Can Cannabis Help Treat The Symptoms Of Haemorrhoids?
Cannabis is used for many health conditions when it comes to managing pain and inflammation, making it a potential treatment for the symptoms of haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that occur in the anus and rectum. Haemorrhoids are both a common and embarrassing occurrence impacting a massive 75% of adults from time to time. The good news is that haemorrhoids are relatively easy to treat and are mostly free of complications. Factors such as lifestyle changes and home treatments can be administered to get rid of them. Another natural treatment for symptoms is cannabis, largely due to its well-known anti-inflammatory effects.
HAEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS
Haemorrhoids don’t always cause symptoms, and many people can have them without even knowing they are there. However, in other cases, they become very apparent and cause discomfort in the form of itching and pain around the anus. Seeing blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after going to the bathroom are also possible indications of haemorrhoids. Symptoms can also manifest as swelling around the anus as well as painful and sensitive swellings near the anus.
TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS
Haemorrhoids can manifest in different ways, with different types resulting in slightly different symptoms. Internal haemorrhoids occur inside of the rectum and usually cannot be seen or felt. They rarely cause any discomfort, and for these reasons, usually go undetected. Straining when passing stool can sometimes cause internal haemorrhoids to bleed. Sometimes, intense strain can push a haemorrhoid through the anus, resulting in a protrusion or prolapse.
External haemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and emerge as bumps that can be physically felt. They often result in itching and bleeding.
Thrombosed haemorrhoids are caused by a blood clot forming within an external haemorrhoid. This can result in severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. The blood clots can dissolve on their own, but may leave behind irritated patches of skin.
WHAT CAUSES HAEMORRHOIDS?
Haemorrhoids have numerous causes, and people are more likely to experience them if other members of their family have had them before. One cause for haemorrhoids is a buildup of pressure within the lower rectum that affects blood flow. This can result from excess weight seen in obese or pregnant individuals.
Straining during bowel movement and intense exercise and weight lifting can also cause haemorrhoids to emerge. Sitting for long periods of time on a frequent basis can also increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids.
Other causes include chronic diarrhoea, constipation, and a low-fibre diet.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Haemorrhoids can be prevented by following certain lifestyle practices. The risk can be reduced by avoiding sitting for extended periods. If you have an office job, try to take a brief intermittent walk every now and then. You could also consider investing in a standing desk. Frequent exercise can also help by assisting an individual in losing excess weight, which might be contributing to their condition.
Eating food high in fibre will help with decreasing strain when going to the toilet. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will contribute to less painful passing of stool. Staying hydrated throughout the day will help too.
HOW CAN CANNABIS HELP WITH HAEMORRHOIDS?
In places where medical cannabis is legal, it is prescribed for many different health conditions, including those characterised by pain and inflammation. Cannabis has soothing properties in this domain. The herb won’t provide a magic bullet cure for haemorrhoids, but cannabinoids may help to bring down inflammation and may ease pain when they flare up. The plant can be an effective part of a broader strategy of dealing with haemorrhoid symptoms.
A 2015 paper published in the journal _Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry_ discusses the potential anti-inflammatory nature of CBD. The cannabinoid has been shown to influence the endocannabinoid system—a series of receptor sites found upon many different cell types throughout the body—in an indirect manner. The anti-inflammatory actions of the cannabinoid have been studied in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a potential positive impact.
Cannabis may also be effective at relieving the pain associated with haemorrhoids, as the herb has been used for cases of pain for thousands of years. A 2007 paper published in the journal _Chemistry and Biodiversity_ showed improvements in the sleep of patients with pain-induced insomnia resulting from conditions such as peripheral neuropathic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cannabinoids can be administered directly or close to the site of external haemorrhoids by using a topical cream. Suppositories can also be used to administer them inside of the anus.
