Although most people are reluctant to discuss the finer points of proctology, there are literally millions of people who have found themselves seeking advice for the prevention and treatment of the extremely unpleasant condition known as hemorrhoids. The information in this article should prove helpful when dealing with hemorrhoids.
To help prevent hemorrhoids, make sure your diet is full of fiber. Include foods that contain plenty of fiber, such as whole-grain breads, leafy greens, wheat pasta and oatmeal. Fiber is known to "scrape" your intestines clean, and also retains moisture that keeps your bowel movements soft and reduces the straining that creates or exacerbates hemorrhoids.
There are some different options for comfort when you have hemorrhoids. Experts have been known to recommend soaking in a sitz bath multiple times per day, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. Try using cold compresses to get some relief.
Witch hazel is very helpful for relieving discomfort, pain, and itching associated with hemorrhoids. Astringent witch hazel contracts hemorrhoid tissue, which bring a sigh of relief to sufferers. Put the witch hazel on with a piece of cotton and let it sit for five to ten minutes or have a sitz bath to put it in.
Drinking plenty of water is a good way to avoid getting hemorrhoids, especially if you are someone who suffers from them frequently. Your stools will be softer if you are hydrated. You must also cut down on caffeine and alcohol, alike.
Ice can be used to reduce hemorrhoid pain. Hemorrhoids are often times extremely painful. Ice packs are a proven method for treating pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids. Every 10 minutes or so, switch the cold compress with a warm, moist heat source. You can also use this technique while taking a warm bath. Simply bring an ice pack with you, and alternate between sitting in the tub and sitting on the ice pack. This can help to relieve the discomfort caused by the pain, swelling and itchiness of hemorrhoids.
You may find that certain time-honored approaches to treating this problem are indeed effective in treating hemorrhoids. Soaking in a warm tub for 15 minutes following a bowel movement can help to relax the area. Hemorrhoids are often times very itchy, but it's important to avoid scratching. This will only worsen the problem. Try using a bit of witch hazel on a cotton pad to help relieve the itch. Eating lots of fiber-rich foods, and drinking plenty of water, are both very important. This will keep you from straining too hard while having a bowel movement.
Lifting heavy objects can be a factor in the development of hemorrhoids. The strain of lifting heavy objects is similar to the strain required to force feces out of the body. If you are susceptible to frequent hemorrhoid attacks, it is best that you avoid heavy lifting which will only make them worse.
If hemorrhoids are causing you great distress, it is important not to rely on laxative drugs to solve constipation. Laxatives are designed with a single bowel movement in mind. Persistent bowel troubles may mean it is time to alter your diet so as to achieve more regularity.
You can lessen the pain of hemorrhoids by losing weight. Being too heavy can exacerbate the effects of hemorrhoids. When there's excess weight in your abdominal area, it boosts the pressure in the veins throughout your posterior. Make a diet that contains mostly foods with high fiber in them to help reduce the pressure on your abdomen. Do not overdo laxatives for either weight loss or to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Overuse of laxatives can be dangerous.
So, now you have some effective tips and techniques to help you deal with painful hemorrhoids or to share with loved ones who may have the condition. Using these tips, along with the advice of a hemorrhoid specialist, is the best way to achieve relief from the constant pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
