Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are a medical condition in the lower rectum and the lower part of the anal canal. Discomfort, itching, pain, or seeing blood on the toilet paper after you've done your business are the general symptoms of hemorrhoids. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, hemorrhoid treatments can range from simple over-the-counter medicine to surgical operations. But don't worry, there is only a slim chance of getting the worst type of hemorrhoids. If you see symptoms of hemorrhoids, it's best to check with your doctor or a health expert first.
If your hemorrhoids are mild, you can opt to treat them at home. Most doctors recommend that it's better to treat your hemorrhoids at home than to take over-the-counter drugs. Because with this practice, you can develop a lifestyle change and eliminate dependency on medications for relief.
Many of the tips will help you avoid constipation and make it easier to do bowel movements and stop hemorrhoids before they form.
Warm Baths
Sitting in a tub of warm water with just enough water to cover your legs will help relieve swelling and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Soak for 15 minutes in a bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water. Do it twice or three times a day and after each bowel movement. Use unscented soap, and don't scrape if you wish to cleanse the area. Then gently pat the wet spot and dry.
If you prefer, you can add additional substances to your bath to alleviate symptoms even further. A cup of Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar are examples of these substances. Others prefer to apply apple cider vinegar straight to hemorrhoids, although this might irritate and sting the inflamed skin. Epsom salts and apple cider vinegar may both be purchased online.
Relief Rubs
Witch Hazel
Relief rubs for external hemorrhoids include witch hazel wipes that are available over-the-counter.
Natural witch hazel is an astringent, which means it causes tissue to contract. According to studies published in the Journal of Inflammation, it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Apart from alleviating symptoms, witch hazel can reduce bruising. You have to apply a tiny drop of the rub onto the hemorrhoid using a clean cotton ball. You should use a less direct way if it makes your symptoms worse. Also, don't dilute the witch hazel with alcohol because this can dry up and aggravate the affected area.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a natural moisturizer that can help you with hemorrhoid symptoms. Applying a considerate amount onto the hemorrhoid may reduce irritation and swelling and help reduce the urge to scratch.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects on the body, according to many studies. This plant also may help heal wounds and provide relief from the burning, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.
Many of these rubs have no side effects except for unsupervised hydrocortisone medication. Do not use rubs with hydrocortisone for more than a week unless supervised by your physician. It's better to use pure aloe vera rather than commercial aloe vera because the additives and preservatives can worsen symptoms.
Cold Compress
Applying ice or cold packs to your hemorrhoids may help relieve pain and inflammation. You can do this while sitting or when a hemorrhoid flares up to help numb pain and temporarily reduce swelling. Fifteen minutes of cold compress should be enough to avoid damage to the skin and repeat the process hourly.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
If you have hemorrhoids, you can help its healing by wearing loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear and pants. Wearing clean, loose, and comfortable clothes can prevent your hemorrhoids from getting irritated by excess sweat and help reduce symptoms.
Good Bathroom Habits
Practicing good bathroom habits can help control or avoid your hemorrhoids. Forcing a bowel movement doesn't help your situation. If you cannot pass after 2 minutes, don't force it; get up and try again later because straining and pushing can worsen your hemorrhoids.
It is also essential to do your business when the body needs a bowel movement. If you wait for a less social setting or wait to use the toilet at home, it can back up the stool and cause more stress and strain and only worsen the hemorrhoids.
Any advice you hear from many physicians includes taking a squat position while having a bowel movement. Because in this position, the rectum clears itself quickly and with less force.
Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber helps the food pass easier through your digestive system. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes are rich in fiber and must be in your daily diet.
If you cannot get fibrous foods, you can opt for over-the-counter fiber supplements that help soften your stool. But, it is still better to eat real food than get fiber from supplements because of its additional nutritional value.
Drink Water
Drinking enough water every day can keep your stools soft as it works their way through the intestines. Staying hydrated can make your bowel movements easier by exerting less energy to pass. Also, less effort on your bowel movements can help reduce irritation to your hemorrhoids.
Exercise Regularly
To keep your blood flowing also keeps your bowels moving. Also, maintaining a healthy weight will prevent obesity, which is one of the causes of piles because of the added pressure build-up in your lower rectum.
Cushion is Your Friend
Sitting while suffering from hemorrhoids can be a nuisance. But, sitting on a cushion instead of a hard surface can help ease swelling and prevent new hemorrhoids from forming.
Key Takeaway
Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, painful, and annoying, but it doesn't lead to further complications most of the time. Suppose your hemorrhoids have been going on for a week and won't go away even with hemorrhoid treatments at home. In that case, you might want to call your doctor to ensure you don't have a more severe condition. Ultimately, practicing a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing these situations and inconveniences.
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