What are hemorrhoids (Piles)?
Hemorrhoids are a normal part of our body’s anatomy. Hemorrhoids (or piles) are swollen veins in your anus and rectum. Frequent symptoms may include pain, itching, and rectal bleeding. They could develop inside or beyond the anus and rectum. We’re usually unaware of them. There are lots of treatment choices.
Are hemorrhoids common? Hemorrhoids are an extremely common issue. An estimated 75 percent of all Americans experience them at some stage. While they generally go away in a couple of weeks by themselves, they can cause moderate to severe distress.
We can have internal and external hemorrhoids, located within the rectal canal and around the anal opening, respectively. The internal hemorrhoids form a part of the blood supply to the anus and are composed of small arterial branches. External hemorrhoids are veins.
We’re unaware of our hemorrhoids when they are in their normal state. They cause no symptoms. But sometimes we can create problems due to our internal hemorrhoids (internal hemorrhoidal disease). Such symptoms can occur only occasionally (flare-ups) or maybe long-term (chronic).
External hemorrhoids can occur when a blood clot forms suddenly in one of the veins in the anus opening; this is referred to as a “thrombosed external hemorrhoid.” This blood clot ends in a firm external bulge that might cause anal pain and, occasionally, bleeding between bowel movements. Your physician may have the ability to see external hemorrhoids. However, diagnosing internal hemorrhoids might include an examination of your anal canal and anus. Both external and internal hemorrhoidal problems are common. There are treatment choices.
Hemorrhoid causes
What are the causes of hemorrhoid issues?
Factors that may lead to hemorrhoid problems include:
– Straining during bowel movements.
– Hard or watery bowel movements.
– Sitting on the toilet for quite a long time
– A low-fiber diet.
– Pregnancy and vaginal deliveries.
– Aging.
– Heavy lifting or vigorous action
Internal hemorrhoidal disease symptoms
What are the signs of internal hemorrhoidal disease?
– Signs of the internal hemorrhoidal disease include:
– Rectal bleeding, usually bright red
– Anal pain
– Rectal itching or burning.
– Drainage.
– Anal area is tough to wipe clean.
– Bulging of the internal hemorrhoids during bowel movements.
– Hemorrhoids may return in on their own or can be pushed back in the anus by hand.
Holistic treatments for hemorrhoids
Many holistic treatments can provide hemorrhoids relief
-Ayurveda for treating hemorrhoids
Many Ayurvedic therapies are clinically proven to work, such as:
– Medicine, lifestyle, and diet changes.
• Kshara or herbal alkaline paste that program cauterizes and shrinks the hemorrhoids mass.
• Kshara sutra, a special treated alkaline ribbon to tie hemorrhoids off in the base. This can block the blood supply to the vein and then can shrink the hemorrhoids mass.
– Agni karma/thermal cautery & Shastrakarma (surgical excision).
• Ayurvedic teachings recommend herbal remedies & medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes in the first stages of hemorrhoids or piles. Good digestion is one of the most important factors to good health as constipation is one of the chief reasons for hemorrhoids.
– Acupuncture in treating hemorrhoids
According to Traditional Chinese medicine, hemorrhoids or piles are caused as a result of the accumulation of heat and dampness in the vicinity of the rectal area and lower body such as the anus and intestines. If the body is subjected to a warm temperature and humid conditions for an extended time without being dry, it might cause hemorrhoids. This heat and humidity cause the blood vessels to swell up. An acupuncture chart shows all of the meridian lines in the body where energy travels along channels in the body, and this includes the rectal area also. However, many will be surprised to learn that the regions of treatment for hemorrhoids using acupuncture aren’t located close to the anal area but far from it.
– Yoga Therapy: Yoga therapy is of excellent support to prevent and control hemorrhoids from becoming worse. Exercise of Shatkriya or yogic cleansing process retains the body purified, and protect against digestive and intestinal issues. In the status of hemorrhoids, an individual may experience constipation or difficultly in passing stool. Basti kriya helps smooth peristalsis motion for quick elimination.
Additionally, Ashwini mudra in various seated and inverted postures strengthen and stop the enlargement or swelling of hemorrhoids. Inverted postures such as Viparita Karani, Sarvangasana, and Sirsasana can provide good relief in the irritation and pain in the hemorrhoids.
Basti Kriya (Colon Cleansing): Basti is among the most significant Shatkriya, the yogic cleansing technique. The major aim of Basti is to wash the lower abdomen, especially the colon. This yogic cleansing technique is practiced on an empty stomach only in the morning. There are two different types of Basti, Jala Basti, and Sushka or Sthala Basti.
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– Homeopathic Remedies for Hemorrhoids
There are several homeopathic treatments for hemorrhoids or piles. These treatments are chosen based on specific details of the person seeking treatment.
Hamamelis might be traditionally indicated whenever there is throbbing, raw, aching pain in the anus, made worse for several hours after passing stool, and accompanied by significant bleeding. Back pain may be present too.
The homeopathy remedy Aesculus is often used for hemorrhoids. Aspects of this symptom image for this treatment include external hemorrhoids that feel better when they’re bleeding, sensations like little poking sticks in the rectum, symptoms made worse by urination or passing stool, and reduction of symptoms in the cool, open air.
Collinsonia is frequently used when hemorrhoidal pain is associated with alternating diarrhea and constipation, and heart palpitations and swelling of the lips.
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Home remedies for hemorrhoids
Remedies for hemorrhoids relief
Are you considering home remedies to your hemorrhoids? If you desire a natural remedy to help shrink them down, here is what you will need to know. Hemorrhoids normally don’t hurt but may bleed painlessly. If you feel the pain, the hemorrhoids may have moved into the anal canal surface during a bowel movement and become enlarged. If hemorrhoids develop a blood clot (or become thrombosed), they may get especially painful. Home remedies can make them more tolerable. A correct diagnosis is crucial before you try holistic and home remedies. You should see your doctor for bleeding, especially if you’ve not had hemorrhoids before.
Here are some potential home remedies for hemorrhoids.
1. Sitz baths: Usually, experts recommend people with painful hemorrhoids sit in warm water for 15 minutes, many times a day, especially after a bowel movement. This is one of the best remedies. A sitz bath is usually available at a local pharmacy; this little bowl fits right in your bathroom and provides a convenient way to soothe and loosen the region.
2. Witch hazel: Witch hazel is reputed to decrease pain, bleeding, and itching until hemorrhoids fade out. There is not much scientific support for its use, but it does include tannins and oils that might help bring down inflammation and even slow bleeding. Proponents say it tightens the skin as a natural anti-inflammatory.
3. Psyllium husk: Psyllium husk is a supplement that will help boost your fiber intake and softens stools to make them easier to maneuver. Take care not to raise fiber too fast and drink a lot of water, as it might otherwise lead to gas or even constipation. Use this to soften stool and have regular bowel movements. It won’t impact hemorrhoids at a local level, but it does regulate your bowels. Make sure you drink lots of water should you take this supplement.
4. Aloe vera: The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can help alleviate the inflammation of hemorrhoids. It has shown some benefits for other inflammatory skin conditions. Aloe vera gel has been used by many from ancient times to treat psoriasis and various skin ailments. It’s considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce irritation. Pure aloe vera gel may also be chosen directly from within an aloe plant leaves.
5. Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the anus for 15 minutes can help to relieve swelling. This can be a very effective therapy for the big, painful hemorrhoids. Always wrap ice within a cloth or paper towel, rather than apply something suspended directly to the skin.
6. Stool softeners: Stool softeners or fiber supplements can help reduce constipation and make it much easier to have rapid, painless bowel movements. Many stool softeners come in types like capsules, powders, and liquids.
7. Epsom salt and glycerin: This home remedy can help painful hemorrhoids. Use these simple ingredients to make a chemical that you apply directly to the inflamed area: Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with two tablespoons of glycerin. Mix well, and then apply the mixture to a gauze pad and put it on the painful area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this every four hours until the pain eases.
8. Epsom salt warm bath: Warm baths can also help soothe some irritation from hemorrhoids. It is possible to use a sitz bath, which is a little plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat or require a full-body tub in your bathtub. According to Harvard Health, taking a hot bath for 20 minutes after every bowel movement can be most effective. Adding Epsom salts into the bath can provide additional relief by decreasing pain.
9. Apple cider vinegar: Some people today say that apple cider vinegar may bring immediate relief to hemorrhoids, reducing pain and itching. Use this treatment with caution as it might burn the skin with overuse and exacerbate problems.
10. Over-the-counter ointments: OTC ointments, like Preparation H, are available in virtually every drug store and can provide immediate relief. Some lotions may even help in reducing the swelling and help your hemorrhoid to heal faster.
11. Soothing soft wipes: Toilet paper can sometimes aggravate hemorrhoids after a bowel movement. Wipes can help you to stay clean without causing additional irritation. For an additional boost, you will find wipes with soothing, anti-hemorrhoid ingredients, such as witch hazel or aloe vera. Be sure the wipes you choose do not have alcohol, perfume, or other irritants in them. These chemicals could aggravate symptoms rather than relieving them.
12. Tea tree oil: Some people today say that the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can reduce itching and swelling caused by hemorrhoids. Some early studies found that a gel made with tea tree oil decreased symptoms, but studies are lacking.
Hemorrhoids prevention
The easiest way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and decrease symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips:
– Drink eight glasses of water and other liquids (excluding alcohol) daily to help keep stools soft.
Consider fiber supplements. Most individuals do not get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 30 grams a day – in their diet. Studies have demonstrated that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids.
– Eat high-quality organic foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods can soften the stool and increases its mass, which can help you stay away from the straining that can cause gingivitis. Adding fiber gradually to your diet helps to avoid issues with gas.
– Try not to strain. Straining and pushing to pass a stool creates increased pressure in the veins at the lower rectum.
Go whenever you feel the urge. Do not wait to pass a bowel movement, and the urge goes away, your stool could dry out and be more difficult to pass.
– If you use fiber supplements, make certain to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids daily. Otherwise, fiber supplements can cause or even worsen constipation.
– Do not sit for long periods. Sitting too long, especially in the bathroom, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
– Exercise. Stay active to help prevent constipation and to decrease pressure on veins, which may happen with long periods of sitting or standing. Exercise also can help you shed excess weight, which may be contributing to your hemorrhoids.
Summary
Lifestyle and dietary changes are among the best way to prevent hemorrhoids. Exercise and healthy eating can help keep your bowel movements regular. Eat plenty of high-quality foods (particularly from plants) and drink lots of water to help keep the digestive process moving right and avoid constipation. Normal exercise and preventing sitting for extended periods of time may also help prevent hemorrhoids. The very best method to prevent constipation is to go to the toilet once you first feel the urge. Delaying a bowel motion allows the gut to reabsorb water from the feces. This makes stool tougher when you do go. Hemorrhoids are typically simple to treat and clean up by themselves. In very rare situations, hemorrhoids can cause complications. Blood loss from hemorrhoids over a long period can lead to a condition known as anemia, which can be a lack of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have the blood supply cut off, leading to strangulated hemorrhoids, which may result in extreme pain. If home treatments have not been effective after over two weeks, make an appointment to see your physician.