This article discusses the symptoms, causes, cures and persistent myths surrounding hemorrhoids.
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, cures and persistent myths surrounding hemorrhoids. Although sometimes considered an occupational hazard for professions that require sitting over prolonged periods of time, hemorrhoids can be caused by a wide variety of reasons including improper diet, inconsistent or incorrect cleaning, or other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, which puts stress on the anus and rectum. In fact, one of the major causes of hemorrhoids in women is childbirth, which is for most a small concession, and it is widely believed the condition can be hereditary.
Hemorrhoids are the result of swollen veins, often described as being very much like varicose veins, in the anus or rectum. Sometimes these veins become distended, bulge, or swell and sometimes they burst, but hemorrhoids are ordinarily not a cause for alarm. Despite what you might have heard, hemorrhoids are not contagious and there's no relationship between them and cancer, though rectal bleeding can be a symptom of more serious problems, so you should consult a doctor if the condition persists.
Most of us have experienced the pains associated with hemorrhoids, but the symptoms may vary from person to person. Often hemorrhoids will follow some traumatic event, such as an illness or childbirth. Be on the lookout for bright red bleeding, itching, sensitivity or pain following these events. Your physician, on the other hand, should check out dark bloody stool.
Hemorrhoids may be caused by anything that puts pressure on your rectum and anus, from sitting in one position for too long to a diet that results in large or hard stool or frequent diarrhea. Even sitting for a prolonged period of time in the family's "reading room" - otherwise known as the bathroom - can lead to the condition, so think twice before bringing Leo Tolstoy in with you after that heavy Mexican meal.
If you work at a profession that requires long periods of inactivity, try to alternate your seating position to redistribute your weight and take walk breaks as much as possible. Consider using beaded seat at your work station to redistribute weight, and configure your computer to let you know when you should be taking a stand or walk break - roughly every five minutes - since it's sometimes easy to get caught up in your work.
If you are at home after an illness or childbirth, try laying on your stomach or side rather than sitting to alleviate pressure on the offending area. Some people suggest applying an ice pack to the area while others advise frequent soapy baths, but whatever you decide, try to eat fiber-high foods to soften your stool unless you're suffering from diarrhea, and always hydrate.
Be conscientious about your cleaning habits, but don't use the opportunity to scratch your hemorrhoids. Try wiping in a different direction or patting the itchy area rather than sanding it with ordinary toilet paper. Pre-moistened towelettes will sooth the area, but be wary of harsh chemicals to begin with to avoid inflaming your anus. Baby wipes are an inexpensive and safe towelettes to begin with, and if your condition doesn't improve don't be afraid to try over-the-counter topical medications or pre-moistened, medicated towelettes.
Regular sitz baths - where you bath only your anus - are also an excellent habit to get into.
There's a rich variety of folk wisdom concerning hemorrhoids, but use common sense when treating this or any other ailments. While it may make sense to use lemon juice or witch hazel - which is often used in pre-moistened, medicated towelettes - be careful of using unfamiliar herbs, since they may exacerbate the problem. Using topical herbs or treatments like vitamin E applied to the area is preferable to using medicines that must be taken orally when it comes to hemorrhoids.
Use your regular pain medication to help ease your discomfort. Both pre-moistened, medicated towelettes and hemorrhoidal anti-itching cream will help sooth the burning in the area, but avoid suppositories. If the condition persists or worsens, consult your doctor. Surgery is an option for severe hemorrhoids, but usually the condition can be controlled through simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
