February 21 2011

What are Hemorrhoids?



There are no exact definitions of hemorrhoids, but they can be defined as masses or clumps (cushion) of tissue within the anal canal containing blood vessels and the surrounding, supporting tissue made up of muscle and elastic fiber. An easier explanation for this is that hemorrhoids are veins that can be found in the lower part of the rectum and anus which help with stool control. These become a disease when swollen or inflamed due to too much pressure given forcing blood to stretch and bulge the walls of the veins and sometimes rupturing them. Hemorrhoids are like varicose veins, when enlarge hemorrhoidal veins are irritated, they can cause surrounding membrane to swell, burn, itch and become very painful and bleed. It usually happens when straining at stool and during pregnancy. Other contributing factors include aging, chronic constipation, diarrhea and anal intercourse.  Hemorrhoids are both inside and above the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external). Hemorrhoid piles arise from congestion of internal and/or external venous plexuses around the anal canal.

Internal hemorrhoids happen inside the lining of the rectum. You can’t feel the development of the internal hemorrhoids inside the rectum area. What happen inside the lower rectum is the veins lining the wall of the rectum become enlarged and budge out as this becomes internal hemorrhoids. The area that is affected has lack of receptors that’s why it is not painful and most people don’t know that they have them. They are usually known by causing bleeding when irritated or with a bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids are pretty harmless but can lead to serious illness and in to two severe forms: prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are so distended that they are pushed outside the anus while a trap prolapsed outside the anal opening becomes strangulated hemorrhoids where the supply of blood is cut off. Sometimes, people have mistaken prolapsed hemorrhoids as external hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids happen outside the skin around the anus. They are fleshy lumps around the anus and is visible around the rectum area.. They are sometimes painful having a bowel movement and you can feel them when they swell which causes irritation and itching. If there happened to have a blood clot within a vein, a thrombosed external hemorrhoid occurs and this causes a severe pain. A protruding mass at or near the anus or any swelling are considered to be external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids always get the treatment because of its disturbing symptoms.

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February 15 2011

What to Expect After a Hemorrhoidectomy



More than 60% of the world’s population suffers from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are characterized by a painful and itchy infection concerning the lower part of the anus wherein the veins become swollen. It happens when pressure in the pelvic and rectum region increases. The lower body fails to sustain the pressure, which results in to the veins becoming swollen and become itchy and painful.

Causes of hemorrhoids include pregnancy, lack of fiber, constipation genes, tight clothing, age, excess straining when passing stool, obesity and others. Most cases can be cured with medication. Medicinal treatments are available through prescription in most drug store. Make sure you consult a physician first to know what the drug is right for your condition.

Surgery or Hemorrhoidectomy is another option for patients. There are different types of Hemorrhoidectomy, which aim is to remove the swollen veins through intrusive or non-intrusive surgery.

What to expect after a Hemorrhoidectomy? It varies from patient to patient. Bottom line, you will feel more pleasant and more relieved then on. The patient will be given a potent suppository one hour prior to pre-med and the actual operation. This will get you moving into the bathroom to empty your gastrointestinal tract. This suppository takes effect in less than 20 minutes.

After the operation, the patients are allowed to eat and drink as soon as they feel the need to eat.  However, make sure that the gauze packed in your rectum has already been removed. Usually, doctors mandate the gauze to remain in place for 12 hours. Consult your doctor first before taking a bite.

It is best if you would drink fluids as much as you can in order to provoke water channels to work again. This also liquefies any food remnants in the intestinal tract.

Most hospitals release patients who have undergone Hemorrhoidectomy around five to six days after the operation. You should take a long rest after surgery. This would speed up your recovery. Your family has probably been advised by your doctor to have a rubber ring support as you sit. Have warm baths two or three times a day. Depending on your doctor’s advice, continue taking in pain killers for two weeks or until the pain subsides.

Last but not the least, change your lifestyle. Drink and eat healthier foods. Add up the fiber and water in your diet. Find time to exercise and include physical activities in your daily routine. Observe proper hygiene as well. Pay attention to cleanliness and lubrication.

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February 12 2011

What to Do When Hemorrhoids Come Back



Unfortunately, hemorrhoids do come back. Just as you thought the infection is gone, at the end you’ll e finding yourself sipping a cup of coffee.

Hemorrhoids are an infection concerning the lower part of the anus wherein the veins are swollen, painful and itchy. It occurs when pressure in the pelvic and rectum region increases.  It is when extreme pressure is exerted. When these parts fail to sustain the pressure, the veins become swollen and become itchy and painful. More than 60% of the world’s population suffers from this condition. If not treated properly, the pressure on the veins increases and worsens the condition.

There are a few causes of hemorrhoids. It could be due to pregnancy, lack of fiber, constipation genes, tight clothing, age, excess straining when passing stool and others. However, only quite a few know that obesity can also cause hemorrhoids.

Cure for hemorrhoids include creams, discussion and surgery. Most cases can be cured with medication. Medicinal treatments are available through prescription in most drug store. Make sure you consult a physician first to know what the drug is right for your condition.

The best way to treat hemorrhoids caused by is to change lifestyle. Slowly shift to a healthier and more active lifestyle. It is important to become more physically active. Find time and try to fit in your schedule activities that involve movement. You don’t have to be vigorously active immediately. A 30 minute walk would be a good start.

Eat more fiber and drink more water. Fiber prevents constipation. Without constipation, you no longer need to exert pressure on your anus as you pass stool. Also, fibrous foods may help flush toxins trapped in your body especially in the colon.

Lessen the amount of your caffeine intake. As much as possible, stay away from sodas and coffee and replace these drinks with water, fruit and vegetable juices. This also aids in the digestive process and reduce the risk of dehydration.

On the other hand, bleeding hemorrhoids should be immediately consulted to a doctor. Proper medication will be given.

Complete lifestyle change is the key to treat hemorrhoids for obese individuals. Not only does this shift improve your condition but also, this will greatly improve your health as well. Obesity has a lot of complications that doubles your risk to health problems. By changing your lifestyle, you strengthen your body as well as prolong your life.

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February 09 2011

How to Treat Hemorrhoids in Children



Hemorrhoids can definitely occur in children too. It is not an adult exclusive infection. Although children suffer from hemorrhoids, these are just mild cases and symptoms can be alleviated through home treatment. Fortunately, hemorrhoids in children go away with time even without medicinal treatment.

Hemorrhoids are known to be hereditary. If one of the child’s parents has this infection, he will most likely to inherit it. Pregnant women are very susceptible to this and may pass the condition to her growing child.

A child could develop hemorrhoids out of constipation as well. Constipation is a common culprit among adults and children. The difficulty in bowel movement exerts pressure on the rectum area of the body, which swells up the veins and then eventually lead to hemorrhoids.

Medical experts prefer natural remedies for children with hemorrhoids.  Do not rush into surgery because there is a possible adverse reaction on your kid’s body, which includes immense stress on his young mind.

Change your child’s diet and add plenty of raw vegetables and fruits in his diet. Make him eat more fibrous foods, which can help improve intestines to function at their best. The best diet plan for kids comprises of cereals, fresh juices, milk and fruits.

Encourage your kid to drink as many fluids as possible. Fluids like tea, milk and water are helpful in hydrating your child as well as ease bowel movements. It can also help flush down toxins that may be stuck in his large intestine. Do not let your child get the habit of drinking soft drinks. Sodas have no vitamins or minerals and can overload a child with too much preservatives and chemical additives.

Instill physical activity in your child’s daily routine. Make sure your kid is getting enough physical activity. Exercise is the key to good health. Active movement improves the body’s blood circulation, boosts immunity and tones muscles. It is best if you tag along too. This would encourage him a lot.

Always observe personal hygiene. Make this an obligation to your child. Regularly wash the rectal area after defecation. Gently dry it with a soft cotton towel. You can apply petroleum jelly such as Vaseline on the affected area to alleviate symptoms.

If your child is experiencing bleeding from his rectum and is constipated for a week, it is possible for him to develop hemorrhoids. There are ointments and cream products available to temporarily relieve sufferers.

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February 06 2011

Treatment options for pregnant women



During pregnancy, many women suffer from hemorrhoids because of excessive straining on the pelvic area. As the uterus grows, it puts extra weight on the muscle and pelvic region. Due to the pressure, blood supplies to these get delayed and making them very swollen.

Pregnant women also produce progesterone, a hormone that weakened the veins walls and walls and slow down bowel movements, and the pressure that receives the rectum. This is another problem to deal with constipation.

Here are some good tips for pregnant women to cope with hemorrhoids.

  • Always stay hydrated: Water cleanses your organism completely, especially bowels, and lubricates them to pass stools smoothly. It also replenishing the amniotic sack that protects your baby, preventing cardiovascular disease, morning sickness, and among the other pregnancy problems.
  • Eat a lot of fiber: It is important to have nutrition during pregnancy. This is because you are not eating for yourself alone but also for your baby. You have to look after the quality of what you are eating. Some foods that will help are fruits, vegetables (cooked or raw), beans, whole grains, flax seed and garlic. These foods are all great ways to add fiber to any diet. Fiber helps to regulate your digestive system. Also try to avoid coffee, alcohol, red meats and rise as this will worsen constipation and could make the problem worse. Replace those beverages with water, fruit and vegetable juices.
  • Don’t stand up or sit down too long: Gravity and the pressure of your belly over your legs will cause all the veins of your lower body to strain and get swollen. You should try moving around several times of the day. It is also possible for you to have a daily exercise if you want. Exercise keeps the blood in the lower extremities circulating normally, reducing the risk of inflammation. But it is important to consult your doctor on how much activity you can perform.
  • Don’t put off bathroom time. You should get used to the bathroom a certain time of the day. Relax and try not to make any pushing effort.

Treating hemorrhoid for pregnant women is delicate but not possible. But as said above, there are some techniques that will temporarily ease the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. But it’s always the best if you’ll follow natural method that can not interfere in any way in the pregnancy process for you and you’re baby’s safety.

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