Hemorrhoids, or "hemorrhoidal nodules", can form as a result of childbirth, a poor diet, excessive effort in trying to defecate or repeated bouts of constipation. Basically they are varicose veins that form in the rectum or anus due to pressure on that area of the body. They often swell, bleed, itch, discomfort and are not easy to manage. Generally this is not too serious a problem, but those on anticoagulant therapy or those suffering from liver cirrhosis may experience prolonged and significant bleeding. Thankfully, there are many different methods for getting rid of hemorrhoids and preventing them from returning.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Home Treatments
Step 1. Use a sitz bath
It is a container that allows you to soak the pelvis area in hot water. This bath helps soften the hemorrhoids, partially relieving the pain and itching sensation.
- You can also use a shallow tub or a special device to attach to the toilet seat.
- Soak the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes two to three times a day to find quick and effective relief.
Step 2. Use cleaning wipes
When you have hemorrhoids, dry toilet paper can scratch and irritate already swollen and inflamed veins. Replace it, therefore, with non-perfumed wet wipes for children or those that can be thrown in the toilet.
Make sure the wipes are fragrance-free or alcohol-free, as they may irritate the hemorrhoids more
Step 3. Apply topical medication
You can find several over-the-counter treatments specific to hemorrhoids, including creams, ointments, disinfectant wipes, and even suppositories.
- Most of these topical solutions contain witch hazel or hydrocortisone, which help relieve the pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
- Other types of topical medications contain steroid, anesthetic, astringent, and antiseptic substances.
- Do not use these over-the-counter products for more than a week, unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Step 4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Many people with this disorder experience pain, especially when they have to defecate. If you also suffer from hemorrhoids, try taking over-the-counter medications to soothe the discomfort, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in combination with topical treatments.
Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents because it has been associated with a disease that, although rare, spreads at this age, known as Reye's syndrome. This pathology causes hepatic edema, brain edema and can be fatal
Step 5. Apply a cold pack
Since hemorrhoids are caused by swelling and inflammation of the veins, an ice or cold pack can help reduce inflammation by slowing blood flow to the affected area. Wrap the ice pack in a plastic bag and place it on the anal area for quick relief.
Don't hold it in place for more than 20 minutes at a time; remove it for at least 10 minutes before reapplying it again
Step 6. Practice good hygiene
One of the best things you can do to take care of this ailment is to keep the anal area clean. Take a bath or shower every day and clean the skin on and around the anus by gently running lukewarm water. You can decide whether or not to use soap during this phase, but keep in mind that soap irritates the hemorrhoids the most.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Avoid pushing too hard when trying to evacuate
One of the main causes of hemorrhoids is overexertion when going to the bathroom (which can be caused by constipation) or chronic diarrhea in turn triggered by digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Hemorrhoids can also arise simply from sitting on the toilet for too long, when you are distracted from reading or playing with your smartphone.
- Do not sit in the bathroom longer than necessary.
- Try to raise your feet slightly when sitting on the toilet to make it easier to evacuate and make it less tiring.
- Constipation can be a side effect of many medications; then consult your doctor to ascertain if that is the cause and get a prescription for an alternative solution to remedy the problem.
Step 2. Indulge the urge to go to the bathroom
If you are prone to hemorrhoids, it is important that you go to the bathroom immediately, as soon as you feel the need. Withholding the stool or waiting for a "more suitable" time can cause constipation and pain during bowel movement which, consequently, facilitates the formation of hemorrhoids or aggravates those already present.
Step 3. Change the power supply
If you suffer from hemorrhoids often, you should make changes in your diet to prevent future recurrence. Eat the right foods and avoid harmful dishes or drinks to ensure bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation.
- Add fiber to your diet. Good sources are whole-grain fruits, vegetables, pasta and bread, brown rice, seeds, nuts, and oats.
- Try fiber supplements. Among these, the most suitable for your problem are psyllium seeds, dextrin and methylcellulose. Take a supplement every day to absorb 20-30g of fiber daily.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day can help regulate your bowels and reduce the risk of constipation. Aim to drink at least 6 or 8 glasses each day.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can aggravate constipation.
- Try stool softeners. You can make the stool softer by adding a tablespoon (about 15 ml) of cooking oil to some soft foods like grated apple or yogurt. Take one of these emollients with a meal of the day, but avoid taking them for an extended period of time.
Step 4. Exercise and try to lose weight
If you are overweight, you run a higher risk of suffering from hemorrhoids because the excess weight puts pressure on the veins. Physical activity itself also helps reduce the frequency of constipation episodes.
Step 5. Try alternative medicines
Although traditional medicine is very effective for treating your ailment, there are also medicinal herbs or vitamins that can help you relieve discomfort. Among the most popular alternative treatments we mention:
- Aloe vera;
- Vitamin E;
- Yarrow yarrow;
- Morella cerifera;
- Hydraste root;
- Myrrh;
- White oak.
Method 3 of 3: Medical Care
Step 1. Know when to see your doctor
Hemorrhoids usually heal easily and are not dangerous. However, complications can sometimes arise in some people. If this is the case for you, or you notice that your condition does not improve after a week of over-the-counter treatment, you should see your doctor right away.
- The presence of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of a more serious disorder. If you notice blood, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
- Chronic and prolonged bleeding from hemorrhoids can cause anemia in some people. This problem is due to the loss of red blood cells, which reduces the body's ability to carry oxygen to the cells. Symptoms of anemia include weakness and chronic fatigue.
- If blood flow to the hemorrhoid stops suddenly, a complication called hemorrhoidal strangulation can occur. This disorder is extremely painful and can cause necrosis (tissue death) and gangrene.
Step 2. Try non-surgical solutions
Your doctor will be able to offer you various solutions that do not require surgery. These are typically safe, effective, minimally invasive options, and can sometimes be done on an outpatient basis.
- Elastic ligation: it is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of an elastic band to block the flow of blood to the hemorrhoids. The doctor will apply this tie around the base of the hemorrhoids and within a week they should dry out and fall out.
- Sclerosing injection: This option involves injecting chemicals into the inflamed tissue that wrinkle the hemorrhoids, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. The injection causes mild pain and may be less effective than elastic ligation.
- Coagulation: this technique uses either laser, infrared rays or heat (bipolar) to dry and harden inflamed hemorrhoids. Coagulation has some side effects and a high relapse rate when compared to elastic ligation.
Step 3. Undergo a surgical procedure
In some cases, the non-surgical methods listed above are not effective in eliminating hemorrhoids. If, in your case, you have not achieved the desired results with other methods or if your hemorrhoids are particularly large, your doctor may recommend that you undergo removal surgery. There are several surgical techniques and some can be performed on an outpatient basis, while others require hospitalization, depending on the type of procedure and the severity of the situation. Interventions generally carry a risk of prolonged bleeding, infections, lack of defecation control, but cases of long-term side effects are very rare.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: this surgery consists in the surgical removal of the hemorrhoids and surrounding tissue. This is a very effective technique for getting rid of these annoying lumps when other treatments have failed.
- Pinched Hemorrhoidectomy / Hemorrhoidopexy: This relatively new technique involves surgically pinching the hemorrhoids to block blood flow to the area. It is generally considered less painful than simple hemorrhoidectomy, but it can cause recurrence and rectal prolapse.
Advice
- If you suffer from hemorrhoids, avoid anal intercourse, not only because it could further irritate the inflamed tissues, but they could also bleed with an increased risk of disease transmission.
- Hemorrhoids are a fairly common ailment during pregnancy and after childbirth. Do not take medications without first asking your gynecologist for advice on possible side effects on gestation.
- Opiate pain relievers such as hydrocodone, codeine, or oxycodone cause constipation and, as a result, can trigger the inflammatory process of hemorrhoids. Remember to take a stool softener as well when on these medications.
Warnings
- If you notice any blood in your stool, go to your doctor. The cause could lie in a hemorrhoid rash, but the blood in the stool could also be generated from something more serious, such as colon cancer.
- If your hemorrhoids are so painful that you can't evacuate, then see your doctor right away. He may prescribe a stronger ointment or an incision of the hemorrhoids may be necessary if a thrombosis has developed.
- If you suffer from allergies, systemic diseases, are on drug or herbal therapy, inform your doctor or pharmacist, as interactions with hemorrhoid care products may occur.
- Some people are sensitive to the astringents and analgesics contained in hemorrhoid creams; for this reason you must always be careful when using them.
