Sitz bath; a wonder remedy in anorectal problems

Sitz bath; a wonder remedy in anorectal problems

Sitz Bath:

The name is derived from the German verb ‘sitzen’ meaning ‘to sit.’

Definition:

A sitz bath (also called a hip bath) is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution.

In Ayurveda it has been described as ‘Kati Snaana’

Equipment used for sitz baths:

A sitz bath, in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution, is used for patients who have had surgery in the rectal area or to ease discomfort from fissure, painful hemorrhoids, bladder, prostate, or vaginal infections etc.

Purpose:

A sitz bath is used for patients who either have had surgery in the area of the rectum, or to ease the pain of Anal fissure or an abscess in anal or perianal region or thrombosed/strangulated external hemorrhoids, uterine cramps, prostate infections, painful ovaries, and/or testicles. It is also used to ease discomfort from infections of the bladder, prostate, or vagina. Inflammatory bowel diseases are also treated with sitz baths.

Preparation

The bath should be filled with 3-4 in (8-10cm) of water. For most conditions, nothing else should be added (no bubble bath or oil).

Description

Warm sitz baths are one of the easiest and most effective ways to ease the pain of painful anorectal conditions like Fissure in ano, Thrombosed/strangulated haemorrhoids or an abscess in the anorectal region.

A brief, cool sitz bath helps ease inflammation, constipation, and vaginal discharge. It can be used to tone the muscles in cases of bladder or bowel incontinence.

How to take a sitz bath?

1. A sitz bath tub can be easily purchased at any general/plastic utensils’ store. Select the size that suits you. Sometimes you may also find them at hospital pharmacies or medical supply stores.
2. Prepare the items you will need so they are near at hand from where you will be using the sitz bath.
3. Place the sitz bath tub over the horizontal surface of bathroom, and fix it at its place.
4. Fill the sitz bath with warm water. Remember that the water temperature will feel cooler to your hands than it will to the rest of the body.
5. If your doctor has recommended it, add salt or alum powder to the water.
6. Sit in the sitz bath for 10-20 minutes, or as recommended by your doctor.
7. When finished, use a towel to gently pat the affected area dry.
8. Use your sitz bath as often as recommended by your doctor; generally several times a day as needed to ease discomfort.
9. Wash your sitz bath tub after each use and dry it thoroughly.

Precautions

Some patients may become dizzy when standing up after sitting in hot water; it is best to have someone else present when doing a sitz bath.

Aftercare

The area should be carefully patted dry and, if necessary, clean dressings should be applied.

Risks

Sitz baths pose almost no risk. On rare occasions, patients can feel dizzy or experience rapid heart beat because of blood vessel dilation.

Normal results

Swelling goes down; discomfort is eased; healing is promoted.

 

Thanks for patiently reading this article. I hope people will be more familiar to this simple but very effective remedy to relieve pain and discomfort in anorectal problems, after reading this article. If however, you still have any query/doubt, you can e-mail me at consult@ayurvedapilescure.com

Author: Dr. Naveen Chauhan

Consultant Ayurveda Physician and  Proctologist

SHRI DHANWANTARI CLINIC, GHAZIABAD