If you are looking for a home treatment for hemorrhoids you are not alone. Hemorrhoids affect as many as fifty percent of people some time during their lives. Hemorrhoids are far from a life threatening condition; however they can cause anything from mild discomfort up to severe pain.

Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure on the blood vessels leading up to the anus. A swelling of the veins occurs and causes varicose veins somewhere around the anal cavity. Hemorrhoids can present themselves internally or externally. There are also varying levels of symptoms associated with them. Hemorrhoids can cause itching, burning, swelling, and even bleeding. It should be noted that whenever you have rectal bleeding you should contact a physician to be sure that the rectal bleeding is not being caused by a different condition. Hemorrhoids are not serious, but rectal bleeding has been known to be associated with serious conditions. When bleeding is associated with hemorrhoids it will be bright red in color and the bleeding usually stops soon after having a bowel movement.

Once you know that you are a hemorrhoid sufferer there are certain home treatments that you can use to help ease the pain. One of them would be to simply increase the amount of fiber in your diet. You could make your stool easier to pass and thus ease your hemorrhoid pain by taking a stool softener. However, if you eat foods high in fiber such as bran or fruits you would be helping your body in an all natural way.

When it comes to soothing the pain, you can take a sitz bath in a few inches of warm water periodically throughout the day. You can also apply creams such as over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, or an all natural Aloe Vera gel. Also the natural astringent witch hazel can also help with the pain relief.

These suggestions should help with most mild cases of hemorrhoids. If you find that you are suffering from a moderate or severe case, remember that there are other natural treatments to consider before resorting to surgery.

Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. Jennifer Feeny

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (a blockage) forms in a deep vein. Although these clots usually occur in the veins of the leg, they can also develop in other parts of the body. A DVT is considered a medical emergency and if you suspect that you or a loved one might have a DVT, please seek medical attention immediately. News correspondent David Bloom died in 2003 from a DVT at age 39. It is wise to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and risk factors because knowing this information may save your life.

Risk factors

A person who is inactive for an extended period of time is at increased risk of DVT. This can happen during a long airline flight, while wearing a cast, following surgery and even when in the hospital for another condition. Other risk factors include:

* Varicose veins

* Blood clotting disorders

* Family history of DVT or clotting disorders

* Heart disease

* Obesity

* Chronic leg swelling

* Dehydration

* Birth Control Pills containing estrogen

* Hormone replacement therapy

* Pregnancy/recent childbirth

* Smoking

* Age (over 40 years old)

* Trauma

* Recent surgery

The more risk factors a person has, the greater the risk of developing a DVT. But, anyone can develop a DVT, even people without any of these risk factors.

Symptoms

The most common warning signs are calf tenderness, swelling, warmth and/or redness of the leg. However, some people with a DVT have no symptoms or just a very mild discomfort in the leg.

A serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism, which may cause death. This happens when a clot breaks loose from the leg and travels to the lung. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Tightness in chest

* Coughing up blood

Another complication of a DVT is damage to the vein from the blood clot which can result in chronic swelling, pain and discoloration of that leg.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be challenging for a physician, especially when symptoms are vague. Leg swelling can be cause by congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency. Calf tenderness could be caused by tendonitis. If a DVT is suspected, a doctor will order tests that can detect a blood clot in the leg. The most accurate for diagnosis is the venogram. A venogram involves injecting dye into the vein and taking pictures to determine if there is a blockage. A less invasive option is a Duplex Ultrasound. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, Duplex Ultrasound has replaced venography as the most widely used test in evaluation of DVT. Duplex Ultrasonography is safe in pregnancy and for those allergic to contract dyes used in venograms.

Treatment

There are a few options that your doctor may recommend in the treatment of DVT. Anticoagulants, like heparin or coumadin, may be prescribed to thin the blood to prevent accrual or formation of new clots. If you are unable to take anticoagulants, a filter may be placed in a large vein called the inferior vena cava to capture the clots. Compression stockings may be used to control swelling in the legs.

Prevention

If you have risk factors for a DVT, consider these tips for reducing the likelihood of developing a blood clot:

* Exercise you legs every 2 to 3 hours when on a long trip. Walk the aisles of a plane or train, and take regular breaks during a car trip.

* Drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and caffeine.

* Wear Compression stockings.

* Take blood thinning medications, if prescribed by your doctor.

* If you are hospitalized, or having surgery, discuss preventative medication with your physician.

Each year, at least 100,000 deaths are attributed to deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. About 1 in every 1000 adults develop a DVT in a given year. Deep vein throbosis is a common, serious medical condition that all adults should be aware of. Early symptom recognition and diagnosis improves outcomes and saves lives.