Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids
Eat high-fiber foods fruits, vegetables and whole grains which softens the stool, increases its bulk and prevents the sort of straining that can cause hemorrhoids. Try to consume at least 25 to 35 g of high-fiber foods a day.
If you’re not able to keep up with the dietary intake, Dr. Dacha recommends over-the-counter fiber supplements like psyllium or methylcellulose . He also says patients can also take stool softeners like docusate sodium, which keep the stool soft and increase the number of bowel movements.
Exercise is also a good idea. In conjunction with a good diet, staying active can help prevent constipation by reducing pressure on veins, which sometimes occur from standing or sitting for long periods. Taking off excess weight that can contribute to hemorrhoids often helps.
What Are Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
For the vast majority of patients, simple preventive steps can alleviate the bleeding and discomfort of hemorrhoids within a few days, said Paul Broderick, DO, a board-certified proctologist at Franciscan Physician Network Central Indiana Proctology.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids may include:
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What Can I Do To Prevent Hemorrhoids
Its not always possible to stop hemorrhoids from happening. But you may reduce your risk of getting hemorrhoids if you:
- Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fiber and liquids
- Limit the amount of time you sit on the toilet
- Work with your healthcare provider to manage constipation and prevent straining
- Stay at a healthy weight
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Use Simple Toilet Paper
Scented and coloured toilet paper contain extra chemicals that could irritate sensitive areas. Dampen plain, white, unscented toilet paper or use a moist towelette when you need to wipe. Follow up by applying an unscented moisturizer with a facial tissue.
Here are seven tips for healthy bowel movements.
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How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last
How long your hemorrhoids last will depend on their severity. Most mild hemorrhoids resolve on their own within a few days. Sometimes, they may take up to a week. Larger hemorrhoids might last longer, and since theyre more prone to complications, sometimes theyll not resolve on their own and youll need to visit a doctor.
If youre wondering what makes a hemorrhoid mild or severe, heres how the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons classifies hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can be considered mild and can disappear within a week. If they last longer or if your symptoms begin to increase in severity you must see a doctor.
Can Internal Hemorrhoids Last For Months
Bleeding during bowel movements may be a symptom of internal hemorrhoids. However, bleeding is not always a sign of internal hemorrhoids. Sometimes, it is an indication of rectal or colon cancer. Regardless, bleeding during bowel movements is uncomfortable. In addition to painful bleeding, internal hemorrhoids may also cause discomfort. In such cases, its advisable to consult with your doctor.
Most people have suffered from hemorrhoids at some point in their life. While a few hemorrhoids may disappear on their own, larger hemorrhoids often require medical intervention to heal completely. If the pain is severe or persists for more than a week, you should visit a physician. There are various home remedies for hemorrhoids. These include using soothing wipes instead of toilet paper. For pain relief, you may also try a seated bath or get specialized cushions for your toilet seat.
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How To Cure Internal Hemorrhoids
To cure and avoidance of internal hemorrhoids, it is advised to increase the amount of water that a person drinks daily, because it helps to make the consistency of the stool smoother and easier effect on the abscess, and it is also advised to exercise regularly and avoid sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles, and it is also recommended to eat foods that It contains a high proportion of dietary fibers such as flour, pears, and carrots.
Try A Drugstore Product
Look for hemorrhoid creams and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, a medicine that helps reduce swelling, itching, and burning. Wipes and pads containing witch hazel might help reduce discomfort, especially following bowel movement. Using moist wipes can also avoid irritation caused by regular toilet paper.
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Sitz Bath Benefits For Women
Doctors sometimes recommend sitz baths after childbirth to reduce perineal pain and help the area heal. Youll likely be sore and swollen after delivery, whether you had a vaginal delivery or cesarean section. A sitz bath can help relieve discomfort in your perineum and vulva, while also keeping the area clean.
How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids Fast
This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,939,062 times.
Hemorrhoids, while very painful, usually arent serious and tend to go away on their own. This wikiHow will give you some tips for quickly getting rid of them in a safe, easy way.
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Are There Natural Treatments For Hemorrhoids
First, some very good news: Neither type of hemorrhoid is dangerous, and severe complications that require medical care are rare. Symptoms often can be relieved by trying a few natural and self-care treatments.
- Draw a sitz bath. To relieve itching and irritation, fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, but dont rub the area.
- Take fiber supplements. These draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, helping to reduce hemorrhoid bleeding and inflammation. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, like Metamucil or a generic version, is a good choice. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement with wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
- Ease discomfort. Apply over-the-counter products that shrink the inflamed tissue and relieve itching. Try pads infused with witch hazel , or soothing creams that contain lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or phenylephrine .
You can also take steps to prevent flare-ups.
About the Author
Hemorrhoid Medication: When Why And Which Ones To Use
A number of OTC creams, ointments, and pads that contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel are available to help relieve pain, swelling, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for a week. If symptoms persist beyond a week, follow up with your doctor.
Creams and suppositories containing hydrocortisone can cause the skin to weaken and thin, so they should not be used for more than a week. If any of these creams cause a rash or dry skin around the area, contact your healthcare provider.
A fiber supplement, such as psyllium , or a stool softener, such as methylcellulose , can help prevent constipation.
Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
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Who Removes Hemorrhoids Treatment
Treating enlarged hemorrhoids is important, because they tend to get worse over time. Hemorrhoids are treated with a variety of measures including diet, over-the-counter medicine like
- anti-inflammatory pain killers,
and various treatment options are available, like
Who Removes Hemorrhoids?
Most hemorrhoid complaints begin with a trip to a family doctor. Your doctor will then refer you to a specialist: either a gastroenterologist or a proctologist . Proctologists specialize in surgical treatments, while gastroenterologists are experts in digestive diseases.
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What Are Common Side Effects Of Hemorrhoid Medicine
Hemorrhoid medications are generally considered safe drugs, however, as with all medications, there is the potential for side effects. If you decide to use a treatment that contains steroids, it is not advised to continue its use for more than one week as it can lead to skin damage.
Here are some side effects to look out for when using hemorrhoid medications, including creams and gels:
- Skin irritation at the site of application
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe irritation inside or around the rectum
- Allergic reaction, including rash, hives, or swelling of the lips
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache, dizziness, and nausea
Although side effects with these medications are rare, and this is not a comprehensive list, please speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of a negative reaction.
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When To See A Doctor For Hemorrhoids
It aroused so much dread in the Middle Ages it was assigned a patron saint through whom prayers could be sent seeking divine intervention.
Hundreds of years later, hemorrhoids remains one of the most undesirable of conditions: It makes your backside hurt or itch. Sitting comfortably is no longer easy. Bleeding sometimes accompanies bowel movements.
Fortunately, there are now plenty of over-the-counter remedies to treat the condition. But when those home remedies don’t work, medical treatment becomes extremely important.
So when should you see a gastroenterologist? Dr. Sunil Dacha, a Houston Methodist gastroenterologist, is here to explain the appropriate time to schedule an appointment as well as how to prevent and treat hemorrhoids at home.
Those reasons can include chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements and prolonged sitting on the toilet. All interfere with blood flow, which causes it to pool and enlarge the vessels. Pregnancy, when the enlarging uterus presses on the veins, is another cause. Obesity can predispose people toward it. And the risk increases as you get older.
How To Relieve Your Haemmorrhoids During Your Pregnancy
There are a few things that will help manage the symptoms of haemorrhoids during pregnancy:
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Maintaining a high fruit and fibre diet will help keep constipation at bay, ensuring that the haemorrhoid isnt aggravated by increased straining.
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In the same way, drinking plenty of water will have a similar benefit.
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If you can, try to avoid sitting for too long and take gentle walks to keep the blood moving around your body. This produces benefits by reducing the pressure around your bottom.
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For instant relief there are a number of creams and ointments that you can try. These are available from your pharmacy and work by numbing the haemorrhoid, reducing the itchiness that you might experience. Read our useful guide about cream and ointments.
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Risk Factors And Aftercare
A sitz bath carries very little risk of harm because its a noninvasive treatment. The most common adverse event associated with sitz baths is an infection of the perineum, but this rarely occurs. This may happen if youre caring for a surgical wound and dont clean the tub or plastic bath thoroughly. Never share your sitz bath with anyone else. Each person should have their own.
Stop using sitz baths and contact your doctor if the pain or itching worsens, or if your perineum becomes red and puffy.
If sitz baths bring you relief, your doctor will probably recommend taking three or four per day until the source of the itching, irritation, or pain is healed. After a sitz bath, you may immediately return to normal activities unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Related Resources For Hemorrhoids
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Doctors can treat hemorrhoids by prescribing medications or by performing minor surgery to major surgery. Here are several treatment options:
These usually contain an emollient . In addition, there may be an anesthetic and/or steroid . Prescription strength medications often work better than their over-the-counter cousins. But sometimes not so much.
An oral tablet called Vasculera comes with some prescription treatment kits and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.
In this common treatment, the doctor applies miniature rubber bands to the internal hemorrhoids. This causes them to shrink up, stop bleeding and pull back inside. There are several different techniques for performing the procedure.
In one form, single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctors office. Multiple bands can also be placed right after a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure while you are still sedated. This would be done in an outpatient surgery center or hospital procedure room. Bands can also be placed without another procedure.
Depending on the doctor and your individual situation, it could be with or without sedation. While rubber band ligation works for most patients, it doesnt work all the time. Also, there are some potential complications bleeding, pain and infection. Recovery can range from a day or 2 to 6 weeks.
The advantages include:
Why Do Hemorrhoids Occur
Sometimes hemorrhoids develop for no reason, but often they are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. You can reduce your risk by following these three easy steps:
- Get enough fiber in your diet
- Stay well hydrated
- Exercise regularly .
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How To Alleviate The Presence And Pain Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are, unfortunately, very common among both women and men, and they tend to become more common with age. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says if youre over age 50, youve got about a 50% chance of developing these painful, enlarged veins.
With offices in White Plains, New York, and Manhattans Upper East Side, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, helps patients relieve the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids with treatment plans customized for their needs. If you have painful hemorrhoids, heres how he can help you find relief.
What Are Possible Complications Of Piles
A possible complication of piles that hang down is that they can âstrangulateâ. This means that the blood supply to the pile has been cut off. A blood clot can form within the pile. This causes really severe pain if it occurs. The pain usually reaches a peak after 48-72 hours and then gradually goes away over 7-10 days.
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Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.
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