Relieving Hemorrhoids
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Introduction
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Many people get hemorrhoids. It is a common disorder of the digestive system. Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen veins in the anus. There are many reasons why people get this condition. Usually, diet plays a major role. The condition also affects people in different ways. With the hemorrhoids, there may also be pain, itching and rectal bleeding, depending on the type of hemorrhoid the person has. There are medical and homemade treatments to relieve or eliminate symptoms. Anyone who suffers from hemorrhoids is certain to find a treatment method that works for him.
Types of Hemorrhoids
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There are internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are unseen and painless. The sign of a possible internal hemorrhoid is blood on the toilet paper or on the toilet seat. This indicates rectal bleeding. The membranes of the rectal veins are delicate and constipation or diarrhea can rupture the membrane and cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids protrude from the rectum and cause pain.
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Relieving Hemorrhoid Pain at Home
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There are several ways to relieve hemorrhoid pain. In most cases, a hemorrhoid goes away on its own. Many people find over-the-counter ointment and creams like Preparation H to be useful. These drugs usually have an anti-inflammatory ingredient like hydrocortisone or other steroids. Sitting in a hot bath with Epsom salts is a home remedy that is suggested by alternative medical practitioners. Taking herbal colon cleaners is a good way to clean out the intestines and regulate bowel movements. Two of the main causes of hemorrhoids are diarrhea and constipation. The frequent watery stools and the straining due to large, hard stools is a lot of pressure on the fragile veins in the rectum. Two ways to combat this is to eat high-fiber foods and drink lots of water each day. Keeping active and exercising is also important because hemorrhoids can form from sitting too long.
Medical Options
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If these simpler remedies don't work, medical intervention may be in order. A doctor has a few ways to remove hemorrhoids that can be done in her office. The doctor can inject a chemical into the hemorrhoids to shrink them. Another procedure is to tie off the hemorrhoids with bands so that no blood gets to them. Without blood, the hemorrhoids dry up and fall off. Laser surgery uses infrared light to also stop the circulation of blood in the hemorrhoids. For hemorrhoids that are persistent, large or very painful, surgery may be the answer. A hemorrhoidectomy removes the hemorrhoids with a surgical incision. These operations are done as out-patient surgeries.
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