Is Bathing Helpful Or Harmful
When bathing to treat hemorrhoids, people usually sit in clear water. Its also possible to add an anti-inflammatory substance to the water such as chamomile, witch hazel, arnica, oak bark or tea tree oil. There isn’t enough research on whether this helps. Some of the added substances may irritate or discolor the skin. Its best to avoid using soap because it can aggravate the sensitive skin of the anus.
How To Treat An Infected Hemorrhoid
An antibiotic, such as doxycycline , is used to treat an infected hemorrhoid or infected tissue caused by a procedure to remove a hemorrhoid.
Antibiotics prescribed for peritonitis include cefepime and imipenem . The specific type of antibiotic youre prescribed will depend on the severity of your infection and any problems or allergies you may have with certain medications.
Surgery to remove infected tissue around the hemorrhoid, or tissue within the abdomen , may be necessary in severe cases. This is called debridement and can help the body heal from an infection.
In addition to medications and possible surgical procedures, home remedies may help relieve symptoms. These include:
- ice packs or cold compresses around your anus
- oral pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- pads that contain a numbing agent.
Also, adjusting your diet can lead to less straining during bowel movements. A diet that includes high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep your stool soft and add bulk and reduce straining.
Always check with your doctor before trying any type of home treatment. You dont want to risk spreading the infection or interfering with the medical treatment youre receiving.
The best way to prevent an infected hemorrhoid is to avoid getting any kind of hemorrhoid. In addition to a high-fiber diet 20 to 35 grams daily and plenty of fluids, you can help prevent hemorrhoids by:
A Diet High In Spicy Foods Can Be Bad For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common, painful afflictions that often occur when the veins in our backsides become inflamed. The most common cause of hemorrhoids is straining to move ones bowels. Hemorrhoids can also be caused by pregnancy and sitting for long periods of time on a hard surface. The traditional Chinese herbal medicine, dang gui, has been used as a remedy to ease symptoms and other forms of surgery have been developed as well.
If you have been noticing a worsening of your hemorrhoids, there may be a cause you have been overlooking. You should know that those who eat spicy foods on a regular basis are more likely to have hemorrhoids as compared to those who only eat spicy foods occasionally. Spicy food can aggravate the veins around your anal region and cause the hemorrhoids to flare up.
Hemorrhoids are painful varicose veins that can be caused by straining during bowel movements or due to the aging process. A diet high in spicy foods may also irritate hemorrhoids, which is why many people choose to avoid them. Spicy foods may cause discomfort for those with hemorrhoids, which is often treated with over-the-counter medication.
Your diet may have a major effect on whether you are prone to hemorrhoids. Certain meals and beverages may be particularly unpleasant as they travel through the intestines. A diet high in spicy foods or strong drinks such as coffee, soda, and alcohol puts you at risk of developing hemorrhoids.
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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.
What Are The Causes Of External Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area.
Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the pressure that the uterus places on these veins.
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How Can I Take Care Of Myself
Always tell your healthcare provider when you have rectal bleeding. Although bleeding is often from hemorrhoids, more serious illnesses, such as colon cancer, can also cause bleeding.
Follow these guidelines to help prevent hemorrhoids and to relieve their discomfort:
- Do not strain during bowel movements. The straining makes hemorrhoids swell.
- Follow your high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water. If necessary, take a stool softener, such as Haleys M-O, psyllium, Metamucil or Citrucel, or mineral oil. Softer stools make it easier to empty the bowels and reduce pressure on the veins.
- Dont overuse laxatives. Diarrhea can be as irritating to the anus as constipation.
- Ask your healthcare provider what nonprescription product you should buy to relieve pain and itching. Also, ask about any side effects of any medications prescribed for you.
- Exercise regularly to help prevent constipation.
- Avoid a lot of wiping after a bowel movement if you have hemorrhoids. Wiping with soft, moist toilet paper may relieve discomfort. If necessary, shower instead of wiping, and then dry the anus gently.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects when you have hemorrhoids. It may increase the pressure on the veins and make the hemorrhoids worse.
What Causes Infected Hemorrhoids
In some cases, certain types of hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid treatments can lead to infections.
Hemorrhoids are more likely to become infected when healthy blood flow to the area is restricted. Healthy blood flow to the rectal area means a steady supply of white blood cells and certain proteins that are part of the immune system. This helps lower the risk of infection.
Internal hemorrhoids seldom become infected. An internal hemorrhoid is one that forms in the rectum. This is the portion of the large intestine that ends at the anus.
Sometimes, an internal hemorrhoid may push down from the rectum, which is known as a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid.
A prolapsed internal hemorrhoid can often be gently pushed back up into the wall of the rectum. But its still more likely than other types to become infected.
This is because blood flow to the vein can be cut off. This is known as a strangulated internal hemorrhoid. Without the nutrients, oxygen, and immune-system cells carried in the bloodstream, an infection can quickly form.
You may have a higher risk of a strangulated hemorrhoid and a subsequent infection if you have a condition that reduces healthy circulation to the rectum. Among the conditions that can cause reduced blood flow to the region are:
In addition, having HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system can increase the risk for infected hemorrhoids.
But an infection can bring on other symptoms, too. Signs of infection include:
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What Role Does Hygiene Play
Stool that is left behind after wiping can aggravate enlarged hemorrhoids even more. So its important to carefully cleanse the anus after going to the toilet, for example by wetting toilet paper with water first, and drying the anus afterwards. This can help avoid wiping yourself too roughly and making the symptoms worse.
Exaggerated hygiene can make symptoms worse too, though. Many people use things like liquid soaps and alcohol-based or perfumed wipes. But these often contain substances that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions.
How Long Do Hemorrhoid Symptoms Last
If your hemorrhoids are small, your symptoms may clear up in a few days without treatment. You may also need to make simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Some internal hemorrhoids become so enlarged that they stick out of the anus. These are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can take longer to heal and may require treatment from a doctor.
Some women will develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. This is because the increased pressure in your abdomen, especially in the third trimester, may make the veins in your rectum and anus larger.
Pregnancy hormones may also make it more likely for your veins to swell. If you develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, your symptoms may last until you give birth.
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How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last
How long hemorrhoids last will vary from person to person.
In general, small hemorrhoids can go away on their own in a few days. Larger hemorrhoids, particularly ones that cause a lot of pain, swelling, and itchiness, cant go away on their own and may require treatment from a doctor to heal. Pregnant patients may find that hemorrhoids only go away after they give birth.
Its possible for hemorrhoids to return after theyve been treated. A gastroenterologist can help recommend solutions if you find youre struggling with hemorrhoids that dont go away or keep coming back.
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
- sclerotherapy,
- surgery.
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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How Are External Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Because many of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can also be caused by other conditions, it is necessary to have an in-depth exam. Your doctor may use a series of tests to confirm the presence of external hemorrhoids near the anus. These tests may include:
- proctoscopy
- anoscopy
Your doctor may begin with a physical exam. In cases of external hemorrhoids, they may be able to see the hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids instead of external hemorrhoids, they may use an anoscopy to examine the inside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can also be seen with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or proctoscopy.
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.
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How Do Foods Influence Hemorrhoids Diet
Diet is believed to have a big impact in causingand preventinghemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people who prefer a diet high in processed foods face a higher hemorrhoid risk.
A low-fiber diet can leave you constipated, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two way. For one, it promotes straining on the toilet. It also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
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How Can I Manage My Symptoms
- Apply ice on your anus for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your anus. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Take a sitz bath. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes. Do this 3 times a day, and after each bowel movement. The warm water can help decrease pain and swelling.
- Keep your anal area clean. Gently wash the area with warm water daily. Soap may irritate the area. After a bowel movement, wipe with moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Dry toilet paper can irritate the area.
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How To Get Rid Of External 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 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 200,993 times.
Hemorrhoids can happen to anyone at any age. These uncomfortable enlarged veins can be found inside or externally around the anus. Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on your pelvic and rectal veins, usually linked to constipation, diarrhea, or straining to pass a stool. In some cases, hemorrhoids can be caused by obesity, lifting heavy objects, or from the strain of pregnancy which applies pressure to the veins of the lower abdomen. Fortunately, external hemorrhoids can usually be taken care of without seeing a doctor. There are several things you can do to help relieve the pain, discomfort, and itching of hemorrhoids.
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How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home
Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment. Symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer. In the meantime, you can take these steps to ease symptoms:
- Apply over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone to the affected area.
- Drink more water.
- Increase fiber intake through diet and supplements. Try to obtain at least 20-35 grams of daily fiber intake
- Soak in a warm bath for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
- Soften stool by taking laxatives.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation.
- Use toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to gently pat and clean your bottom after pooping. You can also use a tissue or washcloth moistened with water.
Treatment Of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
Ruptured hemorrhoid with excessive per rectal bleeding usually happens from the external hemorrhoid. The primary treatment option is to have the hemorrhoid removed, known as hemorrhoidectomy. It is considered as the most effective approach for this issue with rapid recovery and quickly return to daily activities. Depending on the severity, surgery can be arranged as a Day Surgery procedure or outpatient procedure without hospitalization.
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Hemorrhoid Banding As A Definitive Solution For Hemorrhoids
While natural home remedies for hemorrhoids can provide temporary relief from symptoms, they are not a permanent fix. For long-term hemorrhoid relief, consider a treatment like hemorrhoid banding. Also known as rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a long-lasting technique for alleviating discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Specifically, the CRH ORegan System is the leading hemorrhoid banding treatment available. During the CRH ORegan System procedure, a small band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal mass. After a few days without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off, along with the band. Typically, the hemorrhoid and band fall off during a regular bowel movement without the patient even noticing.
Talk to a doctor for more information on the right treatment and relief options for you. To get rid of your hemorrhoids once and for all, find a physician that offers the pain-free CRH ORegan banding procedure and get on the path toward the hemorrhoid-free life you deserve.
Heal Your Hemorrhoids