10/10/2023
How to get rid of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are still a sensitive topic, even though it is a very common disease that affects up to 50% of the population worldwide. The most common question people who struggle with hemorrhoids ask is how to get rid of them effectively. In this article, we have therefore summarized the possible treatment for hemorrhoids, and we will also look at the prevention options.
How do you know if you have hemorrhoids?
Are hemorrhoids affecting you? One of the most common symptoms is bleeding during bowel movements, when bright red blood appears on toilet paper or in the bowl. You may also experience itching, pain, or irritation in the anal area, and you may also notice lumps around the anus that are sensitive and painful.
Hemorrhoids are divided into internal and external. External hemorrhoids usually do not bleed, but they can form a blood clot that clogs a vein. Internal hemorrhoids are often associated with bleeding, mucus in the stool, pain when passing stool or swelling of the rectum.
Home treatment options for hemorrhoids
In some cases, it is possible to get rid of hemorrhoids at home with the help of several measures or over-the-counter medications. If you have a mild form of hemorrhoids, we recommend trying the following steps.
Reach for over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications
One of the most effective ways to get rid of hemorrhoids at home is to use ointments, gels, or suppositories. These products relieve unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching, cutting, and burning. They create a protective layer on the skin that contributes to healing and eliminates the risk of cracking. However, taking oral veno-active medications containing anti-inflammatory substances, improving circulation and strengthening the vein wall is most recommended.
Add more fiber to your diet
An important step is to include more fiber in your diet. This promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation, which often leads to the development of hemorrhoids.
Good sources of fiber include whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, pears, carrots, buckwheat, or bran. The diet should also be rich in vitamins C, E, and K, which strengthen the blood vessel wall and prevent bleeding from hemorrhoids. You should eliminate spicy and fried foods and refined sugars from your diet.
Drink plenty of water
With hemorrhoids, it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid daily, ideally plain water or herbal teas. Conversely, you should limit drinking coffee, black tea, cola drinks and alcohol.
Stay in the toilet only as long as necessary
Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time can contribute to accelerating the development of the disease. If you sit on the toilet for a long time and often, hemorrhoids may enlarge and erupt. Therefore, experts advise sitting on the toilet only for the strictly necessary time.
Do not hold the stool
People often try to hold back or delay stool because of the pain of defecation. However, this should be avoided, as the symptoms could get worse. If you are struggling with constipation and there is no other option, you can use gentle laxatives such as psyllium or flaxseed to help you empty your bowels.
Cool the affected areas with a cold compress
To relieve the pain, apply an ice pack to the area of the hemorrhoid for 5 to 10 minutes. Always place a towel between the affected area and the ice pack.
Try sitting baths
Sitting baths can help relieve the unpleasant symptoms of hemorrhoids. How to prepare them? Add chamomile flower, calendula, marigold root, comfrey root, plantain leaves, oak bark, or Epsom salt to a sitz bath based on lukewarm water. The sitting bath should last about 10 to 15 minutes.
After visiting the toilet, perform a thorough hygiene
In case you suffer from hemorrhoids, toilet paper is not enough to perform intimate hygiene. You should wash your rectum with a stream of lukewarm water and, if necessary, with unscented soap and then gently dry it with a cotton towel. If you are at work or travelling, use special moistened wipes against hemorrhoids.
Do regular sports
In addition to a healthy diet, you should also take regular exercise for hemorrhoids. This is because sport makes your bowels move, which helps to ensure regular bowel movements.
Examples of suitable sports include walking, running, swimming, or ball sports. However, it is not recommended to play sports that put increased pressure on the small pelvis. This occurs, for example, when lifting weights.
When to see a doctor?
If symptoms do not improve after a week of home treatment, you should not delay in seeking medical help. You should also see a doctor if the hemorrhoids are associated with severe pain and bleed. If the hemorrhoids are accompanied by significant changes in excretion or if the stool is black or has blood clots, see a doctor immediately.
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids involves visual inspection of the rectum or manual examination of the affected area. The doctor may then perform a short outpatient procedure or a microinvasive procedure, in some cases it is necessary to perform a conventional surgery.
Without a proper treatment and early diagnose, the condition may progress to more advanced stages and more complications. Consult your doctor for an early diagnose and treatment to avoid severe complications from hemorrhoids.
Prevention or how to avoid hemorrhoids
Preventive measures against hemorrhoids largely overlap with the above tips for relieving symptoms. Again, plenty of fiber, water and exercise are great preventions against this disease. You should also maintain good intimate hygiene and not spend too much time in the toilet.
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