Hemorrhoids is the medical term for a condition characterized by swollen veins in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids can be external, when the swollen veins are visible outside of the anal canal, or internal, when the swollen veins are inside the anal canal and are invisible. Hemorrhoids are caused by excessive pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal areas. Straining to defecate, diarrhea, constipation, pregnancy, obesity are some of the most common risk factors for hemorrhoids.
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding during bowel movements, pain (even more so if the veins thrombose), itching and mucus discharge. Most cases of hemorrhoids are simple enough to warrant home remedies or treatments, but some may need expert review as they may require surgery called a hemorrhoidectomy.
In this article I will explain what you can do at home to prevent simple cases of hemorrhoids from getting worse.
1. Avoid aggravating hemorrhoids: After a bowel movement, blot the anus with a damp cloth or toilet paper soaked in detergent. Avoid rubbing the anal area. After a bowel movement, you can rinse off in the shower or a bidet. Avoid using soaps with perfumes or dyes.
2. To relieve pain and itching: An over-the-counter medication like aspirin or acetaminophen can help you manage pain. Apply ice packs for 10 minutes, followed by a warm compress for another 10 minutes. Repeat this as many times as possible in a day. You can even fill the bathtub with warm water just enough to cover the anal area and sit in it 3-4 times a day (SITTING BATH).
3. Comfort First: A day or more of bed rest to take the pressure off the inflamed and irritated veins is a good help. If you are pregnant, try sleeping on your sides. If you’re not pregnant, it’s also a good idea to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under your hips. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Don’t sit or stand for long periods of time when the hemorrhoids are inflamed. Wear cotton underwear to prevent moisture build-up in the anal area, and loose-fitting clothing will help relieve pressure on the anal area.
And of course, always try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with an active exercise program, avoid straining your bowel movements, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and try to reduce your weight to prevent hemorrhoids from forming in the first place.
Thanks to Rajgopal V Iyer
