Hemorrhoids are a prevalent ailment which causes swollen veins in the anus. The swollen veins cause lumps of skin around the exterior of the anus (external hemorrhoids) or within the lower part of the rectum (internal hemorrhoids).
The majority of hemorrhoids are likely to result from pressure that is increased on the veins that surround the anus or the weakening of tissues surrounding the veins. The pressure increase could result from chronic constipation or the pregnancy process, diarrhea, or eating habits, among others.
Internal and external hemorrhoids can trigger symptoms like itching, pain, and bleeding. However, it is possible to manage most hemorrhoids at home with treatment, and they typically heal on their own.
If self-care isn't practical in reducing hemorrhoids, consult your physician or gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive systems) who may recommend non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. While it's not common, some severe cases might require a surgical procedure known as a hemorrhoidectomy to eliminate hemorrhoids.
Apply Topical Treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) creams with medicinal properties can reduce itching pain, and swelling due to hemorrhoids. These creams typically include lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and witch hazel. A lot of OTC medications are also sold as suppositories. These are a form of medication that you can insert directly into your rectum to alleviate symptoms.
Take Sitz Baths
A Sitz bath is a bath with a warm temperature that you soak in a specially designed sitz bathtub, which holds just the size of a couple of inches. The sitz bath for approximately 10 minutes after having a stool movement can ease tension and spasms within the anal sphincter (the muscles surrounding the anus's opening). It's possible to have a sitz-bath at least three times each day. If you don't have a tub for sitz, you can fill your bathtub with a couple of inches of water, which can also be efficient.
Try Pain Medication
The use of an OTC pain medication is a different option to control hemorrhoid-related signs at home. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Bayer (aspirin), Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen) can reduce swelling and pain. Tylenol (acetaminophen) can ease pain and could be a better choice for people who are not able to use NSAIDs due to specific medical conditions or allergies. To determine which pain medicine suits you, consult your physician regarding your options.
Use a Stool Softener
If you have to strain to get a bowel movement, then taking an OTC stool softener could help. Stool softeners are a kind of laxative medicine that pulls fat and water from the body into your digestive tract to help you pass stool through with ease.
Stool softeners can be purchased as a pill or liquid, or you can take them orally. Once you've taken the medicine, you'll typically experience a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. However, these drugs do not come without harmful side effects. It's possible to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea when you use stool softeners.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber can soften stool so that it moves through your colon faster. Experts suggest getting at least fourteen grams of fiber for every 1000 calories consumed. This is about 20-30g of fiber daily for most people.
To increase the amount of fiber-rich food you consume, you should consider including more fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains into your diet. Avoiding foods with low fiber content, such as dairy products and processed foods, may lower the risk of hemorrhoids.
If you're struggling to get enough fiber in your diet, ask your health doctor if supplements with fiber is appropriate for you. Most fiber supplements include either methylcellulose or psyllium as sources of fiber. Research has shown that supplementing with fiber is particularly effective in reducing bleeding from rectal hemorrhoids.
Drink More Fluids
Drinking more water may aid stool passage throughout your digestive system. You should aim for 8-10 glasses of water each day. You can also diversify your intake of liquids by drinking freshly squeezed fruit juices or clear soups. But, you should limit diuretics (dehydrating drinks that boost the production of urine) like coffee and alcohol.
Exercise Regularly
Participating in moderate aerobic exercises every 20-60 minutes, three times per week will improve the health of your digestive system and decrease constipation. Exercise can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and rectum, preventing and managing hemorrhoids.
But, it is essential to avoid engaging in activities that put pressure on your anal region, such as horseback riding or cycling. Your physician can help determine what exercises are safe for your body.
How To Prevent Hemorrhoids
In the long run, preventing future hemorrhoids can be similar to treating the current hemorrhoids. Consider incorporating the techniques in your daily routine each day, not just when you experience symptoms of hemorrhoids. The habitualization of these steps can help you avoid the conditions that usually cause hemorrhoids.
- Do not strain to get an empty bowel
- Be careful not to be on the toilet for too long
- Get plenty of fiber-rich, nutritious foods
- Consult your physician to determine if the right fiber supplement is best for you.
- Reduce the frequency with which you drink alcohol or eat fat-rich foods
- Drink more fluids that hydrate you
- Try one of these OTC stool softeners in case have trouble getting rid of your poo.
- Limit the frequency at which you are lifting heavy objects.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Hemorrhoids are quite common and are usually not cause for concern. However, some circumstances warrant medical attention. For example, hemorrhoids in the internal area may become strangulated or even cut out from the flow of blood. This requires medical treatment and usually a hemorrhoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure for removing hemorrhoids.
Although external hemorrhoids usually disappear within a few days, they may become a blood clot. This is referred to as thrombosis hemorrhoids. They can be extremely painful. If you experience persistent and severe pain for longer than a few days, consult your doctor. They might suggest removing (cutting off) a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
A medical professional can determine if hemorrhoid symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever could be a sign of something much more severe. For instance, pain and blood leaking from the rectum might be a sign of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or even cancer. It's important to consult your doctor in the event that symptoms don't go off within a few days of at-home treatment or if you notice blood following bowel movements.
A Quick Review
A lot of people suffer from hemorrhoids in the course of their lives. The most common symptoms are discomfort and itching in or near the area of the. There are many options for at-home remedies, such as using stool softeners, applying creams to the area, or using a sitz bath to alleviate symptoms. Call your doctor to inquire about treatment options if you don't see improvement after a week of at-home medical treatment.