Precautions On How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
A common concern is that hemorrhoids increase the risk of colorectal cancer, but thats not true. However, the two conditions do cause similar symptoms. This is why its important to mention your hemorrhoids to your health care provider. Even when a hemorrhoid is healed completely, a colonoscopy may be done to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons , every person age 50 and older should undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.
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.
Gradually Increase Your Fiber Intake
Most of us dont get in enough fiber everyday, but adding more high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit to your diet can help you avoid constipation and stay regular. This in turn reduces the chances that youll find yourself straining and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, and consider taking a fiber supplement that contains psyllium or methylcellulose to help you hit your daily goal. If youre typically low on fiber-rich foods, though, take your timesuddenly upping your intake may make you gassy.
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Consume More Fiber To Prevent Constipation And Straining
Its important to consume enough fiber to help get rid of hemorrhoids faster. Fiber helps relieve and prevent constipation which is a known cause of piles.
Research published in The Permanente Journal on treating hemorrhoids without surgery found that eating more fiber is essential. Scientists recommend to consume 30-35 grams of fiber a day to help treat hemorrhoids naturally. You can consume more fiber by increasing the amount of beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet.9
Along with increasing fiber intake to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, you should drink enough water to reduce constipation.
You can also consume psyllium as it helps to prevent constipation and relieve the pain from enlarged hemorrhoids. Dr. Herman Villalba who has researched remedies for hemorrhoids, recommends using psyllium as a natural hemorrhoid reliever. The increased fiber in psyllium bulks up stool and softens them to prevent straining during a bowel movement.9
Fiber is a natural laxative
Fiber is also one of the best natural laxatives. A 2005 review of 7 randomized trials found that fiber has a laxative effects and it help treat painful hemorrhoids. Some studies suggest that fiber can help reduce, pain, itching and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids.17
Taking A Sitz Bath In The Bathtub
If youre taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.
A plastic sitz bath kit fits over the toilet. Rinse the bath kit with clean water before using it. Then, add very warm but not hot water along with any medications or solutions recommended by your doctor.
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Symptoms Of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but they usually cause few of the symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can cause problems, however, when blood clots inside them. This is referred to as thrombosis. Thrombosis of such a hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is
- very painful,
- tender, and
- often requires medical attention.
The thrombosed hemorrhoid may heal with scarring, and leave a tag of skin protruding in the anus. Occasionally, the tag is large, which can make anal hygiene difficult or irritate the anus. Even after such a hemorrhoid goes away, a residual skin tag may remain, and this may need to be surgically removed.
Who Is At Risk For External Hemorrhoids
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
If youre not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.
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Got Rid Of Hemorrhoids Now Better Take Some Precautions
START BEING A FRUIT LOVER:
If you are not a fruits lover then start being a fruits lover. Fruits help to moisten your stool which is effective for your hemorrhoids. And try to eat the skin of the fruit too as like apple, pears etc. My best suggestion is that you must have papayas. Papayas has some soothing representative which will ease your bowel movement.
FILL YOUR TUMMY WITH WATER:
Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you drink more than 8 glasses then it is even better for yourself. Water helps to keep your colon area soft and clammy.
USE PADS:
You can use pads, soaking it with some hazel witch solution. It will give you relief from itching and burning. Please do remember one thing, try to avoid using dry tissue papers. Dryness can affect your anal area and cause severe inflammation.
PRUNE JUICE:
Besides water you can have prunes juice. If you are suffering from constipation than you must take some prune juice. It is essential for its laxative effect.
VEGETABLES WITH FIBER:
Try to have vegetables which are high in fiber. Fiber will moisten your stool and it will be helpful for your colon. You can have fruits and vegetables like beans, green leafs, avocados , artichokes, broccoli etc.
HEAVY LIFTING:
Try to avoid lifting heavy things. It is not obliging for a hemorrhoids patient.
WALK EVERY HOUR:
Walk every hour only for 5-8 minutes. Then it will not directly affect the rectum. But if you are unable to walking then try to stand for a while.
Natural Treatment & Remedies:
Sometimes the pain of hemorrhoids becomes so irritating that it becomes difficult to stay in full consciousness. To find instant relief you need to undergo some natural remedies to ease yourself out in this awkward situation.
1. ICE CUBES:
You can use ice cubes. You can insert the ice cube in your anal to stop the swelling. This will give you a light relief from itching and burning also! It will help to shrink the hemorrhoids and will give you instant relief.
2. CLEAN THE HEMORRHOIDS AREA:
Clean up the anal area as much as possible. Every time you go to washroom, try to use warm water. And use mild soap to wash the area. Always use clean white clothes to dab the problematic area dry.
3. CHANGE YOUR UNDERGARMENTS:
If bleeding occurs frequently in the anal section you need to change the underwear or panties. The dirt can cause new dilemma in your hemorrhoids problem. You can use panty liners to avoid changing undergarments frequently. Obviously try to use the cotton panty liners which will help to soothe your irritation.
4. EFFECTIVE SITZ BATH:
This method is recommended by everyone. It is really an effective way to temporarily get rid of hemorrhoid pain. You can use your bath tub or you can buy one sitz bathtub which usually can be placed over the toilet sit.
5. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
6. ALOE VERA GEL:
7. TEA TREE & OLIVE OIL MIXTURE:
8. HONEY-LEMON- WATER SOLUTION:
Add one tsp of fresh lemon juice Add one tablespoon of honey
IS ITS TIME FOR MEDICATION?
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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.
Conventional Treatment For Hemorrhoids
When you go to see a doctor for enlarged hemorrhoids, he or she will look at your anus to see if its inflamed and whether the hemorrhoids come out of the anus when you push or if theyre already outside. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are a number of examinations your doctor may choose to perform in order to make a diagnosis. Doctors typically do a digital rectal examination first, which involves gently inserting a finger into the anus with gloves and lubricant. The doctor will feel the inside of the anal canal using circular movements, which allows him to examine the sphincter muscles and the texture of the membranes lining the anus.
If your doctor believes that you do have enlarged hemorrhoids, she will most likely perform a proctoscopy next. This involves inserting a short tube with a light and lens on it that exams the membranes lining the rectum. The doctor is looking to see if there are enlarged hemorrhoids and how big they are. People tend to fear the pain and discomfort that come with these procedures, but they usually dont hurt and do help your doctor make suggestions about how to get rid of hemorrhoids.
Most of the patients suffering from hemorrhoids have their symptoms alleviated through diet therapy, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid cream and medical treatments, such as sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation.
1. Sclerotherapy
2. Rubber Band Ligation
3. Infrared Coagulation
4. Hemorrhoid Surgery
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How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain
Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products
- do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
- cause side effects such dry skin around your anus or a rash
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented Or Avoided
Just about everyone has hemorrhoids at some time. But some things may make you more likely to get them. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them. Pregnant women often get hemorrhoids because of the strain from carrying the baby and from giving birth. Being very overweight or standing or lifting too much can make hemorrhoids worse.
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Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids
The first hemorrhoid treatment usually aims to relieve the pain caused by the hemorrhoids. To alleviate this pain, take warm soaks 3 or 4 times a day.
Try to clean your anus after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads.
Use ice packs to relieve swelling if it occurs.
Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen or Aspirin to help relieve pain. You may also apply a cream that contains witch hazel to the area or use a numbing ointment. Creams that contain Hydrocortisone are helpful with itching and pain too. This way, the medical treatment of hemorrhoids should relieve symptoms. In some cases, hemorrhoids truly need to be corrected by a surgical procedure. In severe cases, the doctor will shrink and destroy the hemorrhoid tissue.
What Is A Hemorrhoid
A hemorrhoid is essentially an engorged or swollen blood vessel, says Sameet Shah, D.O., a gastroenterologist at Mountainside Medical Group.
Hemorrhoids can be inside or outside your body. With external hemorrhoids, you can see them and they tend to hurt. With internal hemorrhoids, you dont see or feel them, but a symptom might be bleeding during a bowel movement.
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is due to constipation or straining while using the toilet. Women are prone to hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after giving birth because of the increased pressure on the pelvic floor and hormonal changes that can lead to constipation. Children and adolescents can also get hemorrhoids.
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What Causes Hemorrhoids And How To Prevent Them
One of the main causes of hemorrhoids is straining when a person is trying to have a bowel movement. This may happen if someone is constipated or if diarrhea occurs. It may also occur if a person is sitting on the toilet too long.
To prevent hemorrhoids, you have to prevent constipation.
To do this, you have to include more fiber in your diet. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and whole-grain bread and cereals are good sources of fiber that might help.
Drink plenty of fluids, except alcohol, with eight glasses of water a day being ideal. Of course, regular and frequent exercise is healthy for hemorrhoids, as well as any other part of the body. Try to avoid laxatives except for Bulk-forming laxatives such as Fiberall or Metamucil. Other types of laxatives can lead to diarrhea, which can only worsen hemorrhoids. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do not wait too long to use the bathroom.
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.
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The Best And Worst Things You Can Do For Hemorrhoids
Sameet Shah, D.O. contributes to topics such as Gastroenterology.
Near the top of the list of health issues people avoid talking about is hemorrhoids, even to doctors. Theyre uncomfortable, theyre unattractive, they bleed, and they make going to the bathroom a challenge. Theyre also very common. In fact, about half of people have had a bout with hemorrhoids by the time they reach 50 years old.
When Should You Call Your Doctor
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may be a sign of other serious health problems. Colon or rectal cancer and other conditions have many of the same symptoms as hemorrhoids. Call your doctor if you have symptoms like these:
- Stools are black or tarry.
- A lump or bulge that is not tender and does not go away develops at the anal opening.
If you have hemorrhoids, call your doctor if:
- Moderate rectal pain lasts longer than 1 week after home treatment.
- Pain or swelling is severe.
- Tissue from inside the body bulges from the anus and does not return to normal after 3 to 7 days of home treatment.
- A lump inside the anus becomes bigger or more painful.
If rectal bleeding becomes heavy or changes colour , or if stools change size, shape, or colour , be sure to see your doctor.
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Don’t Make Things Worse
Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. You’ll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you can’t get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.
Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so they’re easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.
Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.
Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when you’re working hard. It’s common to hold your breath as you’re pushing, pulling, or making an effort — and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.
Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.
Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.