Sit Down Again Monthly

May, 2007

Information on hemorrhoids, treatments, symptoms, and more.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

Hemorrhoids are a painful, yet common condition, that affects millions of Americans each year. Half of Americans over fifty years of age will develop hemorrhoids. They are essentially varicose veins that form in the anal area due to an increase in pressure on anal tissues. They can occur either inside the anus (called internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anal area (called external hemorrhoids.) Symptoms include bleeding, pain, and discomfort. Hemorrhoids are most commonly caused by the straining that occurs either with constipation, child birth, or heavy lifting. Other causes include sitting or standing for prolonged periods, or lack of exercise.

Anal Hygiene

It is very important to keep hemorrhoids and the anal area clean. However, this may be easier said than done due to the pain, itching and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Try to remember that the goal is not to wipe the area clean but rather, to wash it clean. And although the hemorrhoids may itch terribly, it is vital that you do not scratch or rub the area. Scratching a hemorrhoid may provide relief from the itching for a few seconds. But it will ensure further tissue inflammation and symptoms for days. Instead, gently pat the anal area with a warm, wet cloth or a baby wipe. Once the area is clean, apply an ample amount of baby powder to keep the area dry and allow the inflamed tissues to move freely amongst one another.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath can provide tremendous relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. From the German word meaning, "to sit," a sitz bath is literally the process of sitting in a tub of warm water. A regular bathtub can be used or one can purchase a special sitz bath product can be purchased at many drug and department stores. This product is basically a plastic seat that fits on an opened toilet. The seat then makes a modified tub of soaking. Regardless of what type of tub is used, the key element to a sitz bath is hot water. Try to use water that is just a little bit hotter than what you would normally bathe in. The therapeutic benefits of a sitz bath are felt almost immediately for hemorrhoid sufferers. However, in order to avoid injury to the skin, you should limit your time in the water to twenty-thirty minutes no more than four times a day.

Bleeding

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are the most frequent cause of rectal bleeding. Bright red blood that shows up in the toilet bowl or on toilet tissue is a good indication of a hemorrhoid. However, any rectal bleeding should be taken seriously as anemia could result if the bleeding is heavy or lasts for a while. It's also possible that the rectal bleeding has a more serious cause than simple hemorrhoids. Inflammation of the Colon, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, noncancerous colon polyps, and colon cancer, can all cause rectal bleeding. Typically, with these more serious conditions, the blood is darker in color and mixed in with the stool, producing black or mahogany colored stools. Black stools may also be an indication of bleeding from the upper intestine. Rectal bleeding should always be taken seriously.

Herbs

There are several herbs that can be used for the management of hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidal pain. Aloe vera gel applied directly to the anus can relieve the pain and burning of hemorrhoids. Bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, and white oak can all be used in slave form just like conventional hemorrhoid preparations. Powdered comfrey root can be made into a paste and used in a poultice to heal rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. (It's important to note that comfrey should be used for external use only.) Elderberry poultice and mullein poultice can also be used to manage hemorrhoid pain. Lady's mantle can be brewed into a strong, warm tea and applied directly to hemorrhoids several times a day. Witch hazel can be used as an astringent and applied to the hemorrhoid up to three times daily, to shrink the swollen tissue. Other herbs that can be used to care for hemorrhoids include buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root. These herbs can be taken in capsule or tea form.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to the above methods, there are several other ways to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and bleeding of hemorrhoids. Try to avoid sitting on hard surfaces. Also, old-fashioned donut-shaped cushions can actually aggravate hemorrhoidal blood vessels by increasing the pressure in the anal area. Use an ordinary, soft cushion to relieve discomfort. Increasing water and fiber intake will soften stools and make bowel movements easier. Avoid fats, animal products, coffee, hot spices, and alcohol, which can be hard on the digestive system.

Traditional Therapy

Conventional medicine usually calls for the use of topical ointments to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Medications, however, cannot be used to cure hemorrhoids. Your health care provider may prescribe a 2.5% hydrocortisone ointment to reduce the inflammation and itching of hemorrhoids. However this steroid should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. In less severe instances, over-the counter remedies such as petroleum jelly, Preparation H, suppositories, 1%hydrocortisone cream, or a topical anesthetic can be use to lessen hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Medical Procedures

If hemorrhoids remain persistent even after home remedies and prescription medication, it may be necessary to remove the hemorrhoids altogether. Common surgical procedures include:

Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off circulation and destroy the hemorrhoid.
Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution injected into the base of the hemorrhoid will shrink the swollen blood vessel.
Laser coagulation or Infrared Photo Coagulation: Used to burn off external hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoidectomy: External or severe internal hemorrhoids can be removed by a surgical procedure.