Home Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are vascular masses that protrude into the lumen of the lower rectum or perianal area. They result when increased intra-abdominal pressure causes engorgement in the vascular tissue lining the anal canal.

There are two main types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids appear outside the external sphincter, and internal hemorrhoids appear above the internal sphincter.

How to prevent Hemorrhoids

Exercise programs are important because they keep the body toned and the blood flowing briskly. Sitting a great deal is bad. Overweight contributes to slow flow through the veins in several ways. Pregnancy is a risk factor. Local cleanliness around the anus decreases inflammation. Hot baths act to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Perhaps most important, straining at stool increases internal abdominal pressure and slows blood flow. Straining also causes local irritation and inflammation as the hard stool passes through the rectum and anus. Singing or talking while on the toilet can help prevent straining – never hold your breath. Take your time, read the newspaper if you need something to slow you. Dietary fiber is a natural laxative and is a very important part of your diet. Whole-wheat breads, fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely important for preventing hemorrhoids.

Home Treatment for Hemorrhoids

1. Soften your stool for easy bowel movements – Include more fresh fruits and fiber (bran, celery, whole-wheat bread) in your diet. Drinking lots of fluids can also soften your stools.
2. Lubricate your anus - You may help your bowels to move even more smoothly by lubricating anus with a dab of petroleum jelly. Using a cotton swab or your finger, apply the jelly about ½ inch into the rectum.
3. Keep the area clean – It’s extremely important to clean yourself properly and gently. Toilet paper can be scratchy, and some types contain chemical irritants. Use the shower as an alternative to rubbing with toilet paper.
4. Don’t scratch – Hemorrhoids can itch, and scratching can make them feel better. But don’t give in to the urge to scratch because it can damage the walls of the delicate veins.
5. Avoid lifting and strenuous activities – Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise can act much like straining on the toilet.
6. Try the sitz bath – Sitting with your knees raised in 3 or 4 inches of warm water in a bathtub—is a remedy that still tops the list of most experts as a way to deal with hemorrhoids. The warm water helps to kill the pain while increasing the flow of blood to the area, which can help shrink the swollen veins.
7. Apply a hemorrhoid medication – There are many hemorrhoid creams and suppositories on the market, and while they generally will not make your problem disappear, most are designed as local painkillers and can relieve some of the discomfort.
8. Watch your weight - Because they have more pressure on the lower extremities, overweight people tend to have more problems with hemorrhoids, just as they do with varicose veins.
9. Avoid certain foods, drinks and too much salt - Some foods, while they won’t make your hemorrhoids worse, can contribute to your anal misery by creating further itching as they pass through the bowels. Watch out for excessive coffee, strong spices, beer, and cola. Also, excess salt retains fluids in the circulatory system that can cause bulging of the veins in the anus and elsewhere.
10.  Try the doughnut-shaped cushion – If your job has a lot of sitting, buy a doughnut-shaped cushion available in pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Learn more about Hemorrhoid Treatment

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