The condition where blood vessels in the rectum and anus swell or bulge is known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids also refer to a cluster of blood vessels where small vessels meet and join into larger veins underneath the mucous membrane of the lower part of the rectum and anus. Can hemorrhoids be cured or do you have to put up with them for the rest of your life? Well, this article will dig deeper into that and unravel the steps you ought to take to keep them in check.
The condition is common so if you have it, take comfort that you’re not going through it alone. In fact, 75% of the American population has suffered from hemorrhoids symptoms at a certain point in their lives.
There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum while external hemorrhoids are found beneath the skin surrounding the anus. Internal and external hemorrhoids occur when too much pressure is exerted on the veins in the rectum and anus. This pressure is caused by a number of reasons:
Being Obese or Overweight
When the body is carrying more weight than it was ever meant to, a number of problems crop up. One of them is that blood vessels in the rectum and anus are placed under such immense pressure that the proper flow of blood is hindered. This is why they end up swelling when blood pools in them.
Straining in Bowel Movements
Straining while passing stool puts a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in the rectum and anus. When this goes on for too long because of chronic constipation, you end up developing hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy
In the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb gets heavy and puts pressure on blood vessels of the lower regions of the body. The baby rests on the inferior vena cava, a large vessel that transports blood from the lower limbs to the heart. This is the reason why hemorrhoids are common in pregnant women.
Older people
Many body parts wear down as you grow older such as your bones, eyes, skin, and pretty much all organs. The same is true of the connective tissue between the rectum and anus. It weakens and so any pressure it’s subjected to causes the swelling of blood vessels. This is what makes hemorrhoids are very common for people above 50 years.
Small hemorrhoids may go away on their own without any intervention. However, larger hemorrhoids are more stubborn so they require treatment. With proper treatment, hemorrhoids can be cured. Treatment options include home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures.
However, hemorrhoids may recur and in such cases, you may need to take more drastic methods like surgery.
There are natural ways you can use at home to treat the symptoms that are associated with hemorrhoids. You can find them in your kitchen, kitchen garden, or your local store or pharmacy (online store). Some of these home remedies include:
Soothing Wipes
The normal tissue paper that you use in the toilet may be harsh on your hemorrhoids and is probably making them worse. You can use soothing wipes instead because they relieve irritations and even reduce swelling. They are made from anti-itch ingredients like hydrocortisone and witch hazel. You can purchase them online or in your local drug store.
Cold Compresses
Ice packs are often used on bruises, cuts, and skin irritations because they help in reducing pain, tissue damage, and inflammation. They do this by shrinking your blood vessels. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth to avoid cold burns and press it on the hemorrhoids for 15-20 minutes.
Loose Cotton Clothing
Tight clothes made of polyester especially underwear and pants cause the development of hemorrhoids and make them worse. They hinder the smooth flow of blood and also contribute to the build-up of sweat which irritates the hemorrhoids further. Wear breathable cotton underwear and pants to keep the anal area dry and clean and hemorrhoids symptoms will reduce.
Exercise
Exercise reduces constipation by stimulating bowel functions and improves blood circulation in your body. It also helps keep your body weight at healthy levels so the anal area blood vessels are not subjected to unnecessary pressure.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils are used to reduce inflammation, pain, bleeding, and speeding up the healing process. These properties make them very good at treating hemorrhoids symptoms. Examples of essential oils you can use on hemorrhoids include:
Warm Bath with Epsom Salts
Soaking your anus in warm water with Epsom salts will soothe the irritation and pain of hemorrhoids. It also improves your blood circulation so it helps with reducing the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel has very good anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it ideal at reducing swelling and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Apply it directly o your hemorrhoids and you’ll find relief. Aloe vera causes allergic reactions in some people so do a test before you use it.
Witch Hazel
This is a herb that has been used traditionally to soothe skin irritations and reduce swellings. You can buy it at a pharmacy, local store, or online and it comes in liquid form or in other products like soap, wipes, and creams. You should apply it directly on the hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can greatly disrupt your life but the good news is that natural remedies are available to relieve you of the discomfort and pain. So in case you are still asking the big question - can hemorrhoids be cured? The answer is yes, most certainly!
