What are hemorrhoids?

Everyone naturally has hemorrhoids. Together with the internal and external anal sphincter, they seal the intestine from the outside. This is a spongy, blood-filled vascular cushion. It helps to ensure that the anus remains closed even when there is stress, such as sneezing or laughing.

What we colloquially mean when we say that a person has hemorrhoids is actually medically known as hemorrhoidal disease. The vascular cushion enlarges and causes unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching and burning in the anus.

causes

The causes of hemorrhoids in humans have not yet been fully researched, but can be caused by various factors:

• Repeated strong straining when going to the toilet and chronic constipation
• Congenital weakness of the connective tissue, which leads to relaxation of the supporting muscles
• Lack of exercise and predominantly sedentary activities
• Low fluid intake
• Frequent diarrhea can lead to the sensitive closing system of the anus no longer being sufficiently trained
• Lifting heavy loads, as this increases the pressure in the abdomen
• overweight
• pregnancy

Tips for intestinal problems

If the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids persist or become more severe, medical treatment is advisable. You should therefore consult your family doctor, who may refer you to a specialist such as a proctologist, surgeon or gastroenterologist to restore intestinal health.

In mild cases, however, everyone can initially help to alleviate the symptoms:

Sitz baths

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

Painful stimuli from toilet paper

Hard, dry toilet paper acts like sandpaper on the sensitive skin around the anus. That's why 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, trigger allergies. That's why doctors also recommend cleaning with a pod shower and clear 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

Hemorrhoids can cause problems such as itching. Ointments and creams can help with these problems and are therefore another tip that can promote intestinal health. They relieve pain and sore skin. Active ingredients such as panthenol, zinc, witch hazel or aloe vera can help. They inhibit inflammation and support the regeneration of the skin.

Prevent

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

• Clean your bottom gently and hygienically with BIDETLITY. The sensitive skin around the entrance to the intestines does not tolerate aggressive shower products or too much friction. It is therefore best to avoid all of these. Clear water is best and promotes intestinal health.
• Eat fiber regularly to prevent constipation. Fiber-rich foods include whole grain bread, cereals, psyllium husks, sesame seeds, oatmeal, pulses, vegetables and fresh fruit. This promotes your health and a healthy lifestyle anyway.
• In addition to the fiber-rich foods, drink at least one and a half liters of liquid every day so that the fiber you absorb can swell well in the intestines.
• Regular exercise promotes intestinal health.
• Allow enough time for a bowel movement and do not strain too hard.
• Listen to your body - only go to the toilet when you really have to and thus prevent intestinal problems.