Nature Calling? It’s Natural. What About Stool Softeners?
Bowel movements, and toilets are a natural part of our lives. We may take them for granted in our busy lives in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. But they are a constant. Perhaps, this is why we do not usually think about them. They are a constant. But what about hemorrhoids? Are they a constant? Can stool softeners help us avoid developing hemorrhoids? Ask a proctologist, also known as a colon and rectal surgeon or coloproctologist.
It turns out that hemorrhoids are a constant. They are a normal part of the human anatomy. They are also the source of confusion, laughter, and, sometimes, symptoms. Let’s clear the air a bit.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins. They return blood to the heart and lungs. They surround the anal opening, quietly doing their work. They serve as anal cushions, facilitating the smooth and easy passage of a bowel movement.
However, when the veins become dilated, just like varicose veins in the legs, they can begin to cause problems.
But, why would they dilate? Why would they go from normally functioning activity to a symptomatic problem? Part of the answer may be in our genetics, in our family history and in the normal aging process. In other words, hemorrhoids may be unavoidable, and up to one half of adults may have hemorrhoids.
My Hemorrhoids. My Fault?
Do we have anything to do with causing symptomatic hemorrhoids? Are hemorrhoids avoidable? Perhaps the easiest answer is that yes, in our hectic daily lives in Los Angeles, we often neglect to adequately hydrate ourselves. In order to conserve water, the body will hold on to water. It will conserve water. One way that our body does this is by resorbing water from our bowel movements. However, this may dry out the bowel movement and harden it, leading to a difficult passage through the anal canal. Straining, straining and more straining. And, this is usually accompanied by prolonged sitting on the toilet. More straining. This pushing naturally dilates the anal hemorrhoidal veins. The lining over the veins stretches and becomes painful, causes itching and even bleeding. Our focus then turns away from our daily activities and towards our hemorrhoids.
So yes, there is a way to promote the health of your anal area. Drink plenty of liquids throughout each and every day. Eight glasses of water or juice should do the job. Hopefully, this will resolve your symptoms. You will spend less time on the toilet, less time reading the newspaper or an enjoyable book while sitting on the commode, and you may continue to enjoy your other daily activities.
Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates.
An important part of your health maintenance is a check up with a Colon and Rectal specialist, also known as a proctologist. The surgeons at Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates will be able to speak with you, gently examine you and answer any questions that you may have about hemorrhoids or various other topics regarding your colon, rectum or anal canal. In the meantime, keep drinking your fluids. (310)273-2310
