Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a condition in which veins in the rectal or anal area become swollen and painful and may bleed. Hemorrhoids may occur inside the entrance to the anus (interior hemorrhoids) or outside the entrance to the anus (exterior hemorrhoids). A blot clot (thrombosis) may form in the vein, making the hemorrhoid more painful and sometimes requiring treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

What Causes It?

Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that simply occur with age. Being constipated or passing large, hard stools may contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids. In most cases, however, there is no obvious cause. In addition to age and constipation, other contributing factors include the following.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your provider will do an examination. If you have had significant bleeding or other symptoms, your provider may perform a procedure called sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. In this procedure a small instrument is inserted into the rectum for inspection of tissues to check for other diseases.

Treatment Options

Medications can ease the pain and discomfort during the time it takes for the hemorrhoids to heal. In addition to medications, you can help prevent or heal hemorrhoids by doing the following.

Drug Therapies

Stool softeners help reduce straining and prevent hard stools.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition Herbs
Flavonoids, a constituent found in dark berries and some plants, help restore the integrity of the vasculature. The following are flavonoids that may be taken in dried extract form as noted. Topical applications may relieve itching and burning, as well as promote healing. Apply one of the following two to four times a day. Homeopathy
Some of the most common remedies used for hemorrhoids are listed below. Usually, the dose is 3 to 5 pellets of a 12X to 30C remedy every one to four hours. Physical Medicine
Fill one basin with hot water, one with cold water. Sit in hot water for three minutes, then in cold water for one minute. Repeat this three times to complete one set. Do one to two sets per day three to four days per week.

Following Up

Talk with your provider if the hemorrhoids are still a problem after one to two weeks. If you frequently have hemorrhoids, talk with your provider about diet and lifestyle changes to help prevent them in the future.

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