Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins that can occur either inside (internal hemorrhoids), outside (external hemorrhoids), or around the anus. External hemorrhoids are often the most painful.
Internal hemorrhoids are not as painful as external hemorrhoids and can range in size from a slight swelling to large, sagging veins that stick out. Internal hemorrhoids may cause painless bleeding during a bowel movement. If you notice blood covering the stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper, which is common with internal hemorrhoids, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible. A person may have both internal and external hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include occasional throbbing pain, itching, burning sensation, bright red blood on toilet paper or stool, or a lump of soft tissue protruding outside of the anus.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Common causes of hemorrhoids are constipation, straining during bowel movements and pregnancy. Constipation is often the culprit if an individual tries too hard to have a bowel movement, which causes the veins to pop out. Hemorrhoids do tend to shrink when pressure is off, but daily straining can make them continually protrude, bleed and hurt. Constipation should always be taken seriously and be treated right away.
While home treatment may be all that is needed to relieve the discomfort of minor hemorrhoids, any rectal bleeding needs to be evaluated by a health professional. In some serious cases, surgery may be needed.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Hemorrhoids
Sitz Baths
Warm water relaxes the sphincter muscle, which can help soothe the pain associated with hemorrhoid protrusions.
- Fill your bath with three to four inches of warm water.
- Don’t add anything to the water.
- Sit in the tub for 15 minutes.
- Repeat this several times a day.
When hemorrhoids are sore, sitz baths are the best and easiest way to get quick relief.
Petroleum Jelly or Zinc Oxide Paste
Studies have shown that Petroleum Jelly and/or Zinc Oxide work as well as other expensive creams. To reduce the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids either or both can be used.
- After wiping, dab a small amount of Petroleum Jelly or Zinc Oxide on a cotton ball and apply to the swollen area.
- Keep the swollen area dry and clean. Make sure not to use any scented toilet paper, soap or body wash containing chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Psyllium Seeds
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is a low-fiber diet, which causes constipation and leads to small and hard stools that are difficult to pass. Psyllium seeds are high in fiber and help make the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium seeds help prevent hemorrhoids and also make bowel movement less painful. It is recommended to make Psyllium fiber part of your diet. It can easily be found at most herbal nutrition stores.
- Start taking one teaspoon of Psyllium seeds in an 8 ounce glass of water in the morning as part of your breakfast for a week.
- In the second week add another glass with your lunch.
- Slowly during your third week make it a habit of drinking psyllium seeds three times daily.
When you are taking psyllium seeds 3 times daily, you don’t need to take any other fiber supplement. Make sure you drink lots of water when taking psyllium or any other type of fiber or fiber supplements because fiber creates large, soft stools by absorbing water. It is recommended to drink 1/2 ounce of water for each pound you weigh.
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