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.
H-Miracle for Curing Hemorrhoids
This new ebook for curing hemorrhoids claims to offer a plan to eliminate hemorrhoids within 48 hours. The cure consists of a number of Chinese herbs that can be purchased from almost any health food store. To learn more, click here.
I'm using Vaseline on my external hemorrhoids and it seems to be working. Usually when I have a bowel movement, right after that external hemorrhoids itch and throb for a time and then the throbbing and itching goes away. Also I apply a large amount of Vaseline to the area. Should I use a lot of Vaseline or a little? Also how long do I need to use the Vaseline before I feel better?
Is petroleum jelly would be OK to use?
As a cure and also as a preventive measure for hemorrhoids, I use petroleum jelly twice a week as an overnight suppository. A generous dab around the anus and also inside. This has a very therapeutic effect and softens the anal tissue to a healthy state. I have used this now for more than 10 years with no problems from piles at all.
Thanks for pointing out that internal hemorrhoids are not as painful as external ones. You also said that internal hemorrhoids can cause painless internal bleeding during a bowel movement. You are right that it is important to realize that too much strenuous bowel movements usually are the most common cause of Hemorrhoids.
There is a simple and effective home remedy for hemorrhoids. All you need to do is, mix coconut oil, pressed garlic and a few drops of witch hazel and refrigerate it, (wrapped in a plastic wrap) and use it as a suppository overnight.
Vasaline works for hemorrhoids.
I feel that swelling around the anus makes it difficult to defecate. For me it happens when I eat vegetables like ladyfinger/okra, cauliflower, and eggplant or anything else that my body doesn't like.
The best pain relief ever for external piles is, applying coconut oil directly to the area then dabbing on bicarbonate of soda. It has given me amazing relief!!
It could also be the HP virus or they could be genital warts.
Dithey46, taking warm baths and applying castor oil packs on protrusions helps with inflammation and discomfort caused by piles and hemorrhoids. Also adding more fibre to the diet and drinking psyllium seeds mixed water helps soften the stools and piles don't get pushed out. Mix one teaspoon of Psyllium seeds in one glass of water and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. Hope it helps!