One of the most difficult situations one can experience is a bad case of Hemorrhoids. Sufferers of this condition have the most difficult time defecating. They can even experience pain and discomfort whenever they excrete.

Hemorrhoid is the abnormal inflammation of the inner lining of the anal canal. There are several causes of this condition. The general effect of hemorrhoids is the experience of severe pain and the difficulty to excrete or complete the cycle of defecating. In most severe cases, the sufferer experiences irritations and bleeding of the anus.

Thrombosed and Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Differentiated

There are 4 degrees of prolapsed hemorrhoids. Initially, you can detect a prolapsed hemorrhoid when you experience a burning or itching sensation in your anus. This may be accompanied by a moderate amount of bleeding in the stools or when you wipe your anus with a tissue. The more severe case of prolapsed hemorrhoids is the appearance of an inflamed mass of tissue exposed externally from the anus. This is accompanied by great pain while defecating, black stools, and often the inability to complete a bowel movement.

In the second degree, the hemorrhoids can retract by itself. In the 3rd stage, the hemorrhoid requires manual reinsertion while in the 4th degree it remains exposed and can no longer be reinserted at all. In the most severe cases of 4th Degree prolapsed hemorrhoids, this can transcend to the Strangulated or Thrombosed type of hemorrhoids.

The thrombosed hemorrhoid is the most severe type. This is the condition wherein a vein has clotted. This occurs inside the anal canal and appears varying in size from small (pea size) to large (size of a golf ball).

Various Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids have various causes. The usual culprits are obesity, hypertension, pregnancy, cigarette smoking, diarrhea or constipation. When you strain during bowel movement, pressure is applied to the anal walls weakening the rectal tissue in the anus. This makes it vulnerable to a hemmorhoidal breach. When the tissues are inflamed, in severe cases, it can extend outside the anus forming the hemorrhoid.

Treating Prolapsed and Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Because there are a variety of hemmorhoidal causes, there are also various ways to cure it. Surgery is the last option taken by doctors only for extreme cases wherein the patient experiences the most discomfort and when the condition poses a risk to their health. There are several natural methods in the prevention and cure for hemorrhoids aside from the oral and topical over-the-counter medicines you can use for this condition.

Increasing your water intake and consuming foods rich in fiber (such as plantain, psyllium seed husk) helps in softening the stools. This lessens the pressure applied on the anal tissue when defecating therefore it helps in preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids. For patients with poor blood circulation as the cause of their hemorrhoids, increased water intake and sleeping with the legs propped up by a pillow improves their blood circulation.

Applying natural preparations like Cranesbill, Witch Hazel, Honey and Aloe Vera to the affected areas of the anus provides a soothing relief to the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Applying ice (wrapped in a cloth) on the anus will numb the hemorrhoid and reduces blood flow. Taking a Sitz bath (warm bath in a sitting position) cleans the affected area and reduces pain associated with hemorrhoids.

A regular bowel movement is not usually a concern of a lot of people. Most of them do not even know whether they have a normal one or an irregular one. However, it is very important to make sure bowel movement is a regular thing because it is one of the signs of good health. For one, regular bowel movement can prevent the itchy and painful hemorrhoids from occurring. Read on and find out more about regular bowel movements and its relationship against hemorrhoids.

What is a Regular Bowel Movement?

It is a common misconception that a normal bowel movement is one movement per day. Though this is true for some people, this does not work for everyone. Even if it is three times a day or three times a week, it can still be considered as a regular bowel movement. If you get less than three movements a week, it can mean constipation. On the other hand, more than three watery stools in a day can mean diarrhea.

Regular bowel movement also extends in the size and shape of the stool. A good bowel movement must be soft and easy to pass. The right color must be golden brown or brown with a size and shape similar to a sausage.

Bowel Movement and Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid is usually caused by straining the rectal area. Both diarrhea and constipation can cause strain to the area and can lead to hemorrhoids. With a normal bowel movement that is soft and easy to pass, it is unlikely that a hemorrhoid can take place.

This makes maintaining a regular bowel movement essential not only in the treatment of hemorrhoids but also in the prevention of the condition. Here are some things you can do to make sure you get a normal bowel movement:

• Follow a high fiber diet. Fiber is known to help in healthy digestion, which can be a big help towards getting regular bowel movements. Munch up on food items that are rich in fiber including organic fruits and green vegetables.

• Exercise regularly. Working out enhances your metabolism, which will help you in getting bowel movements easily. Do simple exercises such as brisk walking and jogging.

• Drink plenty of water. Keep your body hydrated. Water and fluids will keep the stool moisturized for an easy passing.

Besides following these tips to help you get a regular bowel, it is important to keep in mind several things to help you avoid getting irregular bowel movements. If possible avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks. They work as diuretics, which only draws out fluid in your body. This can promote irregular bowel movements such as constipation.

Other Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid is not only a concern of regular bowel movements. There are several other things you can do to prevent this situation from getting into you. One important thing to consider is to avoid straining when you are passing stools. This also includes long sessions on the toilet so it is a good idea to forget about reading anything while sitting on the toilet.

Moreover, you must move regularly and avoid long sitting. Most importantly, make sure the anal area is kept clean all the time. This will prevent chances of inflammation caused by bacteria around the area.

Most pregnant women will notice that they are more prone to hemorrhoids than any other individual. Hemorrhoids during this stage is caused by the blood vessels in the rectal area that become swollen than usual. Hemorrhoids are actually a form of varicose veins that women develop during pregnancy.

It is a fact that hemorrhoids are painful and itchy. There are also some pregnant women suffering from hemorrhoids who experience rectal bleeding while others endure the varicose veins on the leg.

Why Pregnant Women Susceptible to Hemorrhoids

The growing uterus of a pregnant woman puts extra pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava as well. As a result, the pressure can slow the return of blood from the lower half of the body hence it can at the same time increase the pressure on the veins which are located below the uterus. Aside from this, pregnancy will allow you to experience an increase in the hormone progesterone. This will cause the walls of the veins to relax, allowing them to easily swell.

The progesterone is also the culprit of constipation by slowing down the intestinal tract. As we all know, constipation may lead to straining which can even aggravate the hemorrhoids you are suffering. Sitting for long hours is another common reason why pregnant women develop hemorrhoids.

Preventing Hemorrhoids in Pregnant Women

To prevent hemorrhoids, it is therefore important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in the form of exercise. You can try to walk around for a few minutes at least once every hour. Keeping a healthy life is not just a helpful step in preventing or curing hemorrhoids when pregnant.

Using Hemorrhoid Creams

There are also herbal remedies which can either be digested or applied using the extracts from the leaf or stem. Most of these are being sold as hemorrhoid creams. The good thing about these herbal remedies is you experience no painful surgery or adverse side effects. Using this kind of remedy has been used for many years now and these herbal remedies are also used in treating other kinds of medical conditions. Some of the popular and helpful herbs include coriander seeds, sesame seeds, witch hazel extracts and a whole lot more.

You may also try adding more fiber to your diet. If all these natural remedies do not work to your advantage, there are also some safe medications that you can take during pregnancy to help you avoid constipation and hemorrhoids. You can put a topical hemorrhoid cream on the affected area and in no time, you will notice that the pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids is relieved.

But before buying any hemorrhoid cream, know what the ingredients are and look for good reviews of hemorrhoid creams in the market. There are ingredients which are not suitable for pregnant women.

Hemorrhoids After Giving Birth

Hemorrhoids must also be dealt with even after giving birth. However, treating this condition after delivery is not difficult. Hemorrhoid creams may also be used provided there’s an advise from your doctor especially if you are breastfeeding. Aside from creams, you also need to avoid carrying heavy loads and too much straining during bowel movement so as not to aggravate the hemorrhoid condition. Sitz baths is also a good option. It will sooth the pain and itching.