Hemorrhoid Surgery

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Basically hemorrhoid are vascular structure in the anal cavity. Their sole purpose is to help the stool get out of the anus. when swollen they become piles and as they are arterio-veinous channels so they may cause bleeding.

Sometimes pressure on hemorrhoids cause them to irritated and clot. This cause to form thromboses to form which cause pain. This pain if could tolerated then could be cure with different medicines and if not so then surgery is the solution.

Keeping in mind that this pain may be gone in 4-5 days but pain after the surgery is unbearable sometimes.  Now the surgery of hemorrhoid is the removal of these swollen veins around the anus. For this purpose surgery, general anesthesia can be used.

After the removal of hemorrhoid stitches are applied which will dissolve later on. This surgery is called as hemorhoidectomy which with its other benefits causes the patient to go home the same day.

Other methods are prolapse and hemorrhoids which is usually known as PPH. In this a stapler shaped object is used to remove swollen hemorrhoid in a way that blood supply is cut out causing the swollen hemorrhoid to eventually die and be removed. This method is more safer and better option then the hemorrhoidectomy because it causes less pain afterwards and less bleeding.

There are other options too for the surgery which include laser treatment in which laser is used to burn away the effected tissue.

Rubber band ligation is also same as PPH where rubber band is used to make dead the affected hemorrhoid. A similar way could be using of chemical solution which may be injected to the arteries near hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and eventually die out. This method is known as Sclerotherapy.

In short, every method has its own benefits but hemorrhoidectomy is better in long terms but it completely on the doctor operating to chose which option is better according to the physical condition of the area.

Before surgery the physician should be informed if the patient is pregnant (if female) and the medicines he or she is using. Any drug that could stop blood to clot should not be used way before the surgery like ibuprofen and aspirin.

The choice of whether to have surgery or not depends on doctor. Smaller hemorrhoids can be reduced by changing diet plan while bigger one require to have to be operated.  Most hemorrhoids do not require surgery; it’s for extreme cases and surgery should only be done if all the treatments have failed.

It should only be planned to have the surgery when life style is too much effected by the hemorrhoid and too much bleeding and blood and pus around the rectal area. Too much rectal pain may also lead to surgery.

Every type of hemorrhoid is treated differently. External ones are removed if they are large and are severely painful. There are some surgical choices for this and the most appropriate one is hemorrhoidecotomy which is used for large internal hemorrhoids.

Surgery all in all  is not that simple. It also have risks like bleeding after the surgery and swelling. This may lead to escaping of small amount of stoll but  this problem is not long term.  Surgery may also lead to pain in the area as it tightens and loses. Whole process may take about two weeks to complete so prescribed medicine should be used along with.

How Do You Get Hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids is a type of medical problem that involves pain, itching and bleeding in the anal sphincter area due to swollen and inflamed specialized vascular structures that are located in the anal region.

Normally, the hemorrhoidal plexus, which is a collection or network of veins surrounding the anal sphincter serves as a buffer region or a cushion to minimize the impact of the the passing feces in the surrounding muscles and to maintain the anal sphincter closed by applying pressure. However, these vascular structures may become swollen and may greatly enlarge their volume, leading to pain, especially during defecation, during walking, itching and bleeding in the anal region.

Although the diseases is not severe or life threatening, it significantly impair the quality of life and can create substantial discomfort for the afflicted person. Fortunately, hemorrhoids can be effectively prevented if their causes are well understood and appropriate measures are taken.

The vascular plexus surrounding the anal sphincter and protecting the muscles work by pressure created by the blood inside the network of blood vessels, which maintain the anal opening closed most of the time. When the feces pass through the anal sphincter during defecation, the hemorrhoidal vascular structures help with stool evacuation and also prevent damage to the surrounding muscles by acting as a cushion to minimize the impact.

Several causes may lead to the swelling and enlargement of these vascular structures, which causes hemorrhoids:

* If a person suffers from constipation, during defecation, which is frequently difficult and requires substantial effort, the blood vessels surrounding the anal sphincter may be damaged or irritated. This can cause an inflammatory reaction, which results in the abnormal enlargement of the hemorrhoidal vascular plexus, bleeding, pain, itching and other unpleasant symptoms.

To prevent hemorrhoids, people who have chronic constipation are advised to increase the intake of dietary fiber or fiber supplements in their diet. Fiber is contained in vegetables, fruits and cereals, and it is not digested by our stomach or intestines. However, it stimulates bowel movements and help evacuate feces, which prevents constipation and makes the stool softer.

* Hemorrhoids can also be caused by a lack of exercise or movement in the daily routine of a person. People who have a sedentary job, especially who are sitting most of the day, have a decreased blood flow in the anal region. This may result in poor blood circulation, blood pooling in the hemorrhoidal vascular plexus, and may over time cause hemorrhoids. To prevent this unpleasant occurrence, regular exercise is recommended at least half hour per day. People who work “sitting” jobs should try to stand up and move as much as possible to increase the blood circulation.

* Increased abdominal pressure prevent effective draining of blood in the hemorrhoidal vascular plexus. This can lead to an enlargement of anal blood vessels and the development of hemorrhoids with their typical symptoms. The most common cause of increased abdominal pressure is obesity. However, sometimes pregnant women also develop hemorrhoids because of the increased pressure in the abdomen exerted by the fetus.

To prevent such an occurrence, individuals should try to reduce their weight to normalize their abdominal pressure and ensure a normal blood flow in the anal region. A low-fat diet rich in whole-grain foods, vegetables, fruits, lean meat, low-fat dairy is an excellent “treatment” of obesity if combined with regular exercise. As with constipation, an increased fiber intake also helps prevent obesity or excessive weight because fiber prevents the absorption of sugar and fat in the intestines.

For more information on treating hemorrhoids click here.

Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment

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Being able to figure out that someone has internal hemorrhoids can sometimes be very difficult due to the inability to feel pain in the rectum. These are considered to be the most dangerous type of hemorrhoids due to that reason alone.

Going undetected for a long period of time could cause further complications within the body. Occasional bleeding may be the only warning sign that will alert you of the presence of internal hemorrhoids.

Being able to adequately treat this condition in an efficient amount of time can often times be crucial in order for the body to get rid of them before they cause significant damage. Besides going to the doctor and being treated, there are a few home remedies that are infamous for treating and preventing hemorrhoids.

Several studies have shown that a lot of fiber in some ones diet can go a long way in helping with this issue. It treats internal hemorrhoids by reducing bleeding and also by acting as a natural stool softener.  This will reduce straining and help the process more than you could have ever imagined. The benefit of fiber is also that it serves as a long term solution for internal hemorrhoids just as it acts as immediate relief.

Witch Hazel cream has also been known to do the trick a time or to as well. It is not supposed to be taken internally but is as an alternative, it should be put on directly to the anal region.  This substance is offered in several different forms including distilled liquid, ointment, or medicated pads.

Witch hazel is believed to minimize bleeding of hemorrhoids by substituting as an astringent. It could relieve pain as well. Some also recommend it to reduce itching and swelling, which are symptoms that sometimes come with internal hemorrhoids.

Preparation H is a popular method that many use to help internal hemorrhoids.  Several ingredients that this creme   includes can serve as an effective means to clear up this issue in a timely manner. It includes an applicator in order to help with applying it to the anus area effectively. The directions are specific and if followed correctly, can be a great source to solve this problem for good.

An often overlooked aspect to helping with the cure of internal hemorrhoids  is simply exercise. Doctors seem to always recommend it and say that it can be a great way to permanently cut this problem out of your life.

A regular exercise routine can dramatically help blood flow and circulation, which will ultimately lead to the lack of internal swelling, and thus no more internal hemorrhoids. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids in order to keep well hydrated.

The plant butcher’s broom is also a popular source of internal hemorrhoid relief, as it is used to increase blood flow through the body.

Internal hemorrhoids can be dangerous and often times require surgery. However, with so many natural sources of recovery, odds are you will find satisfaction more times than not.

Causes Of Constipation

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I am just not feeling right. How often have you heard those words or uttered them yourself? People usually don’t come right out and say, “I am constipated.” But when you or others are not feeling quite right, many times constipation is the reason. Constipation is just one symptom of hemorrhoids you may experience.

It’s that bloated and full feeling that has you feeling miserable. What causes constipation?

There are a number of reasons for a person to be constipated. Besides the obvious, a poor diet with too many refined foods, there are other reasons.

Sometimes it can be as simple as not getting enough water. Many people walk around dehydrated without even knowing it. Yes, there has been a lot of debate about how much water you need to drink. The experts are still batting that one around. The fact is that water is needed to aid in digestion and to keep things running smoothly. So lack of water could be a cause of constipation.

Another thing that could cause constipation and it is not one that many people associate with the condition, is exercise. Or more precisely, lack of exercise. Moving around also aids in digestion and therefore regular bowel movements.

If you have been sitting around or lying around all day, the body has not had a chance to move all of the muscles necessary to help keep you regular. This could be as simple as a walk around the block, but some movement is necessary.

Prescription drugs are a big cause of constipation. It is listed as a side effect on hundreds and hundreds of medications. It also can be a side effect with over the counter medications as well. Sometimes the doctor will tell you this when prescribing the medication.

But more times than not, you have to discover this on your own. Usually switching or stopping the medication altogether is not an option. So you will need to take steps to help this while you are on the medication.

Some of the things you could do would be eat more fiber either with cereals and breads or fruits and vegetables. Those should all be included in a healthy diet anyway, so the addition of a few would only help. Also if the condition is severe, you might need to try a fiber supplement in addition to the fiber you get from foods.

This, of course, would be for your doctor to advise you about. He might also suggest eating yogurt to add some probiotics to your system. That will also aid in digestion.

If you have to stay in the hospital, you could have the trifecta of no exercise, medication side effects, and not enough water. So if you find yourself in that position, ask your doctor what you can do about it. It is bad enough to have to stay in the hospital at all, let alone add constipation to your suffering.

There have been patients that have had this problem for days in the hospital and then days after they get home. It is much better to be proactive about it in the beginning than have days and days of suffering.

The last word on constipation is a complication of constipation. That is hemmorhoids. To literally add insult to injury, hemmorhoids can come on the heels of constipation because of the straining in the first place.

What a painful condition that can be! If that is not motivation to prevent constipation, I don’t know what would be!

Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids can be a very painful, embarrassing condition to have, but it is more common than you may realize. Hemorrhoids can afflict anyone at any time, caused by any number of conditions including pregnancy, low fiber in the diet, straining the muscles, chronic diarrhea and others.

Men and women can experience hemorrhoids, regardless of their age, with those who are affected with the above conditions most likely to get one. Those who have had or currently have a hemorrhoid will be the first to tell you they are nothing nice.

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and cause a soft bluish-purple lump to form. If an external hemorrhoid is noted you will be able to see the lump. Internal hemorrhoids are the less painful of the two.

While some people may want to rush to the doctor to find hemorrhoids treatment, there are a number of hemorrhoids treatments that you can perform at home to provide you with relief.

Home remedies for hemorrhoids can help you eliminate the problem and get on with your life. Some of the very best home remedies for hemorrhoids include:

  • • Dry Figs
  • • White radish
  • • Witch hazel
  • • OTC medications
  • • Aloe Vera Gel
  • • Salt baths

Dry figs are one of the very best treatment for hemorrhoids. They are soaked overnight, and consumed the following morning with the water they were soaked in. This concoction of dry figs is one that quickly relieves anyone of this condition.

White radish is available in a great tasting juice that can be consumed at any time for a refreshing drink as well as assistance in treating hemorrhoids.

Witch hazel can be used with a soft cotton swap on the area of the hemorrhoids. Using witch hazel will quickly relieve some of the pain, itching, burning and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. The Witch Hazel should be applied with the cotton ball three times per day to the affected area.

Many OTC medications are available for the treatment of hemorrhoids. While many of these are not all natural there are just as many that are and can be safely used by anyone for quick relief of hemorrhoids.

Aloe Vera Gel is a soothing all-natural treatment that has been used for many years to treat itching, burns, pain and more. It also works for hemorrhoids, and will help you feel quick relief from the painful condition.

If you want to ensure you get rid of your hemorrhoids quickly, take a sitz salt bath. You will find fast and effective relief that also helps ensure that you are clean and fresh day in and day out.

These are only a few of the home remedies that you will find to treat hemorrhoids. Try one or try them all, there is relief waiting for you!

Person after person has found so much relief using these home treatments for hemorrhoids, and so will you! What method do you think is the most effective? Start treating your hemorrhoids right away and you can answer that question for yourself.

Hemorrhoid Cream

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Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, commonly known as varicose veins, and tissue that are found in or surrounding the anus.  Depending on the location of the hemorrhoids, they are classified as internal and external.

Hemorrhoid creams have not been proven to cure hemorrhoids; instead, they relieve the common symptoms, including pain and itching. Hemorrhoid creams are often prescribed to treat external hemorrhoids only.

These creams can also be found in drugstores and can be purchased at your local pharmacy as over-the-counter medication.  Analgesics and astringents (known to relieve pain and itching by providing a cooling sensation), numbing anesthetic, and moisturizers are common medications that are found in many over-the-counter and prescription hemorrhoid creams.

If your hemorrhoids are internal and bleeding, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before using an over-the counter cream.

Preparation H, a hemorrhoid cream that is considered one of the best over-the-counter creams relieves internal and external discomfort, but it is not shown to cure neither internal nor external hemorrhoids.

There are options if you are not a fan of using medicine.  Products such as aloe vera and witch hazel, are not  medication and they are still effective at reducing discomfort that comes with hemorrhoids.

As with any medication, be sure to read the packaging carefully so that you are aware of the possible side effects. Hemorrhoid cream and natural products should be applied with a gloved finger or a cotton ball.  Bare fingers are unsanitary and using tissue can be too rough for the swollen tissues and veins.  Some hemorrhoid creams are equipped with an application to apply the cream internally.  This is preferably done after a bowel movement.

Hemorrhoid cream should be applied about three times daily.  If your hemorrhoids do not improve in a week after using the hemorrhoid creams, then it is best to seek medical advice.  In rare cases, a surgical procedure is needed to get rid of the hemorrhoids.  Though it is not common, stubborn and/or bleeding hemorrhoids may be indicators of a more serious condition.

Hemorrhoid cream is normally fine for relieving hemorrhoids and again, the cases listed above are pretty rare. Although it has not been proven by doctors, many people use hemorrhoid cream to reduce eye puffiness.  Benzocaine, the active ingredient in many hemorrhoid creams, causes blood vessels to relax, reducing puffiness.

Doctors refute this by pointing out that hemorrhoid cream can be dehydrating; using it often may reduce puffiness, but it may also create irritation in and around the eye area. Hemorrhoid cream is proven to be a safe and effective way of treating hemorrhoids.  It is not intended to treat any other problems.  There usually isn’t any additional discomfort that derives from the cream.  Hemorrhoid cream comes in both generic and popular brands.  Be careful to read all labels because there are hemorrhoid creams that are designed to soothe hemorrhoids in different ways, depending on your symptoms.  In addition to using hemorrhoid cream, it is suggested to have a high fiber diet to reduce hard bowels, exercising, using stool-softeners, and using herbal remedies to control and manage hemorrhoids.

Colon Polyps

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In a previous post we discussed signs of colon cancer an how they sometimes mimic hemorrhoids symptoms. Today we are going to get in a little deeper with some discussion about colon polyps.

First things first, What’s polyp? A polyp is a grossly visible mass of cells that protrudes from the inner layer to outer layer of the Colon (Large intestine). There are two types of Polyps of the colon.

First, the Non neoplastic or Non adenomatous, in other words, Non cancerous.

And Neoplastic or Adenomatous Polyps, in other words,  Cancerous.

Non cancerous Polyps are the ones that account for 90% of detected cases of Colon polyps. In which, 50% of people are over the age of 60.

The Non cancerous polyps are further divided into four types;

1) Hyperplastic Polyps – This type is the most commonly appearing non cancerous polyp. The cause – Abnormal maturation of cells that lines our Large intestine. and why is that? though there are no clear explanations, doctors believe that it may be due to our sedentary life style, the chemicals we are using. These Polyps are small in diameter and predominantly found in distal sigmoid colon and rectum (Last parts of your large intestine)

2) Inflammatory Polyps – Mostly it appears if the person is having Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, which causes Inflammation and Ulcer. Inflammatory Polyp are composed of regions of Inflamed Mucosa surrounded by ulcers. It is highly associated with the risk of developing cancer.

3) Lymphoid Polyps  – are regions of mucosa that contain exaggerated intramucosal lymphoid tissue. In simple words, the polyp contains lymph tissues within them.

4) Juvenile Polyps – they develop in the rectum of the children under 5 years of age. It is termed as ‘Hamartomatous’ because, the polyps resembles tumors but it is not. It is tumor like because of the abnormal development of one of the four layers of large intestine called ‘Lamina Propria’. No treatment is required unless they cause obstruction or bleeding.

Cancerous Polyps – They are Malignant as we can see from their name and they differ in their sizes. Usually, smaller lesions are Pedunculated and larger lesions are Sessile ( not free moving).

It is relatively common in elderly population. Men are more liable. It is genetic in condition. For example,  individuals with a positive first-degree family history are at a four-fold greater risk of developing Cancerous Polyps.

Convincing evidence that Cancerous polyps are the precursor lesion to colorectal adenocarcinoma comes from persons with the hereditary polyposis syndromes and from animal studies in which adenomas are induced by either carcinogens or genetic manipulation.

Correlative evidence includes the observations that the epidemiology is similar for adenomas and carcinomas, that both lesions are more common in the same anatomic locations, and that adenomatous tissue can often be found in small adenocarcinomas.

Intervention studies have shown that removal of adenomatous polyps leads to a significant decrease in risk for colorectal cancer. (I referred this from a medical book, so, its not my own)  Like non cancerous these adenomas are further classified into different types.

There are three of them,

1) Tubular adenomas – the most common type. Accounts for 70% – 85% of all adenomas removed at colonoscopy. They are often Smaller in size and Pedunculated. They contains tubular structures which divides the mucosal surface.

2) Villous adenomas – the rarest among others. Accounts for less than 5% of all adenomas.  They are often larger and sessile. They are composed of strands of epithelial cells, finger like (hence the name, Villous) and they project into the lumen of the intestine.

3) Tubulovillous adenomas – Mixture of tubular and villous adenomas. It accounts for 10% – 25% of all adenomas. Its sizes differ considerable from small to large. Small tubular adenomas generally have low malignant potential whereas large villous has high malignant potential, almost 40% of the larger adenomas develop into cancer.  and why is that 40% are turning into cancer?

Well, there are two most important factors that decide this, size of the polyp and grade of Dysplasia.  For Polyps less than 1 cm in size, the risk for carcinoma is 1 – 3%.  Polyps between 1 cm and 2 cm has the risk of 10%. Polyps that are more than 2 cms (those 40% larger polyps are more than 2 cms) has the risk of 40% to become an invasive lesion and cancerous.

Dysplasia ( Abnormal growth or development of cells) is categorized as low or high grade dysplasia. For instance, high grade dysplasia is associated with 27% rate of eventual transformation into cancer. Most patients with Adenomatous Polyps are asymptomatic, means they don’t experience any symptom. But may present with Hematochezia (Passage of bloody stools).

How can we diagnose?

Though we can diagnose it through endoscopy or barium radiography, Colonoscopy is the most accurate tool for diagnosing because of the path the camera goes. In endoscopy, the camera goes through mouth, so large intestine is difficult to see.

But in Colonoscopy, the camera goes through the anus, which is much easier to view the large intestine in detail. However, colonoscopy may not be adequately performed in patients who have advanced diverticulosis or who have had previous pelvic surgery.

In these instances, a combination of double-contrast barium radiography and flexible sigmoidoscopy may be an acceptable alternative. Although fiberoptic colonoscopy remains the “gold standard” for polyp detection, CT colonography may emerge as a viable screening tool for certain sub-sets of patients in the detection of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer.

How can we treat it?

Removal of the lesion is best and almost only way. It is achieved during endoscopy by electrocautery. The surgical method is used as an alternative in cases where the endoscopy is not possible.  Patients who have undergone resection of an adenomatous polyp are at increased risk for subsequent development of adenomas and colorectal adenocarcinoma.

In general, a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended in 3 years. Earlier colonoscopies may be warranted in patients who have multiple or large sessile adenomas removed.

In contrast, the risk of malignancy is not significantly increased in patients who have had less than three small (<1 cm) tubular adenomas removed; for these individuals, the first follow-up colonoscopy can be delayed to 5 years. If the first follow-up colonoscopy is negative, the second scheduled follow-up can usually be delayed until 5 years. Because it is asymptomatic, the timely diagnosis is the only golden way to minimize the effect.

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

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Experiencing hemorrhoids during pregnancy, is unfortunately very common for millions of pregnant women today. One of the main reasons hemorrhoids are so common during pregnancy, is because the fetus places a lot of pressure on the woman’s body as it begins to grow.

The majority of this is pressure is placed directly on the uterus area, which in turn begins to negatively affect the bowel area and digestive system. The result of all this can lead to severe constipation. When a pregnant woman becomes constipated, aside from the pressure of the fetus, she also usually exerts a lot of pressure on her hemorrhoids when she tries to have a bowel movement.

It is because of this that the hemorrhoid area starts to get very infected and agitated. In order to reduce the amount of pressure placed on  hemorrhoids, pregnant women are often advised by their doctors to increase their level of daily fiber.

Because pregnant women are unable to take over the counter laxatives like Fiber-con or Ex-lax due to potential side effects, they have to add fiber to their daily servings of food. Some examples include eating bran cereal for breakfast, eating a tuna sandwich on whole grain bread for lunch, and having high fiber foods like kale greens and whole grain spaghetti for dinner.

These type of foods are not only good for the digestive system, but they also provide a lot of energy and beneficial vitamins.

In addition to causing extreme pressure in the uterine and bowel area, pregnancy can also cause restricted blood flow, which indirectly helps to cause constipation and painful hemorrhoids. Because the blood in the body is not flowing normally, it can make food digestion difficult and also cause limbs to become sore and stiff.

In order to help the blood flow more freely, most physicians generally recommend doing some form of exercise at least two to three days a week. This can include fifteen minutes of arm stretches or twenty minutes of walking in place. This increase in physical activity will help to relieve pressure in the limbs and veins, and also increase the fluid needed to properly digest food.

However, as a pregnant woman reaches her second and third trimesters, she should check with her physician each week before participating in any type of exercise program.

Another common side effect associated with pregnancy related hemorrhoids, is bleeding discharge and severe itching in the anal area. The safest way for a pregnant woman to relieve these symptoms, is by either washing the infected area gently with a warm warm towel or wash cloth, or soaking in a warm tub of water for about thirty minutes.

In both instances, the warm water will help to safely cleanse the infected area and also help shrink the hemorrhoids back to normal size. For pregnant women who are unable to sit comfortably in a tub, can use ice packs to help reduce hemorrhoid inflammation.

In most cases, pregnancy related hemorrhoids generally go away after the baby is born. In the event they don’t however, repeat the treatments listed above and all the symptoms should finally go away in about three to five days.

Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment

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In a previous article we discussed Treatments For Hemorrhoids; in this post we’ll discuss some more symptoms of hemorrhoids and some other natural treatments.

One of the most painful side effects of constipation is bleeding hemorrhoids. While the majority of people who suffer from hemorrhoids are usually over the age of fifty, this condition has the potential to affect individuals of any age.

When it comes to treating hemorrhoids, some of the most effective treatments are organic herbs and natural home based remedies. One herbal based treatment is bioflavanoids, which consist of a natural plant based compound. The organic ingredients inside in the compound helps to make the blood vessels stronger, which results in decreased hemorrhoid inflammation.

These natural active ingredients are  similar to the ones found in citrus fruits like oranges, which also help to reduce anal pain and discharge. By decreasing pain and pressure in the anal area, a person will not have to strain as much or endure bleeding while trying to have a bowel movement.

This in turn allows the anus and hemorrhoid area to heal more naturally and much faster.

Another natural home based remedy for treating hemorrhoids (which has been around for many years), is soaking in a warm tub of water and adding two tablespoons of baking soda.

In order for this remedy to be effective, it requires soaking in the tub for about forty minutes to an hour. The warm water will help the body muscles and hemorrhoid tissues relax. While the baking soda will help to cleanse the anal area and decrease the chances of getting an infection.

In addition to baking soda, it is also safe to add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Since this is an “all natural” home based remedy, it is often recommended for pregnant women who are suffering from constipation and hemorrhoid related symptoms.

Along with all the natural hemorrhoid remedies listed above, there are also quite a few fiber based hemorrhoid treatments as well. These treatments require ingredients like dates, prunes, beet juice and whole grain cereals.

One example consist of mixing half glass of water and a half glass of beet juice together, and drinking it right before going to bed. During the night, the fiber from the beet juice will start breaking down the hardened stool and it will also help cleanse and soften the infected hemorrhoid area.

In the morning, the broken down stool should come out more easily, and there should not be any bleeding or strain on the hemorrhoids. In addition to breaking down the stool, the active ingredients from the beet juice should also help the hemorrhoids shrink and retract.

For those who may not like the taste of beet juice, you can also get the same results by eating a handful of prunes or drinking a can of prune juice, immediately followed by three to four glasses of water. Just like the active ingredients in the beets, the active ingredients and natural fiber from the prunes will also help to soften hardened stool and infected hemorrhoid tissues.

While the main focus of this article is about natural home remedies for treating hemorrhoids, there should also be some emphasis on hemorrhoid prevention. The best way to prevent getting hemorrhoids is by getting enough daily fiber, and also getting at least one hour of exercise each day.

Sitz Bath For Hemorrhoids

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We’ve discussed much about the sitz bath so far, including sitz bath recipes, sitz bath instructions, but we haven’t  really touched on the burning question: does a sitz bath for hemorrhoids cure hemorrhoids?

Sitz Bath For Hemorrhoids – Research

So I thought I would do some research on the idea and see if I could find any documentation on whether they actually worked or not. First place I went was to my girlfriend’s medical books, she’s studying to be an RN; and found some info on them “relieving” hemorrhoids, but I could not find anything that said they actually cure hemorrhoids. So that was disappointing.sitz bath for hemorrhoids

So of course I visited the next great resource of information: the all knowing Internet. Well I’ll tell you something and save you a lot of research. There was not one site that I could find that stated that a sitz bath regiment could actually cure hemorrhoids. Not one. And that’s not surprising. To cure a medical problem you generally have to do something about the cause of the trouble.

Sitz Bath For Hemorrhoids -The Truth

The sitz bath is designed to ease the suffering of the hemorrhoid sufferer, not to eliminate the cause of the hemorrhoids in the first place. While it will ease your pain, if something else isn’t done to stop the problem before it starts you’ll be using them for the rest of your life. Obviously that may not be the case if you’re a first time sufferer or have developed the condition because of unusual circumstances like pregnancy.

In those situations the hemorrhoids may go away on their own, and you may just need a little treatment to ease the pain and swelling. The chronic sufferer, however, is going to have to do something  a little more effective to rid themselves of the condition. The sitz bath is not going to cut it there. It’s time to take some action, stop using a sitz bath for hemorrhoids, and try something that might actually work.

Symptoms Of Colon Cancer

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Since many symptoms of hemorroids are similar to symptoms of colon cancer I though it might be wise for us to explore that topic in a little more detail.

While cancer was discovered and first was treated in 1600BC in Egypt when it was thought of a mysterious disease, cancer is a now a disease which many people in the United States are familiar with, sadly, as almost an “everyday” and “common” occurrence due to its prevalence effecting the nation’s population.

By the end of 2012 it is estimated that over 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.  Of these cases it is estimated that this year’s diagnoses will amount to 143,460 new cases of colon cancer in the US, making colorectal cancer the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer overall.

Mortality rates for colon cancer amount to 20.2 per 100,000 men and 14.1 per 100,000 women.  Though this outlook is intimidating, as with any cancer, knowing the signs and symptoms and being aware of your health is crucial to an early diagnosis and a more positive outlook on treating the disease and possibility of remission.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer which one should be aware of:

Bowel habit changes:  these can range from diarrhea, loose or watery stools, to constipation, straining or difficulty producing a bowel movement.  Also be aware of a change in the consistency of your stool as well as the presence of narrow stools.  These thin stools, commonly about the width of a pencil, may indicate an obstruction, that there is a blockage for passing stool, such as a tumor.

Also be aware of any blood in your stool and-or the accompaniment of rectal bleeding.  Blood in one’s stool may cause the stool itself to appear dark in color, even black, resembling tar. An absence of relief after one’s bowel movement may also be a warning sign, such as the feeling that after defecation one’s bowel does not empty itself completely.

This symptom is not due to one not emptying one’s bowels, but can indicate a tumor is present, causing the bowl to feel full, even after using the bathroom.

Abdominal discomfort:  persistent abdominal discomfort is a common sign of colon cancer such as pain, cramps, bloating, or excessive gas.  While this discomfort can affect the entire abdominal area, commonly pain and tenderness is present in the lower abdomen.

Jaundice: the whites of the eyes as well as the skin may have a yellowish appearance due to the build-up of toxins in the body due to a tumor or bowel obstruction.

Iron-deficiency anemia:  this is an unexplained low red blood cell count, another warning sign of colon cancer. Many times in addition to these more obvious symptoms, in the early stages of colon cancer one may also experience general weakness or fatigue as well as an unexplained weight loss.

While these two symptoms can accompany a variety of medical issues, even if one experiences only these signs they should not explain away or disregard these discomforts.

If you experience any of these symptoms, even for a few days, not just a prolonged period of times you should notify your physician and request an appointment to test for colon cancer.

However, though all of these symptoms are warning signs of colon cancer, many people in the early stages of colon cancer do not experience all of these symptoms or even no symptoms at all.  Because of this, regular colon screenings over the age of 50 are highly recommended.

 

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid

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A hemorrhoid is a small cushion that sits in the anal canal.  Hemorrhoids are made up of arteries, veins and connective tissue.  When functioning correctly the hemorrhoid cushions the anal canal and assists in moving stool down the canal.

Normally, hemorrhoids assist in protecting the sphincter muscles during a bowel movement and are responsible for assisting with anal closure pressure at rest.  Hemorrhoids are a normal part of a human’s gastrointestinal system and play a crucial role in continence of bowel.

Hemorrhoids, like other parts of the body can become pathological.  Sometimes they become inflamed and/or prolapsed.

A prolapsed hemorrhoid is a pathological hemorrhoid, which protrudes from the anal canal.  Prolapsed hemorrhoids are graded one through four, with grade four being the most severe.

Grade one is not prolapsed.  A grade two hemorrhoid prolepses with bowel movement, however returns to its position spontaneously.  A grade three hemorrhoid prolepses and requires manual assistance to return to the anal canal.  Finally, a grade four prolapse means that the hemorrhoid is prolapsed and unable to be returned to the anal canal spontaneously or with manual manipulation.

The exact cause of prolapsed hemorrhoids is unknown; however certain characteristics play a role in the likelihood of developing a prolapsed hemorrhoid.  A diet low in fiber, obesity, lack of exercise, sitting for long periods of time, extreme straining, and constipation or diarrhea are all thought to increase the risk of prolapsed hemorrhoids.  Other suggested causes of hemorrhoids include pregnancy, aging, and genetics.

Common symptoms of a prolapsed hemorrhoid include bleeding, itching, or a tender lump around the anus.  Frequently, patients will complain of blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper following a bowel movement.  In extreme circumstances there may be a mucosal covering over bowel movements and incontinence.

A physician will perform a visual examination to diagnosis prolapsed hemorrhoids.  The physician may also perform a rectal exam to be rule out more serious diagnoses as well as an anoscopy or proctoscopy.  The anoscopy and proctoscopy is a scope which allows the physician to clearly see the hemorrhoids or polyps in the rectum.

Recommended conservative treatment for a prolapsed hemorrhoid is NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), increased fiber intake, and sitting in warm bath water up to the hips.  If conservative treatment fails, a more invasive procedure may be necessary to address the prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Rubber ligation is a procedure that cuts the blood supply to the prolapsed hemorrhoid, causing the hemorrhoid to shrivel and fall off.  Ligation has the highest success rate of any procedures and is a common procedure used to address a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Another option is to inject Phenol into the hemorrhoid, which causes the veins to collapse and the hemorrhoid to shrivel.

Finally, as a last resort, the hemorrhoid may be cauterized.  If the hemorrhoid remains prolapsed after conservative treatment and procedures are exhausted, surgery may be necessary to treat a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

A prolapsed hemorrhoid can be an uncomfortable problem, however many treatments are highly effective and decreasing symptoms and removing the problem.  Exercise, a diet high in fiber, and regular soft bowel movements are important in reducing the risk of a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Where can I buy a sitz bath?

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Question by me_mommy: Where can I buy a sitz bath?
Had a 2nd degree tear and would like to do the sitz bath. Anyone know where I can get the bidet thing? I did kegels every single day but I still tore, however baby cam out with one push once my dr was called.

Best answer:

Answer by Elyse Anabelle
A sitz bath is just in a regular bath tub. You fill the water only up a few inches as warm as you can stand. Some people put epsom salt in it too.

Give your answer to this question below!

Sitz Bath Recipe

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For many sitz bath uses there really is no sitz bath recipe. You simply need to soak in warm water, hot but not scalding, for at least 20 minutes. For other uses there are various herbal and salt recipes you can use depending on what you’re trying to heal with the sitz bath.

Not all sitz bath recipes are meant to cure hemorrhoids; in fact the sitz bath itself does more to relieve discomfort and really doesn’t cure anything. But, if you’re just treating a post-partum issue rather than attemping a hemorrhoids treatment it should work just fine to offer you some relief.

Sitz Bath Recipe 1

You will find prepackaged sitz bath recipes at the drugstore, many containing herbs, oils or sea salt. You simply mix them up with the wate your basin or tub.The following is a very popular sitz bath recipe that I found on numerous other sites:

  • 2 oz. of rosemary and uvaursi,
  • 1 oz. each of Chamomile, chickweed, marshmallow root, plantain, lavender flowers, and calendula,
  • and then 2 oz. of sea salt.

Some like to add oils like tree tea oil to the bath for it’s soothing properties or in the case of vaginal infection, vinegar can be added to the bath. If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids then any of the following may be added to your sitz bath to ease your pain.

Sitz Bath Recipe Addins

  • Juniper oil or lavender oil 20 drops each
  • Sea Salt  -use as much as will dissolve easily
  • Witch hazel -  1/4 cup
  • Shepherds Purse -  herb that must be prepared first

Most experts seem to recommend warm water only for hemorrhoids and a sitz bath will often, very often, not cure your hemorrhoids completely. Most of the time you will need to make other changes if you wish to rid yourself of hemorrhoids permenantly. For information on how to do that click here.

In the meantime, try this sitz bath recipe for yourself.

Sitz Bath Instructions

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This is a short post offering some sitz bath instructions.

Getting some relief from your hemorrhoids with a sitz bath is a simple enough process. There two basic types of sitz bath styles as far as the actual tub itself. One is free standing that you simply sit in and the other sits over top of your toilet seat. I have a preference for the free standing model, maybe because it doesn’t seem right to take a bath of any sort on the toilet.

If you’re using a sitz bath for the treatment of hemorrhoids as I once, did I urge you to read this post on how I cured mine, Why I Threw Out My Sitz Bath.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the sitz bath instructions:

Sitz Bath Instructions

The temperature of the water for the sitz bath should be between 90 and 110 degrees. Hot enough that it is slightly uncomfortable but not so hot it scalds you.  The use of salt in the water seems to be debated between homeopathic sources and doctors.

Just warm water alone would help, but some feel the addition of sitz bath salt is a much better treatment. I’d consult your physician. For salt many people reach for epsom salt. I myself think that Dead Sea Bath salt would be a better choice.

For many sitz bath applications the use of oils and herbs can also be helpful. There are many herbal products available for the treatment of postpartum issues such as an episiotomy or a perineal tear. Read this post for sitz bath recipes. Or this one on postpartum sitz bath.

sitzbath Sitz Bath Instructions

Sitz Bath

The water level in your sitz bath should be just high enough to completely cover the area we are treating, in this case, for hemorrhoids, we really only need to make sure the anus is completely covered. Soak in the warm water for at least 15-20 minutes for best results. Use your sitz bath several times a day if necessary.

Dry yourself when finished with a towel by blotting the area gently; do not rub. Since we are treating an inflamed area of the body it is of vital importance that you keep the bath clean and bacteria free but avoid the use of harse chemicals to clean it. We don’t want to add to the issues we already have.

Some treatments suggest going from a warm sitz bath to a cold one. If you want to try that, stay in the warm bath for about 5 minutes then only go into the cold bath for about 30 secs or more. Repeat this 3 or 4 times.

That concludes our sitz bath instructions.


Causes Of Hemorroids by joecree1