Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are veins that bulge either inside the rectum or on the outside of the body near the anus. They are essentially varicose veins at the rectal area. These lumps or bulges of blood-filled veins are typically caused by straining to pass a bowel movement.
Those who suffer from hemorrhoids are often chronically constipated, or may have experienced changes in bowel habits as a result of aging or the hormones associated with pregnancy. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, burning, and itching at the site of the hemorrhoids, a sense of needing to pass a bowel movement even when this is not the case, and bright red blood in the stool.
There are a number of treatment options when it comes to hemorrhoid symptoms. The most common way that people treat hemorrhoids is by using a topical cream that can be purchased over the counter. These lotions work by trying to numb or "freeze" the area so that the itching and pain is relieved temporarily. In addition to creams, there are suppositories and natural remedies (like witch hazel, for example), that are designed to provide relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.
Sometimes, over the counter remedies aren't effective for treating the pain of hemorrhoids. Especially in severe cases, the pain can be debilitating. In these cases, many people seek the help of their doctor to try to find a way out of the discomfort. Doctors may recommend prescription hemorrhoid medications, which are typically very similar to over the counter preparations, with stronger dosage and more potent ingredients.
In general, these types of treatments are fine, however they will not cure the problem. For short-term, immediate relief of hemorrhoid symptoms, prescription hemorrhoid medications may have their place. However, they do carry risks of side effects. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and other home-based approaches, like sitz baths and topical applications of witch hazel, than can help you get relief and prevent the need for you to use hemorrhoid prescription drugs.
In the long term, you will need to make some important dietary and lifestyle changes if you want to get permanent relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Many people have diets that are high in sugar, fat and other unhealthy substances. Also, many people do not consume enough fibre. There's two major diet changes that you can make to drastically help hemorrhoids. First, drink lots of water. Second, make sure you eat a lot of fibre. Your diet should include a variety of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, plus eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of clear fluids each day.
While lifestyle changes are essential to gain long term relief from hemorrhoid symptoms, you can use natural remedies in the mean time to help you relieve the burning, pain, and itching of hemorrhoids. These natural remedies are better for you than prescription drugs, and can help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids so that you can engage in your normal activities while waiting for your lifestyle changes to kick in and permanently solve your hemorrhoid problems.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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