Established vs Alternative Treatment

The 3 established health management goals of hemorrhoid treatment include alleviating the symptoms, arresting the worsening of the condition and preventing the recurrence of the condition. The old adage that prevention is better than cure is well-known. Accordingly, we would include pre-emptive prevention of the onset of hemorrhoids.

In established medical circles, there are 4 stages of prognosis; immediate admittance to hospital where malignancy is suspected, possible admittance where there is acute intense (e.g. thrombosed external hemorrhoids and internal but thrombosed and prolapsed hemorrhoids), outpatient treatment (e.g. grade 1 or 2 hemorrhoids); intensive investigation (e.g. where it is suspected that the problem is more than just hemorrhoids).

Many people are comfortable going along this conventional path of hemorrhoid treatment. Nothing wrong with that, especially if it has helped them. As big pharmaceutical companies and hospitals generally do provide good medical solutions, we are not total skeptics of the traditional route. Having said that, many mainline remedies do have side effects, some of which are not made known to us on the basis that they are statistically acceptable.

Consequently, our approach has always been to examine alternative treatment together with conventional medicine. This is especially so if the alternative method is a natural way that has been tried and tested by fellow sufferers, including those who have already undergone conventional healthcare treatment. One such alternative to hemorrhoid treatment is the H Miracle.

Traditional and alternative treatments aside, there are a variety of DIY routines that you can practise to prevent hemorrhoid affliction. These same routines become even more critical if you are already suffering from it. They will reduce your discomfort and prevent deterioration of the condition.

Healthy Living as a Lifestyle

Develop this easy lifestyle habit – the balanced diet! Clichéd but nevertheless, an irrefutable truth.

Excessive straining due to constipation, something which most of us simply dismiss as part of life, is a major cause of piles. Correspondingly, a major lifestyle objective should then be to attain regular bowel movements consisting of soft but bulky stools. With a little discipline, this is attained simply by including in our daily diet just 30 gm of insoluble fiber found in fruits and leafy vegetables. Add to that 8 glasses of fluids. Fluids that work, unfortunately, do not include those with alcohol and caffeine content!

The balanced diet normally works fairly rapidly. But if your bowel demands are very urgent, you may also take plant-based fiber supplements. Methyl cellulose (sold under trade names like Citrucel or WillPowder) is very effective. It passes through the intestines undigested and absorbs large amounts of water to produce a bulkier but softer stool. The brands Metamucil and Fybogel (both containing psyllium) are suitable vegetable-based supplements which act similarly to smoothen bowel motion.

Regardless of whether you are already afflicted with hemorrhoids or is recovering from hemorrhoids after conventional medical procedures, the daily regime of a properly-balanced diet is an important step in your piles treatment and recovery.

Self-Treatment at Home

For the hemorrhoid sufferer, the next major routine that should become a personal habit is perianal hygiene. Perianal relates to the tissues around the anal region. After passing motion, these are essential steps to note:

• Do not use with perfumes or dyes

• Avoid rubbing the anal region

– use the shower or bidet to clean

– gently pat dry with a towel

• Blot dry the anus with

– damp toilet paper

– baby wipes

– pre-moistened mini-towels e.g. TUCKS Medicated Pads

– cleansing agents e.g. Balneol Hygienic Cleansing Lotion.

For itch and pain relief in hemorrhoid treatment, try one or all of the following:

• Apply ice (10-minute duration) several times a day

• Alternate with a warm compress (10-20 minute duration)

• Apply moist heat (using warm towels – tip: use a microwave) a few times a day

• Sit the anal area in warm water (15 minute duration) several times a day

• Take a sitz bath (i.e. warm salted water)

• Apply hemorrhoidal creams or petroleum jelly (e.g. Preparation H)

Other relief methods:

• Lie down in bed – relieves pressure on the inflamed hemorrhoids

• Minimise standing or sitting for prolonged periods

• Refrain lifting heavy objects

• Wear loose cotton undergarments to reduce moisture formation

• NEVER use the famed doughnut ring cushion – by restricting blood flow, it increases swelling!

• Exercise regularly – if nothing else, just brisk walking

• No matter how busy you are, empty your bowels as soon as the urge occurs.

Self-help is an integral part of hemorrhoid treatment. But it is IMPORTANT TO NOTE that whenever any of the medicinal products mentioned above are used for hemroid relief, you should always seek the advice of the pharmacist at the pharmacy where you make your purchase or your personal doctor. This is especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, urination difficulties caused by prostate gland enlargement or you are currently taking any prescription drugs.