Maintain Correct Bathroom Habits
Keeping proper bathroom habits is crucial when it comes to treating hemorrhoids. Incorrect bathroom usage can worsen hemorrhoids and even potentially cause additional hemorrhoids to form. Do not strain or push during a bowel movement. If a bowel movement has not occurred after two minutes on the toilet, get up and try again later. You may want to try employing a squatting motion rather than a standard sit when using the bathroom by placing a stool under your feet. This can help to clear the rectum easier. It is also important not to hold off on using the bathroom when your body indicates a bowel movement is happening.
Cold Compresses Or Ice Packs
Sitting on a cold compress or ice pack when hemorrhoids feel irritated can help reduce the swelling and numb irritation. Wrap the cold or ice pack in a towel and place it in the area with the hemorrhoid underneath you. Keep it there for up the 15 minutes and repeat hourly to maintain the relief it provides.
Be Careful When It Comes To Laxatives
When youre constipated, some fiber supplements, particularly psyllium capsules, have a track record of helping get you more regular, which can prevent painful hemorrhoids. As far as laxatives go, they can help as long as you choose the correct ones. The safest laxatives are those that work with your body rather than those that stimulate or simulate normal physiological activities, Kussin says. Some laxatives work by stimulating intestinal contraction to move the contents along. This might increase hemorrhoid pressures and cause symptoms. To prevent hemorrhoids or to treat hemorrhoids that are active, Kussin suggests osmotic laxatives that simply increase the amount of water in the gut and reduce constipation.
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Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hampered by hemorrhoids? These simple strategies can help prevent hemorrhoid pain from getting in the way of your life.
They may not be fun to talk about, but hemorrhoids are actually a fairly common part of life.
Hemorrhoids are normal features of anatomy, says Steven Kussin, MD, a gastroenterologist in New York and author of Doctor, Your Patient Will See You Now: Gaining the Upper Hand in Your Medical Care. We all have them.
They become a problem when hemorrhoids start to become itchy, cause pain, or bleed. Fortunately there are a number of simple strategies to prevent hemorrhoids from interfering with your daily life.
What Are The Treatments For Hemorrhoids
If at-home treatments for hemorrhoids don’t help you, you may need a medical procedure. There are several different procedures that your provider can do in the office. These procedures use different techniques to cause scar tissue to form in the hemorrhoids. This cuts off the blood supply, which usually shrinks the hemorrhoids. In severe cases, you may need surgery.
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Why do I have hemorrhoids?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I can do that can relieve or prevent hemorrhoids?
- I saw blood on toilet paper. Is this serious?
- Are having hemorrhoids a sign of another health condition?
- Will I always have hemorrhoids?
- Is there medicine I can take for hemorrhoids? Are there side effects?
Why Do I Get Hemorrhoids
Have you heard that hemorrhoids are caused by sitting on a cold, wet surface? Or that you got them because you ate too much spicy food? Or that its a condition only older populations have to worry about? False, false and false again, Schmaing says.
The truth is that the exact method of hemorrhoid formation is unknown, she explains.
All that said, the experts do have some pretty good hunches about what may be triggering your latest flare-up. The most likely causes are increased pressure in your abdomen and pelvis, as well as a natural weakening of the body tissue surrounding your veins, which allows them to bulge.
Thats why hemorrhoids often occur in pregnant women, people who lift heavy objects like weightlifters and those who repeatedly push or strain to do their business, often due to constipation or diarrhea.
It also explains why many people think that piles are only a concern as you age. While its most common between the ages of 45 and 65, unfortunately, the reality is that you can get hemorrhoids at any age.
Even though what you eat or dont eat doesnt directly cause hemorrhoids, your diet can also play a huge role. For example, if you dont consume enough water or fiber, youre more likely to become constipated. With all that increased straining, well, you see how this all flushes out.
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Severe Hemorrhoids Vs Mild Hemorrhoids: Stages
Many physicians use a grading system to categorize hemorrhoids along four stages:
- First-degree hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that bleed, but do not prolapse. These are slightly enlarged hemorrhoids, but they do not protrude outside the anus.
- Second-degree hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that prolapse and retract on their own . These may come out of the anus during certain activities like passing stool, and then return back inside the body.
- Third-degree hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that prolapse and must be pushed back in by a finger.
- Fourth-degree hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that prolapse and cannot be pushed back in the anal canal. Fourth-degree hemorrhoids also include hemorrhoids that are thrombosed or that pull much of the lining of the rectum through the anus.
When Do I Need To See A Health Care Provider For Hemorrhoids
You should see your health care provider if you
- Still have symptoms after 1 week of at-home treatment
- Have bleeding from your rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but other conditions can also cause bleeding. They include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer. So it’s important to see your provider to find the cause of the bleeding.
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How To Treat Hemorrhoids Symptoms Safely & Quickly
People searching for a hemorrhoids treatment are left with very few options for relief. Most remedies for hemorrhoids contain harsh chemicals and additives and many home remedies simply don’t work.*
H-Hemorrhoids Formula is a safe, cost effective alternative. Our breakthrough, all natural topical application ensures that the established homeopathic ingredients in the formulas work quickly and effectively, providing instant relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids.*
Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented
You can help prevent hemorrhoids by
- Eating foods that are high in fiber
- Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement
- Drinking enough fluids every day
- Not straining during bowel movements
- Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Classification Of Internal Hemorrhoids:
- Grade 1 – A hemorrhoid is present but only visualized by a doctor with ansocopy or colonoscopy. The hemorrhoid does not extend out the anus.
- Grade 2 – The hemorrhoid extends out of the anus with a bowel movement or with straining. After your BM, the hemorrhoid goes back inside on its own.
- Grade 3 – The hemorrhoid extends out of the anus with a bowel movement or with straining. You have to manually push the hemorrhoid back inside the anus. If you have this, you should seek medical attention, but it is not urgent.
- Grade 4 – A hemorrhoid extends outside the anus and are not able to be manually pushed back inside. If you have this seek medical attention immediately. There are significant potential complications.
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Testimonials: Warnings About The Side Effects From Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Hemorrhoids
As with any home remedy, its a good idea to approach the use of ACV to treat your hemorrhoids with caution. Youre likely already experiencing considerable discomfort from the hemorrhoids themselves, and want to ensure the remedy you use relieves your symptoms, rather than making them worse.;
Learning about the experience others have had with ACV can help you determine if its the right option for you. Below are some descriptions of the outcomes others have encountered after using ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Only Provides Temporary Relief
Apple cider vinegar works to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms because the natural agent in unpasteurized vinegar reduces inflammation, providing temporary relief from hemorrhoid symptoms like itchiness and pain.
Apple cider vinegar may provide some relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms. However, the respite is usually temporary, and you may need to use ACV several times per day.;
If you have hemorrhoids and are experiencing discomfort due to symptoms, your best option is to speak with your physician to learn more about possible treatment options.;
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How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
You likely already know if you have a hemorrhoid. Its often possible to diagnose hemorrhoids just by looking. But if you have internal hemorrhoids, a doctor can perform a quick exam to confirm it. He or she will use a gloved, lubricated finger to feel in and around your rectum. Your doctor may also order a sigmoidoscopy. During a sigmoidoscopy, he or she will insert a small camera to look into your rectum. They also may perform an anoscopy. A small instrument called an anoscope is inserted a few inches into the anus to examine the anal canal.
Its important to see your doctor if you notice bleeding from your rectum. You need to make sure the cause is hemorrhoids and not some other problem. Bleeding from your rectum or anus or bloody stools may be a sign of something more serious such as cancer.
Work Wonders With Witch Hazel
A dab of witch hazel applied to the rectum with a cotton ball is one of the very best remedies available for external hemorrhoids, especially if theres bleeding, says Marvin Schuster, MD. Witch hazel causes the blood vessels to shrink and contract. While anything cold, even water, can help kill the pain of hemorrhoids, icy cold witch hazel provides even more relief. Chill a bottle of witch hazel in an ice bucket or the refrigerator. Then take a cotton ball, soak it in the witch hazel, and apply it against your hemorrhoids until its no longer cold, then repeat, suggests Schuster.
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Keep Your Bowels Moving
“The most important thing is to make sure you’re not constipated and having to bear down when you go to the bathroom,” Ramas says. Constipation can both lead to hemorrhoid flare-ups and make them last longer.
Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water — not alcohol and caffeine. These tend to dehydrate, which is the opposite of what you want.
“I found out that dairy was a huge culprit for me,” Adams says, “so I cut it out a little bit, and I had good results.”
Add fiber to your diet with fresh fruit, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and bran. “It’s about fueling your body appropriately and giving yourself the nutrients that your body needs to function effectively,” Ramas says. Your doctor might also want you to take psyllium husk supplements.
Exercise can help keep you regular, too.
And when you feel the need to go, don’t wait. “You want to have a bowel movement as quickly and efficiently as possible,” she says.
Adams used a foot stool that wraps around the toilet to put her in a squatting position. “It’s like an ergonomic way to poop,” Ramas says. “If that helps some people, that’s definitely OK.”
What Role Do Toilet Habits Play
Straining during a bowel movement can be painful and make hemorrhoid problems worse. But you can avoid straining by
- preventing constipation, because hard stools automatically make you push harder;
- paying attention to your bodys signals, such as the urge to go to the toilet waiting too long before you go can lead to constipation;
- being relaxed and taking your time when you go to the toilet.
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Ease Pain And Itching
Take warm baths. Soak in a bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water for about 15 minutes at a time. Do it two or three times a day and after every bowel movement. If you want to wash the area, too, use unscented soap and don’t scrub.
Pat gently afterward to dry. You can even use a blow dryer on a cool setting if that feels better.
There are also special “sitz baths” you can put directly on your toilet seat to make soaking easier.
Rub on relief. Over-the-counter wipes or creams with witch hazel can soothe pain and itch with no side effects. Don’t use one with hydrocortisone for more than a week unless your doctor says it’s OK.
Ice it. Put a small cold pack on the trouble spot several times a day. It can dull pain and bring down the swelling for a little while.
Consider painkillers. An over-the-counter medicine, like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, could help with soreness.
Don’t scratch. You could damage the skin and make the irritation — and the itching — worse.
Choose cotton. Wear loose, soft underwear. It keeps the area aired out and stops moisture from building up, which can bother your hemorrhoids.
What Natural Home Remedies Soothe Or Cure Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid symptoms of pain and itching can be treated at home by doing the following.
Warm Sitz Baths
- Sitting in a few inches of warm water three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes may help decrease the inflammation of the hemorrhoids.
- It is important to dry off the anal area completely after each Sitz bath to minimize irritation of the skin surrounding the anus.
Dietary Changes
- Increased fluid intake and dietary fiber will decrease the potential for constipation and lessen the pressure on the rectum and anus during a bowel movement, minimizing further swelling, discomfort, and bleeding. Dietary fiber supplements also may help bulk up the stools
Stool Softeners
- Stool softeners may help. A health-care professional or a pharmacist are good resources to discuss their use.
Exercise
- Individuals with hemorrhoids should not sit for long periods of time and may benefit from sitting on an air or rubber donut available at most local pharmacies.
- Exercise is helpful in relieving constipation and in decreasing pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. Individuals should be encouraged to have a bowel movement as soon as possible after the urge arises and not sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Once that urge passes, stools can become constipated and straining with a bowel movement may occur.
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Personal Stories About Treating Hemorrhoids
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I have had hemorrhoids for many years, but they have never bothered me much. Once in a while they hurt or bleed, and I know that it’s time to pay more attention to my diet and drink some extra water. My new doctor and I talked about them during my last visit. She asked if I had ever considered having them treated, and we talked about the pros and cons of my options. I decided that since they don’t bother me very much, and because I know what to do if they flare up, I will just keep managing them as I have been. I can always have treatment later if they get worse.
John, age 40
Because I sit all day at work, my hemorrhoids can be a big inconvenience. I get plenty of fibre and water in my diet, but they are still bothering me. My doctor and I agreed that it would be reasonable for me to try the rubber band treatment. I will still have to watch what I eat and drink to keep my stools soft, but I hope that the treatment will take care of most of the pain so I can be more comfortable at work.
Genevieve, age 50
Ricardo, age 38
Barbara, age 47
What Are Two Types Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids;are enlarged, swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. These veins bulge and get irritated, especially when the patient defecates, and cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids are also commonly called piles. It is one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids occur in adults. It can cause significant pain and discomfort if left untreated.
There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids: They are present deep inside the rectum. They are usually not seen externally or felt and are painless.
- External hemorrhoids: They are present under the skin surrounding the anus. They are painful because of the painful, sensitive nerves surrounding the anus.
Hemorrhoids may go away on their own or with home remedies in a couple of weeks. If the hemorrhoids dont improve or the symptoms worsen, it is advised to consult a doctor to seek medical treatment.
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Do I Need To See A Doctor
Its best to see a doctor if youre noticing blood. While it could be due to a hemorrhoid, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colorectal cancer.
A doctor will likely start by confirming that hemorrhoids are the source of the blood youve noticed. To do this, theyll either examine the area for external hemorrhoids or insert a gloved finger to check for internal hemorrhoids.
If its still not clear where the bloods coming from, they may recommend a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a small, lighted camera into your colon while you are sedated. This will help them check for any signs of other conditions that could be causing the bleeding.
Make sure to tell them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
- changes in bowel movement habits
- weight loss