily) cannot be stressed enough. Exercise also helps to keep the body healthy and the digestive tract regular.
Modification of one's lifestyle is often prescribed to attain and then maintain a life free of hemorrhoids. A sufficient fluid intake (drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water every day) is crucial to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Exercise also keeps the body healthy and bowel movements more regular, which in turn prevents the reoccurrence of constipation, and thus the reoccurrence of hemorrhoids. A revision of diet to include foods fiber rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables (or the addition of a fiber supplement if needed) will also help retain a healthy digestive system. Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, and while they may not be a major health concern, they are certainly an undesirable one but hemorrhoids are both avoidable and treatable.
About the Author:
Although having hemroids can be unpleasant and painful, in most cases they are not dangerous or life threatening. Hemroid relief can be obtained with over the counter creams which reduce swelling and itching but the best thing you can do is to add more fiber to your diet to reduce flare ups and prevent hemroids from occuring in the first place.