subject: 7 Natural Remedies For Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids [print this page] 7 Natural Remedies For Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, by definition, are vascular structures that are found in the anal canal which helps in ensuring smooth bowel movement. They are generally harmless but they can turn bothersome when they become inflamed or swollen. Pathological hemorrhoids are typically characterized with itching, rectal pains, and bleeding. In most cases, symptoms of pathological hemorrhoids usually manifest within a few days.
Hemorrhoids that have become infected are known as piles. In their normal condition, they act as a cushion of arteries and veins that aid the movement of bowel in the anal canal. However, at a pathological state, hemorrhoids are classified into two types internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids produce painless bleeding in the rectum, while external hemorrhoids can be quite visible and are painful.
The most noticeable symptom of internal hemorrhoid is the movement of bloody feces which is known as hematochezia. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids display a number of symptoms such as painful bloating or development of lumps around the anus. External hemorrhoids are generally painful, while internal hemorrhoids can pass unnoticed until they get clotted or become necrotic.
There are varieties of natural remedies that can be taken by someone when getting rid of hemorrhoids. The most common, however, is increasing the fiber in one's diet. This means eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. This will help loosen feces, thus reducing the pressure on the infected hemorrhoids and easing the pain during bowel movement.
Another natural method is by taking of at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. As all the major components in cells such as DNA, proteins and polysaccharides are dissolved in water, drinking of at least eight to ten glasses of water helps especially in the efficiency of our digestion and excretion. This will soften feces and cut down further infection of the hemorrhoids during bowel movement, just like how fibers work its way in the gastrointestinal tract and the anal canal.
There are medications in a form of tablets, capsules, and ointments that are made out of herbs and other natural products that medical science developed. These products are available in the market and are considerably effective in helping eliminate swelling of the hemorrhoids. This can be taken up orally or can be applied directly to the infected area.
There are also alternative ways of getting rid of hemorrhoids. This would usually include application of aloe vera extract or witch hazel extract to the affected area. Another alternative treatment method is to directly apply vitamin E to the anal area in order to subdue the pain. Some even recommend the use of ice bags over the affected area, as well as taking a sitz bath.
Although these natural remedies are generally helpful in getting rid of hemorrhoids, they are usually temporary measures to minimize irritation, discomfort, and further infection of the infected tissues. If pathological hemorrhoids are treated improperly or left uncured, these could cause more serious problems and other infections so, it is still best to consult a physician in order to get treatment before it's too late.