Hemorrhoids are nothing to be ashamed of

Hemorrhoids are quite common to adults. At one time or another adults experience the torture that is hemorrhoids. However, this is not something to be ashamed of. Neither is it something to put. When treated early, hemorrhoids cure easily. However, if put off they could turn out to be fatal.

Simple home remedies are as basic as sticking to a fiber rich diet to just sitting in a sitz bath. Prevention of hemorrhoids is actually easier than waiting for them to happen then you have to run around looking for a cure. This blog offers a detailed explanation of hemorrhoids and how to cure them at home.

If you scroll down, you will find a post on hemorrhoids. It includes a definition of hemorrhoids, the signs and symptoms, and how to cure them at home. Read on to learn more.

WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?

INTRODUCTION

By WikipedianProlific, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hemorrhoids, also known as Piles or Haemorrhoids are a very common condition in adults.
 Statistics indicate that four fifths of adults are likely to suffer from hemorrhoids at one point in their lives.
However, preventing, and treating hemorrhoids can be easy if certain precautions are taken. This article covers some of the basics related to hemorrhoids.



   In particular, this article seeks to answer the following questions:

      "What are hemorrhoids?"
     "What are the causes of hemorrhoids?"
     "What are the types of hemorrhoids?" 
     "What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?"
     "What is the treatment for hemorrhoids?"

So, if you you are curious to answer any of the questions above, then I urge you to read on.

 WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?

Hemorrhoids are swellings or dilation of blood vessels, such as veins, that are found in the rectum and the inner/outer parts of the anus.
Hemorrhoids are a great concern, especially to the elderly, obese and pregnant women. However, the condition can be easily prevented if one observes certain precautions.

 WHAT CAUSES HEMORRHOIDS?

 There are a number of things which cause hemorrhoids. However, the main causes are:

•  Constipation
• Obesity
• Chronic diarrhea
• Sitting or standing for a long time
• Pregnancy
• Anal Intercourse
• Genetics
• Stress
• And many more

 Sedentary occupations which require individuals to sit or stand for long duration of time were once thought to be the main cause of hemorrhoids. However, research has shown that these are actually minor factors. Pregnancy, constipation and obesity are amongst the major causes of hemorrhoids.


TYPES OF HEMORRHOIDS

There are tow main types of hemorrhoids. These are:

• Internal Hemorrhoids
• External Hemorrhoids

Internal Hemorrhoids:

These are hemorrhoids that are located in the rectum and in the inner side of the anal canal (anus).
Internal hemorrhoids are covered by the lining of the colon.

External Hemorrhoids:

These are hemorrhoids that occur as swellings in the outside of the anus.

 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS

The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are quite easy to spot. However, the signs should not be assumed to be an immediate conclusion of hemorrhoids. They could easily be the signs and symptoms of a different rectal infection altogether, for example. polyps or colon cancer.
 Some of the main signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are highlighted below.    

• Painless rectal bleeding

Painless rectal bleeding could be an indication of internal hemorrhoids.  The bleeding is painless and could easily pass unnoticed. It may be noticed as streaks in toilet tissue or from red coloration in the toilet bowl after flushing.

• Itching sensation

External Hemorrhoids tend to itch a lot especially in hot weather. This itching sensation is also aggravated by poor hygiene around the anus.

• Pain and Discomfort

Hemorrhoids can be especially painful, particularly in their advanced stage. Passing stool becomes painful, and, there is a lot of discomfort when sitting down on a hard surface or standing for long periods if time. In addition, on occasion, one may experience sharp abdominal pains.

TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS

The treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the condition. If the condition is detected in its early stages it can easily be treated without any medication. However if they are at an advanced stage, then there might be need to use medication and in more severe cases, surgery. Below are some tips on how to treat hemorrhoids at home.


How to  treat hemorrhoids at home

Hemorrhoids can be controlled and treated from home by following the following regime:

• Adhering to a high fiber diet

This by far the most important way to treat hemorrhoids.
Fiber is essential in the processes of digestion and passing stool. This is because fibers have a high water retention capacity making stool soft, moist and easy to pass. This ensures reduced pain during the process of passing stool.
Stool that is hard and dry is usually hard and painful to pass, even under normal circumstances.
A high fiber diet should include;

>        Fruits: whole or cooked       

>       Vegetables                             

>       Whole grain bread                  
>        Cereals                                                                                                                        

Simply put, there must be at least one roughage in all the meals you take.

• Drinking enough water daily

Water is also an important remedy . To effectively control and cure hemorrhoids, one is advised to drink at two liters of water in a day. This translates to about 6 or 8 glasses of water. The water should be taken on regular intervals especially during and after meals. Water is good for digestion and it ensures that stool is soft and moist, thus, reducing pain during its passing.

• Engaging in an exercise regime

Regular exercise is good for the general well being of the body. In far as hemorrhoids are concerned, exercise improves digestion and reduces the chance of constipation.

• Personal Hygiene

Regular cleaning of the region around the anus with water helps to control hemorrhoids. It speeds up the healing process and reduces itching. However, soap should not be used. Warm water with a pinch of salt is advisable. If not possible, then plain water will do.

• Taking a sitz bath

A sitz bath is a simple setup. All it requires is a bath with warm water. The person sits in the bath with the water covering the region up to the hips. Sitting in a sitz bath  for 15 to 20 minutes will help relieve the lower abdominal pains caused by hemorrhoids.

• Change in toiler habits

Distractions in the toilet while passing stool must be avoided at all costs. These include reading the newspaper, browsing your mobile phone or filling the crossword. Sitting on the toilet for a longer period than required will make the hemorrhoid condition worse.