Talking about hemorrhoids is not a very pleasant conversation, but you would be surprised at the number of people who suffer from them. If a vein in the anus or rectum gets twisted or enlarged this becomes a hemorrhoid. There are a number of reasons why a hemorrhoid will develop. But there are things you can do to get relief or avoid having them.
Over the counter creams and ointments are one of the more affordable options for relief from the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Look for soothing ingredients to treat different symptoms. Ingredients like hydrocortisone will reduce itching and swelling, while local anesthetics will provide effective, but temporary relief from pain and soreness.
Use caution when applying hemorrhoid products that contain local anesthetics. Although these ingredients are intended to provide temporary relief from pain and stinging sensations, they also have the potential to cause an allergic reaction in the perianal area, which then leads to more irritation, burning, and stinging. If you experience a worsening of symptoms, you should discontinue use of the aggravating product.
While treating your hemorrhoids, it is best to keep the anal area as dry as possible throughout the day to reduce the risk of additional irritation or infection of the tissues. Absorb excess moisture by applying a small amount of cornstarch or fragrance-free baby powder to your anal area once or twice per day.
Use the restroom when you feel the urge to prevent hemorrhoids. "Holding it in" causes problems as stools accumulate and become harder to pass. This causes a person to strain when they use the bathroom, putting increased pressure on the anus and increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids. Going more often results in smaller stools that are easier to eliminate.
Eat fiber! One of the best solutions to treating hemorrhoids is by adding more fiber to your diet! Fiber will keep your stool soft and decrease bulk which will help reduce straining. Studies have shown that the increase of fiber in a diet will improve the discomfort of itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
If you have a hemorrhoid problem, you may want to consider applying petroleum jelly to your rectum before trying to make a bowel movement. This can help smoothen the passage of hard stools and will help to avoid damaging the hemorrhoids that you already have and avoid getting any more.
You are going to cause hemorrhoids if you try to force a bowel movement. If you can feel in your belly that you have to go but when you try to defecate you cannot, try to get some exercise. Take a short walk and then try again. The exercise may help to facilitate your movement.
The most likely cause is hemmorrhoids, but consult your doctor to verify this. Blood after a bowel movement can mean there is a serious problem, like cancer or internal bleeding, that should be addressed immediately. Put your mind at ease by having the problem diagnosed. Your doctor will be able to advise you if you have hemorrhoids.
If you have hemorrhoids, you will want to stay away from all spicy foods (chili, hot sauce). These types of foods are very irritating to any current hemorrhoids. It is also recommended to avoid coffee, beer, and all types of carbonated beverages. Until you are feeling better, the blander foods you can eat, the better off you will be.
As you can see, there are ways to soothe hemorrhoids and there are also things you can do to help assure you do not get them. Hemorrhoids are painful and very uncomfortable. They can also be embarrassing to talk about, but if you do have them, these tips will help you.
