1
May
2008
How the circulatory system works
Gaining a basic understanding of the circulatory system is integral to understanding where hemorrhoids come from and how they work.
The circulatory system feeds oxygenated blood to the entire body through arteries, and conveys cellular waste to the kidneys and blood back to the heart through veins.
While a small amount of the entire body’s supply of blood is moving quickly, under high pressure, through the arteries at all times, blood frequently remains in veins for an extended period of time as a storage mechanism.
Due to this, most veins have the ability to swell and contract much more than arteries do, in addition to being much nearer the surface of the body.
Between arteries and veins blood flows through a dense network of tiny arterioles and capillaries, which are both sufficiently numerous and small enough to ensure that every living cell in the body recieves the nourishment that blood provides and has the chance to eliminate cellular waste.
The area right around the anal sphincter, both inside and directly outside of the anal canal is one of the most vein dense areas of the body.
In addition to performing the basic function of blood circulation, the veins in this area also help with bowel control and bodily cushioning by swelling or contracting the hemorrhoidal cushions.
Due to the high volume of blood hemorrhoidal and anal veins are capable of holding, in addition to their location below the heart, these blood vessels both dilate to a proportionally large degree and can hold relatively unmoving blood for quite a long time.
If one of these veins is stretched beyond its capacity to contract due to muscular strain on the blood vessel itself, lack of upward support from the muscles of the pelvic floor, or loss of elasticity due to age or poor lifestyle, a hemorrhoid is caused.
If the vein in question lies within one of the hemorrhoidal cushions, an internal hemorrhoid is caused, while if the vein in question runs below the anal canal to the exterior of the body prior to returning to the heart, an external hemorrhoid is caused.
Because this area is so incredibly dense with various sizes of blood vessel, hemorrhoids come in quite the array of sizes, ranging from the size of a pea to closely resembling a large grape.
Because blood moves so slowly through this area, and any hemorrhoid represents an extra bend in a vein where blood tends to sit for long periods, hemorrhoids are particularly prone to developing blood clots.
Any blood clot internal to the circulatory system is known as a thrombosis, and these can have some quite unfortunate side effects.
They are created by platelets, the same blood factors that create beneficial scabs on a wound.
When blood clots are created in inappropriate places, such as inside a working vein or withing a hemorrhoid, they can block local blood flow. If a clot is large enough to block or impede the heart, the result is a heart attack.
However, even when a thrombosis does not cause problems on such a severe and immediate scale, they’re still problematic when they block off smaller veins elsewhere in the body. If a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a hemorrhoid, while the smaller veins surrounding the clot may be able to keep up for a while, inflammation, pain, and local toxicity are sure to result.
The blocked vein is not doing its job to carry away cellular wastes, which instead just sit there, seeping back into tissues and causing great aggravation.
If a hemorrhoid develops a thrombosis, a doctor needs to see it immediately so it can be adequately dealt with before causing irreparable harm to the body.
However, to help prevent thrombosis in a current hemorrhoid, do things to get your circulation going again such as frequent walks, eating well, drinking enough water, doing stretches and so on.
By increasing your circulation, you’ll stand a better chance of avoiding thrombosis and will give your hemorrhoid a chance to heal without further complications. In addition, contributing to your overall circulatory health may help you live a longer, happier, hemorrhoid-free life.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroid Related Information
30
April
2008
Bleeding is simultaneously one of the most common and most frightening symptoms of hemorrhoids.
You’re going about your daily life, usually feeling no major discomfort, and then suddenly it looks like you’re losing massive amounts of blood!
Why do hemorrhoids do this? What causes them to bleed so frequently and so profusely?
First, remember that they are probably not bleeding as profusely as it would first appear.
Blood from the mucosal tissue lined anal canal gets diluted in the large amounts of mucus that irritation produces.
Mucus is generally clear, while of course blood is not.
Therefore a relatively small amount of blood can get quite large in volume when mixed with mucus while retaining it’s bright, oh so alarming color. In addition, any bleeding that occurs in the bowl of a toilet is going to quickly get diluted by the toilet water, and again, it can look like a lot more than it really is.
But, you may ask, why do hemroids bleed in the first place?
A hemorrhoids is, by definition, a swelling in a vein and the tissue surrounding that swelling. As a vein swells, the vein wall gets thinner, much like an inflated balloon. If something hard or harsh, for example a constipated stool, scrapes against it, that vein is quite likely to give way.
In addition, smaller blood vessels close to the surface of the tissue are also under pressure and frequently behave the same way. To continue with the balloon analogy, straining can cause the blood vessels of the area to “pop” under increased hydraulic blood pressure.
Of course, because even the smallest hemorrhoid projects above the area of the surrounding tissue, it’s going to be under the most pressure from any straining or hard stools.
Is hemorrhoidal bleeding a major cause for concern?
If you are experiencing anal bleeding for the first time, yes.
There are a multitude of potential causes for anal bleeding, including some quite serious health conditions such as colon cancer, and a doctor needs to rule out those causes. Hemorrhoidal bleeding should always be relatively bright red in color and fresh.
If you are experiencing anal bleeding and the blood is dark brown, black, or scablike, it is even more serious and should be seen by a doctor right away.
Even fresh, bright red bleeding can be a symptom of something other than hemorrhoids, such as anal fissures, fistulas, or warts, so it’s a good idea to get a correct diagnosis.
In addition, bleeding hemorrhoids can be a target for infection, especially due to location, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
If you ever find yourself with an unexplained fever, chills, or other signs of infection, go see a doctor immediately.
However, if other causes have been ruled out and your hemorrhoids are not infected, bleeding is a fairly common symptom, especially of internal hemorrhoids.
If you suffer from chronic bleeding due to hemorrhoids, there are several things - treatments - that can help.
If you bleed from an external hemorrhoid, getting a hemorrhoid cream that includes a topical vasoconstrictor and either calamine or zinc oxide can help stop the bleeding.
Internal hemorrhoids may be helped by a prescription for a vasoconstrictor to be taken by mouth.
Using the normal recommended methods of treating hemorrhoids in general will also help reduce and eventually eliminate hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroids / Hemorrhoids Bleeding, Hemroids Cure, Hemroids Relief
28
April
2008
Hemorrhoid treatment may be roughly divided into two different classifications, namely relief treatment and curative treatment.
While a cure for hemorrhoids is, of course, the end goal, relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids is a necessary part of maintaining a standard of living while curative treatments are taking effect. Therefore, knowledge of each will help to make the whole process of getting rid of hemorrhoids much more pleasant and productive.
Basic hemorrhoid relief can be found in a variety of ways, many of which are readily available in any home.
Ibuprofen is the best common over-the-counter medication to use on irritated hemorrhoids, but acetaminophen will work in a pinch. While acetaminophen will help with the pain, ibuprofen also directly addresses inflammation, which is the most common underlying source of hemorrhoid pain.
Another basic home relief remedy is to take a bath in an inch or two of warm water, referred to as a sitz-bath, for twenty minutes, three times per day.
Many find it helpful to sit on a towel-wrapped icepack or ice cubes after the sitz-bath, as the alternating heat and cold provides circulatory stimulation and pain relief.
In addition, pharmacies are filled with hemorrhoid creams for soothing external hemorrhoids, while drinking aloe vera juice may provide relief for inflamed internal hemorrhoids.
Basic hemorrhoid cures are usually rather simple to do at home as they mostly involve diet and lifestyle changes.
No matter what actually causes your hemorrhoids, a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle will never help.
The average human being requires between twenty to thirty grams of fiber and 64 ounces of water per day in order for the gastrointestinal system to function properly. Dietary sources of fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains. When changing your diet, remember to only introduce one new food per week as too quick of a diet change will produce pure misery as your intestinal system gets used to the new regime. In addition, dividing the water up over the entire day will keep unfortunate bloating from interfering with normal activities.
Hemorrhoid relief and hemorrhoid cures frequently intersect.
Changing your diet to the above recommendations will immediately start to soothe hemorrhoids, as bowel movements will no longer be an occasion for straining and long sessions on the toilet.
Improving circulation by alternating sitz-baths and icepacks may improve the area enough to contribute to hemorrhoid recession.
Therefore, exploring all of the basic methods of hemorrhoid treatment and integrating them into daily life is often a cost-effective method of dealing with this unpleasant condition.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroids Cure, Hemroids Relief
27
April
2008
Have to admit, running a blog is very enjoyable.
I’ve been able to reach right round the world and provide lots of useful information as a result.
What’s even better are the free photos that people provide me on hemorrhoids and related conditions.
Just added another photo to the photos and pictures of hemroids page. The chap suffered from Crohn’s disease and was desperate to get more information on the internet about skin tags. He graciously gave me access to his skin tag photos after he visited my hemroid web site and loved it - so I now have my researcher and myself looking into the topic of skin tags. Hopefully, she will be able to provide some useful information, that may prove beneficial to him.
A way of returning the favor.
Anyway, I hope you are all liking the health and hemroid information that my blog and related website are providing.
Kind regards,
Donald.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroid Related Information
27
April
2008
Alternative medicine has been frequently been touted as a cure-all, promising relief for everything from migranes to hemorrhoids to cancer.
However, some of what is advertised looks like medical fraud on the order of snake oil! How can anyone looking for hemorrhoid relief tell the difference between an alternative medication that might actually help and a total waste of time, money, and suffering?
There are several different classifications of alternative medicine, each of which is unique.
It is actually quite a mistake to lump them all in under one umbrella term like “alternative medicine” but we have to call it all something. Taking the time to comprehend the various forms of alternative medicine today can yield some very productive treatment options.
The oldest and probably most efficacious form of alternative medicine is herbal treatment.
Most of the prescription medications we use today have their roots in plants.
In fact, plants are such a good source of new medications that there is an entire branch of pharmaceutical education and research devoted to it, called pharmocognosy.
Herbal remedies effective for hemorrhoid relief are witch hazel cream, ointment or extract, aloe vera gel or cream, horse chestnut tea, butcher’s broom tea, and Japanese Pagoda Tree extract.
Be aware that herbs are just another form of medication.
Some of these, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom in particular, affect the entire circulatory system and may interact badly with your current health conditions or any current medication regime.
In addition, find a reputable supplier for any herbal medications. Herbal supplements are not governed or tested under the same rules and supervision as medications, so checking for quality becomes much more important.
Herbs grown under sub-standard conditions, such as next to a road or with polluted water, can actually do more harm as they carry detrimental chemicals into your body.
Acupuncture, surprisingly enough, has been approved by the World Health Organization for the treatment of several diseases, including pain relief.
Several rigorously controlled studies have been performed on the pain-treatment capacity of acupuncture, particularly for such chronic conditions as migranes. While these tests have shown acupuncture to have a measureable effect on patients, no clinical trials have been performed to date specifically on acupuncture’s effectiveness regarding hemorrhoids.
If you feel that the research that has been done is validation enough for acupuncture’s use, do find an acupuncturist accredited by the appropriate medical association for your country.
There is a branch of medicine called evolutionary medicine that seeks to understand and recreate the conditions that the human animal evolved for.
Evolutionary medicine is firmly grounded in the findings of physical anthropologists who study the entire course of our evolution to date.
One of the more valuable findings of evolutionary medicine for hemorrhoid patients is that we, as a species, did not evolve to sit on toilets but rather to squat for our toileting.
Many hemorrhoid sufferers have found that raising their feet on a small stool while toileting relieves and may even banish their hemorrhoids. If this works for you, and you believe that fully squatting might be even more beneficial, toilets that allow you to take a full squatting position are available on the market today.
Holistic medicine is a reasonable approach for many people to solving a health condition.
A holistic practitioner will take the whole person into account for healing purposes, instead of treating a human like a machine with parts to be fixed.
However, any holistic practitioner worth your time should use the best that mainstream medicine has to offer in addition to any herbal medications or psychological aids he or she feels is necessary.
If you’re going to pay for this treatment, do find a holistic practitioner who is also has their M.D., it will save you a lot in both foolishness and time.
Homeopathy has not been shown to have any appreciable effect, and in fact defies several laws of modern chemistry and physics.
Homeopathic remedies are so diluted that no molecules of the supposedly therapeutic substance can reliably be found in any given dose of the remedy. Repeated scientific tests and clinical trials have been performed on homeopathy for many decades now, and homeopathy shows no benefit above the placebo effect.
Use this information, like any other, to find the best treatment options for you.
If you are going to use one of the above alternative medicine options, remember that no alternative medicine is an appropriate substitute for sound, well researched medical advice.
However, some forms of alternative medicine make wonderful complements to mainstream medicine, capable of shortening recovery times and improving overall quality of life.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroids Cure, Hemroids Herbs, Hemroids Relief
22
April
2008
As if external hemroids weren’t enough to deal with on their own, they can start bleeding too! How much more messy and embarrassing can these things get?
Fortunately, there are quite a few ways of dealing with bleeding external hemroids, many of which are available at home or cheaply at your local pharmacy.
Bleeding from hemroids ranges from a light tracery to heavy bleeding, and what tactic you take will depend on the kind of bleeding you suffer from.
External Bleeding Hemroids - Home Treatments
If you are having heavy hemorrhaging problems, the first thing you’ll want to do is apply pressure to the area with clean toilet paper or a clean cloth. This will induce clotting so that the bleeding slows and eventually, stops.
No matter what kind of bleeding you suffer from, you’ll want to wear clean, relatively loose, plain cotton underwear. While this sort of granny underwear may have to be the least attractive sort in the history of clothes, it absorbs excess moisture well and doesn’t irritate or constrict the area in question.
Sitting on a towel-wrapped icepack is the next step to take because the cold constricts the blood vessels in the area, slowing any bleeding.
Astringents are a useful home line of defense against hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Such things as witch hazel, aloe vera juice, or even apple cider vinegar, applied with a clean pad, all serve to clean, disinfect, and dry the area. This both helps stop the bleeding and ensures that infection doesn’t start to rear its ugly head.
When applying anything to an external hemorrhoid, remember to pat gently instead of scrubbing or rubbing. If you’ve developed a scab over the open wound, rubbing it off is the last thing you really want to do!
Raising legs to reduce bleeding hemroids
Once you get to the pharmacy, you may want to look into either getting a squat toilet or a footstool to put your feet up on while you use the toilet. Getting your knees up above your hips takes strain off of the area. This not only helps with bleeding but eliminates one of the core causes of the hemorrhoids, unnatural strain on your pelvic floor.
The toilet position we are accustomed to taking removes almost all muscular support from the hemorrhoidal cushions, which places pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins to start protruding downwards, which leads to hemorrhoids.
Taking the pressure off by raising your knees above the level of your hips gives much needed support to those hemorrhoidal cushions.
Creams for bleeding external hemroids
When looking for a hemorrhoidal cream to assist with bleeding external hemroids, getting one with a local anesthetic, an astringent, and a vasoconstrictor is probably your best bet.
Some of the most common anesthetics include lidocaine and benzocaine, witch hazel, aloe, and calamine are the most popular astringents, and phenylephrine, ephedrine, and epinephrine are the vasoconstrictors cleared for topical use.
Getting a combination of these ingredients will ensure the best possible cream for bleeding external hemroids.
External bleeding hemroids in conclusion
Hopefully, this brief outline has given you a starting point for dealing with your bleeding hemroids instead of suffering from them. Look carefully at all your options for more permanent treatment, and your hemroids will hopefully be a thing of the past.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroids / Hemorrhoids - External, Hemroids / Hemorrhoids Bleeding
21
April
2008
Hemroids herbs are a natural extension of hemorrhoid treatment.
Most doctors will tell you that the vast majority of hemroids are best treated at home, and many of the most common home remedies, such as witch hazel, are herbal in nature to begin with.
However, the large and unfamiliar territory of herbal remedies can be daunting, to say the least. It helps greatly to know what herbs work on hemroids, what they do, and how to use quality herbal remedies effectively.
There are several categories of herbs that qualify as hemroid treatments.
The first, and most commonly used hemroids herbs, are astringents.
This classification covers such hemroid standbys as witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and apple cider vinegar.
In short, these herbal extracts reduce inflammation and cause hemorrhoidal tissue to dry out, thus reducing pain, irritation, and itching.
Witch hazel and aloe vera gel come in the form of medicated wipes that can be used to pat the area.
Apple cider vinegar is generally used on a moistened sterile cotton ball or swab.
While many hemroid sufferers find that witch hazel and aloe vera are more effective than apple cider vinegar, if you have vinegar on hand, it does offer enough immediate relief to plan for the future.
While medicated pads can’t be used directly on internal hemroids, 99% pure aloe vera juice is available as a drink that may assist.
A less common herbal astringent is a poultice made from the roots or rhizomes of cranesbill, mashed and used as a poultice.
Each and every person reacts differently to various herbs, so if one doesn’t work it may be worth your time to try another.
The next category of herbal remedies are normally ingested foods that can help treat hemroids.
Many brightly colored fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries and cherries contain bioflavonoids which can be of great help by increasing muscle tone and blood circulation.
And, of course, most of the fiber supplements on the market today are herbal derivatives such as psyllium seed husks and ground flax seed and come in a plethora of forms. You can get powder to be mixed with water and drank, doses contained in gelatin capsules, or wafers to munch on. Just remember to get plenty of water when adding herbal fiber supplements to your diet, and you should get excellent results with your hemroids.
The third classification of hemroid herbal remedies are the ones that affect hemroids most directly through the circulatory system.
This set of hemroids herbs includes butcher’s broom, horse chestnut, and the Japanese pagoda tree.
Taken internally, butcher’s broom narrows blood vessels, improves and strengthens blood vessel walls, and lessens inflammation and swelling.
Horse chestnut improves microvascular circulation, lessens fluid retention and brings down swelling.
Japanese pagoda tree extract reduces bleeding, helps maintain vein health, and helps with hemroid symptoms such as itching, burning, or inflammation.
Because these herbs are taken internally and they affect the workings of the circulatory system, do not take them if you have a heart or blood condition, and check to make sure that they don’t interact badly with any ongoing medication you’re currently taking.
Hemroid herbs in conclusion
Many people have found relief from hemroid symptoms and from hemroids themselves by taking advantage of herbal remedies.
Herbal hemroids remedies also carry a few other advantages, such as being less expensive than other treatments and many are widely available.
Remember to use common sense and only get your herbal remedies from reputable companies, and, with luck, your hemroid problems will be over.
Posted: Hemroid Health, Hemroids Cure, Hemroids Herbs, Hemroids Relief
18
April
2008
When to see a doctor about hemorrhoids.
If hemorrhoids have started bleeding, are too painful to get on with life, have developed a purplish or bluish tinge, or have started protruding through the anus, it’s time to see a doctor.
Embarrassing to see a doctor about hemroids, but this is what you may experience
However, this can be a quite frightening, not to mention embarrassing proposal at the best of times. Getting all the information on what you can expect from your initial examinations is a good idea, and will both help to bolster your courage and let you make informed decisions on your care.
The first doctor you’ll be going to see will, in all likelihood, be your family physician.
Your family doctor knows you and your medical history. Through knowing you better, he or she can often explain complex things to you more easily, and will be on the lookout for your well being throughout the entirety of your treatment plan.
When you go in for your hemorids appointment with your family doctor, he or she may not physically examine you at that time. What is sure to occur is a detailed conversation in which your doctor will want to know exactly what has been going on.
To make the most out of this initial appointment, it helps to write down every single symptom at a quiet time and place prior to going in to the office. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything, and your doctor is sure to get all of the information they need to help you. If your family physician has the facilities and equipment on hand, he or she may want to physically examine you as well, but some family doctors don’t stock specialized equipment due to space concerns.
Seeing as they are the first people everybody comes to in the event of an ailment, if they kept all of the specialized medical equipment in existence on hand, there would be no room for people in their offices! So, in all likelihood your doctor will then refer you to a specialist and help you make an appointment.
The hemorids examination and what it typically entails
Whether your family doctor or the specialist does the examination, the procedure is pretty much the same.
After your vital signs are taken and noted by the attendant or nurse, you will be let into a private room, asked to replace your clothing with a hospital gown, and draped completely for your and your doctor’s comfort.
The draping serves to both make you more comfortable and to provide your doctor with the visual context for proper clinical detachment.
Rest assured that your doctor is not judging you, nor does he or she find the physical exam in the least bit embarrassing but rather a normal process.
He or she will visually inspect the area, and then probably insert an anoscope to check for internal hemorrhoids.
An anoscope is a tapering hollow metal tube that has a visual portal cut out of one quarter of the wall. Because it only allows the doctor to see one quarter of the anorectal canal at a time, a total of four insertions will be necessary. In addition to the anoscope, your doctor may palpitate the exterior of the anus to check for lumps that are deep within the tissues.
After the physical examination for hemroids
After the physical examination, you will be given time to redress, and then the doctor will come back in to discuss what was found with you.
At this time you should ask any and all questions you may have so that you are fully informed.
During the discussion, the doctor will make recommendations for your treatment plan, which may range from instructions to follow at home all the way up to surgery.
If the physical examination was done by the specialist, you should feel free to discuss everything with both the specialist and your family doctor. In addition, further referrals to other specialists will be given to you at this time. After that, you should be well on your way to getting rid of your hemorrhoids for good.
Your rights re hemroids surgery and doctors
Every doctor should respect your dignity, your privacy, and your right to be informed at all times.
If any doctor does not, feel free to ask your family doctor about the problem.
Perhaps your general practitioner may be able to help resolve misunderstandings, or can refer you to a different specialist who will be better suited to you.
If your family doctor falls down in this regard, it’s time to find a new family doctor.
Feel free to interview general practitioners to find the best fit for you. Be respectful of their time and education, but remember that they are there to help you. With patience and respect on both sides, you should have no more troubles.
Posted: Hemorrhoids Hemroids Doctor, Hemroid Health, Hemroids Surgery
10
April
2008
This is a health blog with a particular focus on hemroids. Most people don’t realise that hemroids - also known as hemorrhoids - are generally easily treated and cured in a matter of weeks or a few months.
The trick is to take an encompassing view, including diet, exercise, water and other lifestyle factors.
Hemroid surgery should only be the remedy of last resort, with a hemorrhoidectomy the last resort of the last resorts!
To sum up, for the most part, hemorrhoids can be treated and cured at home without surgery, no hemroid banding or anything else.
Posted: Hemroid Health
