Hemorrhoids Hurt Like Hell!

No matter how you spell it, hemorrhoids are painful! Many times people suffer quietly, not really knowing where to turn or which medications to use to find relief. There are several safe, natural, non surgical ways to end the pain, itching and bleeding.

So what exactly are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a swelling or inflammation of some of the blood veins in the rectum and/or anus.

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum. Due to the lack of pain receptors in that particular area, they usually will not cause pain. They may, however, bleed when irritated. Internal hemorrhoids can lead to prolapsed or strangulated hemorrhoids if left untreated.

External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside of the end of the anal canal. They can be very painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. If the vein ruptures and a blood clot develops, the hemorrhoid becomes what is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Pregnancy, constipation, chronic diarrhea, and not enough fiber in your diet are all possible causes of hemmorhoids. It is believed that genetics may also contribute to hemmorhoid development. Not drinking enough water can cause hard stools leading to irritation to the hemmorhoid. Drinking too much of a diuretic liquid such as coffee or cokes can cause this. Excessive lactic acid in the stool caused by excessive consumption of milk products can be reduced by limiting the amount of dairy products in your diet. This may lessen the irritation and bring relief.

Additional factors that can cause hemeroids, for those with a genetic predisposition, are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Hemeroids treatments are usually addressed in one of two ways: non-surgically and surgically.

Non surgical treatments for hemeroids tend to relieve the symptoms rather than the underlying cause.

They include:

Tub baths or Sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes

Application of a hemorroidal cream

Suppositories placed in the rectum

The surgical options for removal of hemorrhoids include:

Rubber band ligation - A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.

Sclerotherapy - the injection of a chemical solution around the blood vessel shrinks the hemorrhoid.

Infrared coagulation - Hemorrhoidal tissue is burned with a special device.

Hemorrhoidectomy - Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy.

Relieving the pressure from straining will prevent a hemmorhoid flareup. Doctors often recommend increasing your fiber intake and consumption of non alcoholic fluids. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. To prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding you should try to eliminate straining. Remember, the best hemorrhoid treatment is to not get them in the first place.