Myth #: Everyone Is Equally At Risk Of Getting Hemorrhoids
Actually certain groups are more at risk because the cause of hemorrhoids has to do with increased abdominal pressure. Chronic constipation, obesity and pregnancy are the often the causes, says Dr. Scott.
Men or women can get hemorrhoids, and they can affect people at any age. Though less common, hemorrhoids in kids or teenagers are not unheard of. With all that in mind, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that youre at increased risk of getting them if you:
The Safest Way To Treat An Injury And Avoid Skin Damage
Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.
When you have an injury, experts often recommend using ice to help with pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, too much cold therapy can also cause an ice burn. Its possible to get frostbite from an ice pack if you leave it on your injury for too long or put it directly on your skin.
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Is Heat Or Ice Better For External Hemorrhoids
Many gel packs have the option to be frozen or microwaved in order to be used for cold or hot therapy. In the case of a hemorrhoid, youll most likely want to first opt for cold therapy, though heat can be useful in many situations. Ill explain the benefits of both and when to use heat or ice for hemorrhoids.
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Is Using Hemorrhoid Ice Packs Good For Hemorrhoids
In a short answer, yes. Using hemorrhoid ice packs can make your life significantly better if youve been suffering from hemorrhoids for some time.
If you have a manageable condition of hemorrhoids, you can certainly get ice packs and get them working pretty much instantly. We would all be able to agree on the way that the main people that are suffering from hemorrhoids know the uneasiness they go through when theyre experiencing hemorrhoids.
It gets disappointing each day you awaken and holds on for the aggravation and that is not all. Using hemorrhoid ice packs is outrageously useful for your hemorrhoids and it assists you with getting rid of your hemorrhoid symptoms.
Ice Or Heat For Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Using ice packs is the most efficient method to deal with thrombosed hemorrhoids compared to using heat-related methods. Manually, you can use an ice pack, or put squashed ice in a plastic sack. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your butt.
Ice forestalls tissue harm and diminishes expansion and torment. But the most efficient way you can take care of your thrombosed hemorrhoids is by getting hemorrhoid ice packs that are available in the market right now.
They can last pretty long and can help you get rid of your hemorrhoid symptoms pretty effectively and thats what matters the most.
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Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids While Pregnant
If you have symptoms of hemorrhoids while pregnant, consider one of the following eight home remedies:
Managing The Pain From Hemorrhoids
As many of you know, hemorrhoids can be very painful. In most cases, common over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Ibuprofen also has a benefit of being an anti-inflammatory drug, which can help reduce swelling. As always, one should use caution with both of these drugs, as taking too much can have damaging effects on your health. If your pain is too severe to be managed by recommended doses of these pain killers, talk to your doctor.
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When Should I See My Doctor
Hemorrhoids are typically easy to treat and clear up on their own. In very rare cases, a hemorrhoid can cause complications.
Chronic blood loss from a hemorrhoid can cause anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have their blood supply cut off, resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids that can cause extreme pain.
See a doctor if home treatments havent been effective after more than 2 weeks. Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. They can write prescriptions for medicated creams, ointments, and suppositories.
If these treatments dont work, a doctor may recommend treatments like rubber band ligation or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Make an appointment to see a doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding for the first time or if your rectal bleeding increases.
Ice And Its Cold Temperature For The Treatment Of Hemorrhoids
An effective method widely recommended for management of the condition is by knowing how ice help treat hemorrhoids. A recognized natural remedy to control the symptoms, applying ice to hemorrhoids generally provides relief from pain, and reduces swelling in the surrounding soft tissues affected.
The principle of how ice help treat the hemorrhoidal disease is that the cold temperature acts as a vasoconstrictor, which causes blood vessels to narrow, therefore restricting more blood flow to the affected area that is already swollen from the excessive pooling of blood. Constricting the vessels allow the accumulated blood in the edematous area to flow out into the regular circulation, resulting to a decrease in the swelling.
Apart from impeding blood flow, cold temperatures also tend to decrease the speed of nerve impulses within the affected area, and inhibit the sensation of pain. Ice therapy or cold compression can be applied by using a washcloth soaked in cold water, or by using prepared ice or cold packs readily available in pharmacies or medical outlets. It is also essential to remember that ice treatments should never placed in the affected area for a long period. It is recommended to apply cold treatment for about 10 to 15 minutes one to three times daily as needed to provide relief. Together with other natural treatments intended for hemorrhoidal management, being aware of how ice help treat the illness produces great benefits in improving the medical condition.
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How Often Should You Ice Hemorrhoids
There isnt exactly a limit on how often you should use the hemorrhoid ice packs since they dont come with any significant side effects and its both super easy and safe to use as long as you need it.
But obviously, there are times when you shouldnt use it all the time since its not exactly something a doctor would prescribe as a direct treatment for your hemorrhoids. Its only there mostly to take care of your hemorrhoids symptoms for you.
Natural Hemorrhoid Treatments: Sitz Bath
When hemorrhoid outbreaks occur, a sitz bath will help relieve pain and stress in the area. A sitz bath relieves itching, irritation, and redness in the area. Fill your bathtub with about two inches of water and sit in the warm water with a bit of Epsom salt added for about 20 minutes. This will relieve pain and help speed the healing process. Pat the sore area dry after soaking to prevent further injury to the area.
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What Others Are Saying About Hemorrwedge
âIâve suffered from haemorrhoids a few times and they usually go away after a week or so using creams and suppositories. Just recently though I had the mother of all haemorrhoids, it just didnât want to disappear. It was so bad I started looking at surgery but the stories I read online of the pain after surgery put me off that straight away.I tried using ice cubes in a bag. It wasnât a pleasant experience but it was effective. The ice cubes were lumpy and hard and leak everywhere.Eventually I found the hemorrwedge and it was such a relief, quite literally. Itâs so simple to use, comfortable and can use it over and over again. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who suffers from haemorrhoids.
When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary
Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.
Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.
Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:
- You have large external hemorrhoids
- You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
- An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
- You have excessive bleeding
In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.
A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.
Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.
More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.
According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.
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Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment
Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.
Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.
Image: LuisPortugal/Getty Images
Natural Hemorrhoid Treatments: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera applied topically to the skin is soothing and helps speed healing. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area. Aloe has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pressure and speed healing. Apply a bit of aloe vera gel to the sore area and massage gently. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you will irritate the area.
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What Food Shrinks Hemorrhoids Fast
- Wheat bran and shredded wheat. Just 1/31/4 of a cup of high fiber, ready-to-eat bran cereal between 9.1-14.3 g of fiber. …
- Prunes. Prunes are dried plum. …
- prepared foods, such as some frozen and snack foods.
- processed foods, such as hot dogs and some microwavable dinners.
Why Do Some Doctors Recommend Hot Compress And Cold For Hemorrhoids
Surprisingly, both hot and cold are of great benefit in treating hemorrhoid symptoms. A recent analysis compared the impact of warm vs. cold compress to alleviate hemorrhoid pain. The study observed that soaking hemorrhoids in warm water everyday for 2 weeks provided more relief than cold compress.
After putting ice packs, you can add warm compress as well. By switching back and forth, you get quick relief from the pain due to piles.
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Hemorrhoids Warm Or Cold Compress
Both can work to relieve hemorrhoids since taking warm baths can help you relieve your hemorrhoids. Absorbing a hot shower or a sitz bath with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes, a few times each day might decrease hemorrhoid expansion.
Ice packs or cold packs likewise can ease enlarging and the pain that comes with hemorrhoids. Putting an ice pack on outer hemorrhoids can assist with alleviating pain immediately.
It will likewise assist with lessening the blood coagulation. Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes all at once. Keep a fabric between the ice and your skin to forestall skin harm.
Preventive Measures To Be Taken
To prevent hemorrhoids, it is important to practice good hygiene and healthy bowel habits. The following tips may help you with maintaining the same and mitigating the discomfort and pain associated with piles:
- Limit your time on the toilet seat.
- Do not exert too much pressure to force a bowel movement.
- When you feel the urge to defecate, go as soon as possible.
- Improve your dietary fiber and fluid intake to avoid constipation.
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Should I Use Ice Or Heat For Hemorrhoids
As we discussed before, ice packs can reduce the swelling of sensitive and tender external hemorrhoids. Ice packs can also help subside pain and discomfort by essentially numbing the perineal area, the region in which hemorrhoids affect.
Alternatively, there is the question of the opposite end of the temperature spectrum. Many sufferers wonder that if ice packs are helpful, then what about heat?
Numerous research and studies covering hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid symptom management do not list high heat as a method of treatment, but this doesnt mean that heat cant be useful.
Along with ice packs, warm baths are recommended to treat external hemorrhoid swelling and pain. Warm baths relax the muscles and promote the circulation of blood to heal the affected area. Sitz baths can be tremendously useful in hemorrhoid symptom management.
However, the key to using heat is only to use lukewarm and never hot. Your hemorrhoids are already sensitive and painful, and hot heat can intensify these symptoms, along with the burning sensation often associated with external hemorrhoids.
Your treatment methods should include a warm sitz bath that submerges the perianal area, followed by an application of an ice pack. Both ice and heat can be used throughout the day as needed.
What It Comes With
RIGHT OUT OF THE PACKAGE, YOU’LL BE AMAZED. The Hemorrwedge comes two to a pack, in an attractive hygienic plastic case with a lid, so you can feel confident keeping it in your freezer.
Theyâre incredibly easy to keep clean – just a quick wash with warm, soapy water after every use and theyâre ready to go back in the case and into the freezer.
You’ll immediately see why they are so effective. The unique shape combined with the soft, flexible gel that firms up when frozen creates a far more pleasant user experience over plain ice cubes.
To learn more about the Hemorrwedge or to find out how you can grab a set of your own today, go here:
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For Seriously Bad Hemorrhoids Talk To Your Doctor About Surgical Options
If youve tried home remedies and in-office procedures but your hemorrhoids are still making you miserable, it might be time to ask your doctor about surgery. Recovery from the surgical removal of hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, notes Dr. Bernstein, but its one of the most effective ways to get rid of hemorrhoids for good.
Another surgical option is having your hemorrhoids stapled into place. This is a less painful procedure compared to a hemorrhoidectomy, but it does come with a greater risk of relapse and is not recommended if you have , as staples can cause injury, notes Dr. Ky.
When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be a massive pain, but thankfully, symptoms typically go away within a week. If you still have symptoms of hemorrhoids after a week of self-care measures or youre experiencing severe pain or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately, says Dr. Thomas.
Its important to note that sometimes what might seem like symptoms of hemorrhoids could indicate something more serious. Less commonly, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of diseases such as colorectal cancer or . Make sure to get checked out if you notice large amounts of bleeding or other changes in your bowel habits like a different stool color or consistency.
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