Treatment For Hemorrhoids
Within the pipeworks of our nether-regions, there are arteries which supply oxygenated blood to areas of the rectum, and the anal canal. These arteries also then go on to supply the blood vessels lower down, around the anus and the surrounding tissues.
Hemorrhoids are areas of tissue within the anal canal around these arteries which become swollen and distended, and which form ‘lumps’ of tissue which then interfere with the natural outflow of the by-products of our digestive system.
Sometimes these lumps of tissue are forced outside of the anus during bowel movements and can be exceedingly painful. They often bleed profusely, and generally cause discomfort and severe itching.
What causes them?
It is generally accepted that hemorrhoids are mostly caused by straining during bowel movements – either because of constipation, or in cases of diarrhea. They can also be caused by excessive pressure on the lower organs of the body, for example during pregnancy, or in people who are obese.
How can they be treated?
While one individual claims to have discovered a cure for hemorrhoids, most physicians accept that their condition fluctuates from time to time, and that the most consistent method of control is to eat a diet which high in fruits and vegetable fibre and water.
Hemorrhoids ‘improve’ when they shrink, and when they are not aggravated by the passing by of excessively hard stools during bowel movements. By increasing the dietary intake of fruit, vegetables and water, hemorrhoids will often go away by themselves.
When intervention is required, other treatments can be used.
Treatments vary from the use of sitz baths and the application of salves and lubricants, and even surgical intervention.
Surgical treatments can include ‘rubber banding’ – the constriction of blood to the affected bundle of tissues (which then falls off) by means of elasticated bands; use of infrared laser to destroy blood vessels in the area, resulting in decreased swelling; or cauterisation. Older methods of freezing are no longer used, due to negative side effects.
Natural remedies
Others remedies include the intake of aloe vera juice, seedum extracts and combinations of other herbs and preparations.
Aromatherapy treatments include rose geranium oil.
Over the counter treatments vary in their action and contain one or more of the following types of ingredients: local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants barriers, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics or corticosteroids
Excessive use of anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, astringents, keratolytics and corticosteroids is not advised, due to side effects, especially in the case of vasoconstrictors and corticosteroids.
Vasoconstrictors are chemicals which resemble and mimic the naturally occurring chemical epinephrine. When applied topically, while the side effects are expected to be absent, it pays to know that epinephrine aggravates high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Corticosteroids thin the skin when used continuously for long periods.