What are hemorrhoids?

Every person has hemorrhoids by nature. Together with the inner and outer sphincter of the anus, they seal the intestine from the outside. This is a spongy vascular cushion that is supplied with blood. It helps to ensure that the anus remains closed even during stress such as sneezing or laughing.

What we colloquially mean when we talk about a person having hemorrhoids is actually medically referred to as hemorrhoidal disease. In this case, the vascular cushion enlarges, causing unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching and burning at the anus. 

Causes

The causes of hemorrhoidal disease in humans are not fully understood, but may be facilitated by various factors:

• Repeated strong pressing when going to the toilet and chronic constipation
• Congenital weakness of the connective tissue leading to slackening of the holding muscles
• Lack of exercise and predominantly sedentary work
• Low fluid intake
• Frequent diarrhea can lead to the fact that the sensitive closing system of the anus is no longer sufficiently trained
• Lifting heavy loads, as this increases the pressure in the abdomen 
• Overweight
• Pregnancy 

Tips for bowel complaints

In case of prolonged or severe discomfort due to hemorrhoids, medical treatment is advisable, which is why the family doctor should be consulted, who may refer to specialized specialists such as proctologists, surgeons or gastroenterologists to restore the health of the intestine.

In mild cases, however, everyone can initially help themselves to alleviate the signs of discomfort:

Sitz baths

These can be done with clear water or also with bath additives such as chamomile, witch hazel, oak bark and arnica. They have an anti-inflammatory and thus beneficial effect and can increase the well-being.

Painful stimuli from toilet paper

Hard, dry toilet paper acts on the sensitive skin at the anus like sandpaper. Therefore, you should generally dab this area of skin carefully and not rub it. Wet wipes usually contain fragrances and preservatives that can cause additional irritation and, in the worst case, allergies. For this reason, doctors also recommend cleaning with a douche and clean water. The butt shower helps against the symptoms and can thus relieve the pain of hemorrhoids (see also Hygiene - water instead of paper).

Ointments and creams 

Problems such as itching can occur with hemorrhoids. Help for this discomfort can provide ointments and creams and are therefore another tip that can promote bowel health. They relieve the pain and sore skin. Active ingredients such as panthenol, zinc, witch hazel or aloe vera can provide relief. They inhibit inflammation and support the regeneration of the skin.

Prevent

In order to prevent hemorrhoids from developing in the first place, which can be very unpleasant and painful for the people affected, there are many measures you can take to promote your intestinal health:

• Clean the buttocks gently and hygienically with BIDETLITY. The sensitive skin around the exit of the intestine does not tolerate aggressive shower products or too much friction. Therefore, it's best to leave all that out. Clear water is best and promotes the health of the intestines.
• Eat fiber regularly to prevent constipation. Foods rich in fiber include whole grain breads, cereals, psyllium husks, sesame seeds, oatmeal, legumes, vegetables and fresh fruits. This promotes your health as well as a healthy lifestyle anyway.
• In addition to the fiber-rich foods, drink at least one and a half liters of fluid daily so that the ingested fiber swells well in the intestines.
• Regular exercise promotes intestinal health.
• When defecating, allow enough time and do not push hard.
• Listen to your body - only go to the bathroom when you really need to and prevent bowel problems.