subject: Demystifying Hemorrhoids: Cause and Home Remedies [print this page] Demystifying Hemorrhoids: Cause and Home Remedies
If you have been having blood in your stools and constant pain in your anal region, chances are you are developing pathologic hemorrhoids also called as piles, specifically the external type. These are caused by sustained pressure especially in the abdominal area, which distends the veins in the anal region. The following presents all the information you need to know about the disorder as well as home remedies you can use to prevent it from worsening.
Causes. Any condition which results in distention of veins for a prolonged time is a predisposing factor to the development of hemorrhoids. Chronic constipation is the most common cause which distends the connective tissue and blood vessels from bearing down, leading to inflammation of the area. On the other hand, diarrhea can also serve as a predisposing factor through irritation of the anal area also causing swelling. Pregnancy is another common cause of the development of the disease. The pressure of the increasing uterus on the blood vessels causes the blood to pool, preventing back flow to the heart.
Home remedies. Upon the development of signs and symptoms, you must take the disease seriously and employ methods to slow, if not stop, the progression of the disease. The following are the simple treatment methods you can use even when at home:
1) Diet. You need to modify your eating habits to accommodate those high in fiber content. The fiber sweeps the digestive tract to facilitate smooth bowel movement, preventing further trauma to the inflamed region. Integrate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables especially green leafy vegetables. Ensuring that you take in a lot of fluids can provide moisture to the bowel, which tends to reabsorb water making movement difficult with time.
2) Healthy habits. Make it a point to have regular bowel movement, if possible daily, to prevent hardening of stools. Turning the water on when moving your bowel can help in the passage of stools. It is integral that you stick to the time you usually move your bowel as your body has become accustomed to this. A large part of the passing of stool is involuntary in nature, thus, needing a regular schedule. To prevent further inflammation, practice good hygiene, and keep the anal area dry at all times by blotting it instead of wiping. You can also manually reduce the hemorrhoid by pushing it inward.
3) Hot baths. This can facilitate blood flow, which reduces the inflammation in the anal area. You can take daily hot baths which not only remedies hemorrhoids but helps relieve stress, also considered among the predisposing factors of the disorder. Having a Sitz bath also helps a great deal. If you don't have a Sitz bath, you can improvise by using a small basin filled with warm water.
4) Witch hazel compress. This is one of the most effective home remedies of hemorrhoids which not only alleviates inflammation but pain and itching as well. You can use any gauze or cloth which is soaked in witch hazel. Apply the gauze to your hemorrhoid and leave it for some time.
