Hemorroids: Causes and Cures
If you’ve ever experienced hemorroids, it goes without saying that you hate them. Itchy, painful, and embarrassing, they occur when blood vessels in and around the rectum or anus become irritated and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can appear internally as well as externally, and it is hard to say which is worse. Externally, they may at least have the advantage of being more easily treated. Or scratched, but that is hardly an area that you can reach for when in polite company.
At least hemorroids rarely pose any serious danger to one’s health. They are usually temporary and disappear within a few days, although chances are good that they will eventually return if the root causes are not dealt with.
Hemorroids are most commonly caused by excessive straining during bowel movements. This is most common when a person is constipated or experiences diarrhea. Diet plays a big role in this. High blood pressure and obesity can also cause or aggravate the condition, as both of these states involve increased pressure being put on veins in the area.
Fortunately, hemorroids are usually easily relieved. In extreme cases a minor surgical procedure may be in order, but most remedies are simple. A change in diet to include more fiber and fluids is always advantageous and some folks swear by natural herbal supplements that help. There are numerous topical medications specifically formulated for hemorroid relief that work quite well. As simple washing with a bidet or shower head can often help too, because excess moisture from sweat or, shall we say, a slight neglect of certain hygienic practices can quickly make hemorroids flare up. One interesting study, inspired by a definite scarcity of hemorroids in less developed areas of the world, has found evidence that the use of squat toilets instead of the western standard sitting toilet can prevent hemorroids in some cases.


