Hemorrhoids occur when the recto-anal veins dilate and swell, causing all kinds of discomfort, pain and bleeding. Hemorrhoids are either internal or external. Here you will find the essentials to know about this pathology that many people find shameful, even humiliating.
Hemorrhoids in short!
Hemorrhoids are venous disorders that are very similar to varicose veins but occur in the rectal and anal area. They are manifested by the dilation and swelling of these veins. Internal hemorrhoids are located in the inner canal of the rectum and external hemorrhoids are located around the anus.
causes of hemorrhoids
There are many factors that promote venous dilatation in this area. But the first cause remains frequent constipation. The forced push and the too hard consistency of the fecal matter put the muscles of the rectum of the anus to hard test. They eventually give out and the veins, also tired, start to swell.
In addition, lack of exercise can be a factor, as can sitting or standing in the same posture for long periods of time.
- Pregnancy
- aging
- poor diet
- sodomy
- being overweight can also cause hemorrhoidal disease
Internal and external hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids remain invisible and painless until they reach a certain stage and a lump begins to emerge from the anus. However, they cause discomfort inside the rectum as soon as they form. As for external hemorrhoids, they manifest themselves directly through irritation and itching of the anus.
The first symptoms are therefore different, but the complications are often the same: exit of the hemorrhoid, unbearable and persistent pain, bleeding during and after the stool.
Preventive measures
Taking into account the causes, it is necessary to adopt adequate behaviors. Avoid staying in the same position for a long time. Walk for at least 20 minutes a day and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Lifting heavy loads is not recommended. Choose foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables and limit your consumption of spices and alcohol.
Drink plenty of water. In case of constipation, it is important to treat it as soon as possible, even if it means taking laxatives, to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should avoid standing for long periods of time, as this promotes swelling of the anal veins.
How to relieve hemorrhoid attacks?
At the time of the crisis, the priority is to find an effective way to calm the inflammation and pain. To do this, make sure you maintain impeccable anal hygiene. This means taking a shower or bath once a day. If symptoms start to worsen, avoid using soap on the infected area to avoid further irritation.
Plain water may be sufficient. In fact, taking a cold sitz bath 2 or 3 times a day can effectively soothe hemorrhoidal attacks. Simply pour cold, clear water into a basin or bidet and sit on it so that your buttocks are soaked for about 10 minutes. If the pain persists throughout the day, apply cold compresses to the anal area frequently.
In addition, it is advisable to reduce the use of toilet paper, especially scented ones, after defecation. This is to avoid damaging the hemorrhoids. Prefer baby wipes or soak the toilet paper with clean water before wiping gently with it. Wearing underwear that is too tight or made of synthetic fibers, acrylic or lycra is strongly discouraged.
Always opt for cotton. In addition, all foods that can irritate the mucous membranes should be avoided. The list includes coffee, alcoholic beverages, tea, mustard, hot pepper and all spices that are too strong. Doctors even advise becoming vegetarian until the symptoms disappear. Do not lift too much weight and avoid pushing too hard during bowel movements.
Treatment of hemorrhoid that actually works
If you consult a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear, oral hemorrhoid medications may be enough to eradicate the problem. On the other hand, if you wait until your case is more advanced, a surgical operation may be necessary.
Natural treatments such as homeopathy and aromatherapy are also effective. In any case, it is advisable to see a doctor at the slightest discomfort or irritation in the recto-anal area.
Hemorrhoids are pockets of swollen blood vessels in the anus. Although they can cause discomfort, they are relatively common in adults. In some cases, they can be treated at home.
There is a way range of hemorrhoid treatment out there, the most popular is hemorrhoid banding procedure. You can check honest hemorrhoid rubber band ligation reviews to see if this will be fitting for your hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid dressings, also called elastics, are a treatment for hemorrhoids that cannot be treated at home. It is a minimally invasive method in which the base of the hemorrhoid is wrapped with an elastic bandage to prevent blood flow to the hemorrhoid.