Hemorrhoids Treatment

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins on the rectum and anus. This is caused by increased pressure in the lower limbs, or if one is frequently constipated and has to strain when going. While this is a common issue, a lot of cases go untreated for fear of embarrassment because of its nature.

There are a lot of treatments available ranging from supplements to creams to surgery. The treatment will definitely be based upon the extent to which it causes discomfort, or bleeding. Following are some tips for temporary relief and other treatment options:

Take a hot sitz bath. One can either do this in a tub or on a basin on top of the toilet. Soaking for about 10 minutes alleviates the pain and swelling.

Use wet wipes instead of dry toilet paper. The dry toilet paper will cause friction. It might tear the skin and cause bleeding.

Use a donut. Driving can be a pain in the ass, literally, if one has hemorrhoids. The answer to that is the donut-shaped cushion. Sitting on it takes the pressure off of the hemorrhoids.

Put your feet up. Lying down and raising your legs about 3-4 feet up can reduce the pressure in the lower half of your body. Thus, taking the pressure off from the hemorrhoids.

There are also creams/ointments available. These are made of anti-inflammatories and numbing agents. The active ingredients range from herbal (like the evening primrose oil) to synthetic (like anesthetics). They take off the burning, itching and the pain. They also act as lubricants to avoid friction in the area.

There are also some products that freeze the hemorrhoid temporarily. It comes as a small T-shaped knob that you can put in your freezer for chilling. Apply (like a cold compress) on site when ready. The smaller part of it goes into the anus (for internal hemorrhoids), while the larger part stays outside for the external ones.

Cryosurgery is a surgical procedure for treatment. This procedure involves freezing the hemorrhoids and tying it off. There is a great risk of infection to this since one will have an open wound after it has been removed. And the area of hemorrhoids is not exactly one that you can keep sterile all the time.

Hemorrhoidectomy is reserved for the worst cases. Among all treatments available it is the one that carries the most number of risks. The surgeon applies a local anesthesia to the area, cuts the hemorrhoids off (with either a laser or a scalpel) and then stitches the skin back together.

The risks are infection, stricture (when the anus becomes too small due to the stitching), and losing nerve endings (thus, not being able to sense the urge when going), among some.

There are also herbal supplements that you can take to shrink the tissue. Witchhazel, Calendula and Evening Primrose Oil are available as capsules or ointments.

An ounce of prevention also helps. Bring in more fiber into your diet and add more activity in your lifestyle. It will complement the treatment and speed up the healing process.

Tags: colon, colon cleansing, sitz bath, hemorrhoids symptoms, natural hemorrhoids treatment