People are quite embarrassed when they talk about hemorrhoids (whose correct name is hemorrhoidal disease), but about half of adults suffer from it occasionally. The disorder occurs when continuous sitting or exertion creates pockets full of stagnant blood in the veins surrounding the anus; although it is treatable and does not lead to a serious health problem, it can create quite a few problems when it comes time to sit down. If you want to rest a little more comfortably while having inflamed hemorrhoids, you need to do it less frequently, be cautious and manage the discomfort.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Sit comfortably
Step 1. Change the position on the toilet
For most of its history, humans have defecated by crouching in the woods or over a hole in the ground, and billions of people around the world continue to use this position even today. Crouching on the ground with the knees close to the abdomen correctly aligns the internal organs for the expulsion of stool, accelerating the process and some experts believe that it reduces the chances of developing hemorrhoidal disease.
If the idea of crouching is beyond what you are willing to do to manage the problem, at least try to lift your feet when you sit on the toilet; place a bench or stack of books under your feet to improve bowel alignment, clear stools faster, and reduce pressure that causes hemorrhoid inflammation
Step 2. Put a pad on when you sit down
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, the greatest discomfort occurs when you sit for a long time. Upholstered chairs can make anal itching and pain worse; however, a soft seat is better than a hard one. For this reason, always keep a thick pillow or pillow under your butt when using a chair, bench, or other hard surface.
On the market, especially online, you can find many specific products, but there is no guarantee that they are more effective than a normal pillow, even if trying does not harm. The "donut" paddings are those used by patients who have undergone surgery or an injury to the anal region and represent a solution to be considered; give it a try and see if they are effective
Step 3. Keep the area cool and dry
If you have suffered from hemorrhoids before, you probably know that the heat and sweat between the buttocks make the anus itchy and create unbearable discomfort. Standing, but above all sitting, wearing constricting clothes that retain heat and humidity does nothing but worsen the situation; in addition to keeping the anal region clean and dry, choose suitable clothing to soothe the pain.
Opt for loose clothing (including underwear), made with breathable fabrics such as cotton; change your briefs if the ones you are wearing have become damp with sweat
Method 2 of 3: Sit with Less Frequency
Step 1. Don't spend too much time on the toilet
Often, you know you are suffering from hemorrhoids when you go to the bathroom because you notice bright red blood in the water or on the toilet paper. Sitting on the toilet is also a major cause of this disorder, especially for people who spend a lot of time straining to defecate. The less time it takes you to sit down, evacuate and get up, the better.
- Do not sit unnecessarily for a long time, for example to finish a chapter of a book or to play on your cell phone.
- If you typically spend more than a few minutes on the cup because you regularly suffer from constipation, consider increasing your intake of water, high-fiber foods, and taking supplements or stool softeners to relieve the disorder.
- When you feel the stimulus, go immediately to the bathroom; holding you back can cause or worsen constipation.
Step 2. Do not sit for long periods in general
This position increases the pressure on the veins surrounding the anus and it is these that swell, generating the disturbing disturbance of the haemorrhoidal disease. Try to stand upright when watching TV, working at your desk (look for a height-adjustable model that allows you to sit or stand upright) and while doing normal daily activities; it is a good health habit that allows you to fight hemorrhoids.
When you need to sit down, take frequent breaks to get up and walk; this simple "trick" prevents the blood from stagnating and causing hemorrhoids, and also relieves the pain that often accompanies them
Step 3. Move while standing upright
Standing instead of sitting is good for your health, but exercising instead of sitting still is even better. Walking, dancing, gardening, or other moderate-intensity activities are healthy behaviors for the body and can even relieve constipation.
Exercise causes you to lose excess weight, which results in less pressure on the back veins when you sit down
Method 3 of 3: Reduce Hemorrhoid Discomfort with Other Methods
Step 1. Take action against constipation
Anyone can get hemorrhoids, but people who regularly suffer from constipation almost always have them. Sitting in the bathroom for a long time and pushing hard to expel firm stools is a sure way to develop hemorrhoidal disease and the discomfort that comes with it.
- One of the simplest ways to get rid of this problem is to increase your water intake; women should drink 9 glasses a day (about 2 liters) and men 13 (almost 3 liters).
- Also make sure you consume plenty of fiber through your diet; eat more vegetables, fruits and grains such as oats, which are rich in them.
- Learn about the side effects of any medications or supplements you are taking. Constipation could be induced by some medications; if so, talk to your doctor to stop therapy or switch to another active ingredient.
- Consider using fiber supplements or stool softeners; consult your doctor before undergoing such a regimen for a long time.
- Remember that the best way to avoid constipation is a combination of all of these remedies. The increase in physical activity, the intake of fluids, fibers and the interruption of the use of "problematic" medicines have a more effective synergistic action than following a single technique.
Step 2. Keep the anal area clean
Regular, gentle washing followed by equally light drying can cool the skin and mitigate discomfort; for example, use wet wipes (but without perfume) instead of regular toilet paper, which is generally more abrasive and cleans less scrupulously.
- Take a shower, or better still a bath, every day by washing the area with water only. Pat your skin dry or use a hair dryer at the lowest setting.
- Use a sitz bath, a basin that you can put over the toilet and that allows you to wash and soak only the genital and anal region. Fill it with cold, clean water and sit for 10-15 minutes, three times a day (or more as needed).
Step 3. Try topical medications and treatments
The wide variety of products and medicines available in all pharmacies provide a clear indication of how widespread haemorrhoidal disease is. Try different solutions and see which one offers you the most relief; however, do not continue treatment for more than two weeks without first consulting your doctor.
- Specific creams or ointments help to shrink hemorrhoidal tissues, allowing to relieve itching and discomfort at the same time; creams or gauze that contain witch hazel are effective against the same symptoms.
- A very simple solution is an ice pack protected by a sheet or a cold pack applied in the gap between the buttocks; this way, you can get a temporary benefit from inflammation and pain.
- Pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen control hemorrhoidal pain.
Step 4. Go to the doctor
If you suffer from anal itching, pain, feel a protrusion from the anus or notice small amounts of red blood when you evacuate, it is likely that you have inflamed hemorrhoids; however, in rare cases, these are more serious diseases, ranging from anal fissures to internal bleeding to cancer. The most appropriate thing to do is to contact the doctor to obtain a certain diagnosis and discuss possible treatments.
