Horror, it's Hemorrhoids -- Self-care Tips for Common Problem
By about age 50, more than half of adults have dealt with hemorrhoids. The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers home treatments that can relieve symptoms of this common and embarrassing problem.
Hemorrhoids are blood-engorged veins in the lower rectum (anal canal) that form tiny sacs (anal cushions) when too much pressure is exerted on the veins serving the pelvic and rectal areas. Increased pressure can result from straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for an extended time, chronic diarrhea or constipation, obesity, lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for long periods and pregnancy.
Symptoms can include painless bleeding during bowel movements, leakage of feces and mucus, severe pain, swelling or inflammation. Embarrassment aside, it's important to talk with a doctor about any rectal bleeding. While hemorrhoids generally don't cause serious problems, other, more serious concerns, such as polyps, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause bleeding, too. A colonoscopy may be needed to determine the cause of bleeding.
Mild pain, swelling and inflammation from hemorrhoids often can be managed with self-care measures. Options include:
Topical over-the-counter remedies: Nonprescription hemorrhoid creams, suppositories containing hydrocortisone or pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent may provide relief. They shouldn't be used longer than a week unless directed by a doctor.
Cleanliness in anal area: Taking a warm sitz bath several times a day can be helpful. A sitz bath, where only the hips and buttocks are immersed, can be done in a regular bathtub or using a plastic tub that fits over the toilet. The tubs are readily available from medical supply stores and pharmacies.
Swelling relief: Ice packs or cold compresses on the anus can relieve swelling.
Pain relievers: Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may provide relief.
Hydration and fiber: Softening and bulking up stool for easier passage is helpful. Strategies include drinking six to eight glasses of water or other nonalcoholic beverages daily, eating high-fiber foods, and taking fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel.
In addition, it's best to head for the bathroom when the urge occurs and to avoid straining or breath-holding when passing stools, as this strains the veins in the lower rectum.
When self-care measures don't work, a doctor can discuss several minimally invasive surgical procedures for consideration.
Interactive Video Games Have a Role in Good Health
Advanced interactive games are making inroads as health and wellness tools, according to the November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
Researchers are finding that interactive game systems are especially helpful for people with chronic health conditions. Playing the games increases physical activity and can even improve the ability to care for oneself.
The system that's attracting the most attention is Nintendo's Wii (pronounced WEE) and its activities package called Wii Fit. The Wii combines a virtual environment and wireless motion-sensitive remote controllers that allow participants of different abilities to play games such as golf or bowling. Wii games also simulate daily living skills such as driving or cooking.
Health professionals who work in rehabilitation or retirement living centers are using Wii to create a virtual environment tailored to an individual's abilities and mobility, even if that person requires the use of a cane, walker or wheelchair. For instance, gamers can bowl sitting down, or they can mimic the typical bowler's motion.
While these interactive systems are fun and games, researchers are taking them seriously. One pilot study shows that people with Parkinson's disease who played Nintendo's Wii a few times a week for a month experienced improvement in their symptoms. Rigidity, movement, fine motor skills and energy levels all improved and most saw depression levels decrease to zero.