There are many things that can make you vulnerable to hemorrhoids. Late pregnancy and giving birth can cause them in women while men can get them from constipation, straining and poor diet. Fortunately they do not last long and can usually be treated at home. This article can offer suggestions on how to deal with them.
Knowing the facts about hemorrhoids can help you diagnose, treat, and possibly cure the problem for yourself or a family member. Hemorrhoids can occur in people of all ages, even children, although they most commonly affect people between the ages of 45 and 65. The main cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. And one of the best ways of preventing them is by eating a healthy diet that's also high in fiber. Hemorrhoids can range from the size of a small pea to larger than a golf ball. In many cases, they can be cured in a week or two with the proper treatment.
A product like petroleum jelly can work wonders for hemorrhoid flare-ups or even if you have hemorrhoids that aren't flaring up on you. The jelly not only instantly soothes the pain, but it also creates a lubricant that can allow waste to slide past the vein without irritating your hemorrhoid.
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and having some pain, you can always use an ice pack. All you have to do is place an ice pack where you are experiencing pain. Leave the ice pack on around 10-15 minutes or until you feel better. Ice not only numbs pain, but it can reduce swelling.
Cut back on your salt intake. Salt can make your body swell including your hemorrhoids. Reducing your salt intake may be difficult at first but will be well worth it in the end.
Smaller, prolapsed hemorrhoids can be pushed back inside the anus if you are willing to get down and dirty. This will eliminate some of the pain and discomfort associated with the hemorrhoid. Although you cannot see it, think of it like a skin tag or a larger mole. You can push it back inside.
A great tip for your painful hemorrhoids is that you should lie on our side as often as possible if you are suffering while pregnant. This is a great tip because it will relieve a lot of the pressure from your anal area that is being caused by an enlarged uterus.
Don't expect laxatives or stool softeners to fix a hemorrhoid. Laxatives are not a long-term solution to the constipation issue that brought about the hemorrhoid in the first place. Also, while a laxative may make the passing of stool easier, it doesn't actually fix the hemorrhoid. It simply reduces the symptoms.
Reducing the pain associated with hemorrhoids often comes down to positioning. During a bowel movement, certain positions can put more strain on the area and cause a great deal of pain. Experiment with different positions, and find the one that works the best for you to reduce pain and make movements a lot more comfortable.
In order to prevent hemorrhoids from beginning, be sure to get as much exercise as you can and avoid sitting for an extended period of time. By sitting on your rear end for too long, you are putting pressure on the veins in your anus that can cause hemorrhoids to form.
Smoking is one of the worst things that you can do if you have hemorrhoids because it will hurt the quality of your immune system. This will directly impact your hemorrhoids, causing more irritation and redness on your skin. Reduce or quit smoking entirely to improve your condition and well-being.
Avoid spicy foods if you are dealing with a hemorrhoid flare-up. The way spicy food causes painful bowel movements is not just a comedy routine staple; spicy foods do indeed irritate the rectum on their way out. Hemorrhoids are especially vulnerable to this irritation, and eating too much hot stuff can make them harder to get rid of.
Water can be incredibly therapeutic if you have painful, itchy hemorrhoids. Sitting in a warm bath can provide instant relief. If you can't get in the tub, try a sitz bath which fits right over your toilet. Aim to soak your rectum for at least ten minutes, anytime you need a little relief.
Be sure to exclude salt from your diet as much as you can in order to prevent hemorrhoids. Too much salt in your diet can create swelling, which in turn, can cause the veins in your rectum to bulge. Bulging veins in the anal area is the precursor to hemorrhoids.
As was covered in the beginning of this article, hemorrhoids can occur in pregnant women or in people with poor diets, constipation and from straining during a bowel movement. By using this article to make changes such as adding fiber, drinking more water and exercising, you can learn to avoid these painful attacks.