subject: Natural Alternatives To Banding Hemorrhoids [print this page] A hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the anus caused by pressure or other factors such as excess weight. Hemorrhoids cause bleeding, swelling and pain in the sufferer. Hemorrhoids are classified as either internal or external. External hemorrhoids often cause itching and burning, while internal hemorrhoids are marked by intense pain and bleeding. Many people use over-the-counter treatments to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. Doctors deal with hemorrhoids through various procedures, such as banding hemorrhoids. Natural methods can also be used to treat hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid sufferers often seek treatments in a doctors office. A common procedure is banding hemorrhoids which will likely be considered by a doctor. Banding hemorrhoids involves the removal of hemorrhoids by placing a rubber band around it, effectively cutting off the blood supply. After a couple of weeks, the hemorrhoid will fall off. Unfortunately, banding hemorrhoids can cause several complications. These include infection, blood clots which will cause further problems with hemorrhoids, increased discomfort instead of pain relief, and excessive bleeding. These complications make many people wary of banding hemorrhoids.
Increasing your daily fiber intake is another solution and treatment of hemorrhoid. The average american only digests ten grams of fiber a day in their diet. By increasing your fiber intake by fifteen to fourty grams you will regulate your digestive system and prevent hemorrhoids from forming. The many ways you can increase your intake is by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and grains and cereals. Make sure you increase your fluid intake as well.
When treatment is required, you should do the following to help minimize the pain and any possible infection of the hemorrhoids. Sit in a hot tub of water for 10 to 20 minutes, also known as a sitz bath. Keep the anal area clean, by using a mild soap. Only dab the area after having a bowel movement. Do not use harsh rubbing of the area. Keep the hemorrhoids and anal area dry. You may use a talcum powder and some tissue to help absorb the moisture.
Witch hazel is a soothing form of astringent that eases the pain of pile bruising, another name for bruising of the hemorrhoids. When using Witch hazel hemorrhoids will be relieved of the painful swelling involved and once again the afflicted individual will be able to sit down with less discomfort and overall pain.
Bleeding internal hemorrhoids can be removed with surgery, your doctor can help you decide if you need to have them taken out by cutting, or laser or even with a cauterizing procedure.
It may be that surgery will not be needed and one of the other treatments will serve just as well. There are chemical treatments avaliable that will shrink the bleeding internal hemorrhoid. There is also a treatment where a rubber band is placed on the base of the hemorrhoid that will cut off the blood supply and shrink the hemorrhoid.
