Hemorrhoids are inflamed, bulging veins found in the rectum or on the anal sphincter. If not given proper and prompt medical attention, hemorrhoids can worsen over time, and become a source of long-term pain and discomfort. Prolapsed hemorrhoids, strangulated hemorrhoids and burst blood vessels may evolve from an untreated hemorrhoid. Here is a look at some of the causes of hemorrhoids, and how they can be treated effectively.

Straining during defection is one of the most significant contributors to hemorrhoids. Some patients strain because their intestinal muscles are not strong enough to readily push the feces out of their bodies. Hence, the patient must make extra effort, which increases the pressure on the anal veins. To increase the strength of one’s intestinal muscles, exercise the core muscles. Oblique crunches are an excellent way to develop abdominal muscle strength. Swimming is very effective as well. Kegel exercises tone the pelvic floor muscles, also aiding in preventing hemorrhoids.

During the late 80s, scientists speculated on a relationship between hemorrhoids and different types of toilets. Specifically, why was it that the incidence of hemorrhoids in countries with squatting toilets is lower than that of the occidental world, where sit-down toilets are common? In a study performed with 20 hemorrhoid-prone patients, it was found that sit-down toilets encourage straining.

How could this be? Experts believe that squatting is the natural position for defecation, because of the angle of the rectum. During the study, it was found that squatting patients only needed to strain one or two times during defecation. On the other hand, sitting patients needed to strain four to seven times. Straining places a lot of pressure on the rectal blood vessels, and is believed to be a major cause of hemorrhoids. This theory that squatting during defecation may prevent and alleviate hemorrhoids is well-substantiated by geographical evidence. The incidence of hemorrhoids in countries with a prevalence of squatting toilets, such as Japan and China, is much lower. Thus, if you persistently get hemorrhoids, consider switching to a squatting toilet.

Straining can be caused by hard stools and constipation, the consequences of a diet poor in fiber. The average person requires between 20 and 25 grams of fiber everyday. However, with all the processed foods and frozen dinners, it may be difficult to acquire the requisite amount. The average North American only ingests five to 14 grams of fiber a day. To increase your fiber intake, and to prevent aggravation or formation of hemorrhoids, eat the following foods: bran, whole wheat bread, brown rice, plums, peaches, prunes, celery, cabbage, beans, and peas. Fiber supplements such as Benefiber and Metamucil can also be helpful.

Applications of topical medicines to the hemorrhoid can provide relief. Salicylic acid, found in most facial toners and astringents, can be applied to the region twice daily. Soothing agents, such as honey, aloe vera, and Witch Hazel, can provide relief as well. When choosing topical medicines for hemorrhoids, make sure to read the ingredients list. Some creams for hemorrhoids contain steroids, which can weaken the skin and tissue. Weakened blood vessels are more likely to burst. Avoid creams that contain steroids. A plethora of home remedies, many of them quite effective, exist to cure or mitigate hemorrhoids. For external or mild hemorrhoids, home remedies are usually enough. However, when the hemorrhoid is severe, you might have to resort to medical intervention.

One such procedure is hemorroidolysis, also known as galvanic electrotherapy, and involves applying a small amount of electricity to the hemorrhoid. The current disintegrates much of the material of the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. A small probe, linked to an appropriate electrical source, is rubbed over the hemorrhoid for five to ten minutes. The hemorrhoid should then disappear for good. Although the treatment of one hemorrhoid only lasts five to ten minutes, many patients suffer from multiple hemorrhoids. Thus, the session may last longer. Depending on the closeness of the hemorrhoids, the patient may be required to return for another section.

Or your physician might recommend sclerotherapy, in which a medicine is injected into the hemorrhoid that causes it to shrink and eventually to be absorbed into the body. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate and polidocanol are the two most common active ingredients. They cause blood vessels to shrink. And since a hemorrhoid is really a swollen blood vessel, using sodium tetradecyl sulfate or polidocanol to treat hemorrhoids is only logical. Sclerotherapy may be performed in conjunction with ultrasound monitoring. Ultrasound is used to map out the abnormal veins of the rectum; the medication is then injected into the proper veins. As the medication acts on the hemorrhoids, ultrasound viewing allows for real-time monitoring.

If you’re looking for relief from your hemorrhoids, you’ll need to learn about the various treatments for this condition, which range from natural remedies to hemorrhoid surgery. At Get Rid of Hemorrhoids you can find information that will help you better understand the problem of hemorrhoids so you can deal with them more effectively.