Every hemorrhoid sufferer knows that this painful condition can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Once a hemorrhoid has become inflamed and starts protruding outside the body, the pain is difficult to ignore. Use the excellent tips below to enhance your knowledge of this painful condition.
Alternating ice and heat is a good way to treat hemorrhoids at home. Using ice first, then heat will allow the hemorrhoid to shrink and heal. For best results, the ice must be put on the hemorrhoid-affected area for a minimum of ten minutes every day, followed by damp, warm heat for at least twenty minutes.
One cause of hemorrhoids is straining too hard during a bowel movement. You can soften your stool by increasing your water intake and eating foods that have not been excessively refined. Squatting is a great method of having a bowel movement that avoids straining. Buy a small stool or use a wood box for your feet while sitting on the toilet. This squatting position has proven to help pass stools with less stress on the body, and this can be seen in areas around the world where cultures who squat simply do not have the issues with hemorrhoids that the people of the Western world have.
Ice can be used to reduce hemorrhoid pain. Anyone that has ever suffered with them will attest to the discomfort and pain they can cause. An ice pack can reduce both pain and swelling. Every 10 minutes or so, switch the cold compress with a warm, moist heat source. A very effective approach, in fact, is the use of a warm bath alternated with cold compresses or ice packs.
Eating whole wheat bread can ease your hemorrhoids. Whole grains are also less likely to irritate your skin. Make the choice of healthy, high fiber, whole grain bread for your next sandwich.
Understanding what hemorrhoids are is a big part of learning to manage them. Find out as much as you can about this condition. Hemorrhoids are bundles of nerves that swell and become sensitive.
Lifting items that are too heavy for you to lift can cause hemorrhoids. The strain when you lift is similar to the strain you feel when you are passing your stool. If you are having difficulty with recurring hemorrhoids, it might be advisable to avoid lifting very heavy objects at home and at work.
Drink a lot of water and eat high-fiber food to soften your bowel movements. Getting your stool softer is the best way to relieve your hemorrhoid woes. Fruits such as grapes, papaya, and watermelon help to soften and move stool. Vegetables like cabbage and okra are also good fiber foods that can help the process. Drink as much water as you can between meals to help soften your stool.
If you think you might be constipated, try taking a walk prior to going to the restroom. The physical activity of walking stimulates your body and may make it easier to have a bowel movement. Any opportunity to avoid straining, which can irritate the hemorrhoids, should be embraced. Walk for ten to fifteen minutes as briskly as you can.
Make sure you shy away from the hot foods, and from caffeine. These items will irritate your intestines, and that can devastate your hemorrhoids. Eating spicy foods even cause your hemorrhoids to get inflamed, and burn you all the time.
To relieve the pain and swelling involved with hemorrhoids, sit in a warm bath. Fill the tub with approximately six inches or more of water at a medium warm temperature. This will greatly reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoidal flareups. Lift your knees into an upright position. Don't be afraid to stay in the tub until the water cools.
Relax in a nice warm bath, keeping your knees slightly elevated. Warm water will soothe the pain and inflammation of a hemorrhoid quickly and effectively. Lukewarm water should increase your blood flow, and reduce the swelling and pain. This can be repeated as frequently as you wish, and you'll experience quick relief.
Hemorrhoids that itch should never be scratched. Scratching can cause damage and lead to infections. If you have to go near the area, use a wet cloth to gently cleanse the area by patting it. The itching may be from that area being unclean, so patting using a wet cloth can help clean it and relieve some itching.
For protruding hemorrhoids, you may want to gently push them to the interior again. Make sure your hands are clean before you attempt this. If you have experienced an emerging hemorrhoid and, at least temporarily, pushed it back inside, it is important that you immediately consult with your doctor.
Do not get too worried if you see a small amount of blood inside of your stool, as this is probably a bleeding hemorrhoid. What you should do is consumer more fiber and take a stool softener so that stools are able to pass better. Firm stools will often rub against the hemorrhoid and can cause bleeding.
You should see your doctor if you think that you have hemorrhoids. Many have trouble discerning the difference between hemorrhoids and polyps, which may cause you to panic unnecessarily. If you don't know, have your doctor check it out.
Witch hazel is a great product to use for hemorrhoids. You can find this astringent at almost any mega-mart or pharmacy. The astringent property of witch hazel will help in reducing bleeding and swelling when you apply it to the affected area.
Squatting down instead of sitting as usual will make stools easier to pass and reduce hemorrhoid irritation at the same time. While it may feel a little unnatural at first, by squatting, instead of sitting, hemorrhoid pain can be avoided.
While hemorrhoids often show up unexpected and are always unwanted, there are many steps you can take for relief of pain and inflammation. The tips presented here give you some indication of the many different approaches that can be taken to treat this problem. While hemorrhoids can cure themselves, you can reduce how long it takes with proper treatment.
