How to Treat Hemorrhoids (Piles) Naturally At Home?

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins around the anus or at the lower rectum. The condition is similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids commonly result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on anus veins during pregnancy or due to sexual intercourse. Hemorrhoids can be classified as internal hemorrhoids (present inside the anus or rectum) and external hemorrhoids (present outside of the anus) based on its location inside the rectum. External hemorrhoids are the most common type. They can cause pain, itching, bleeding and difficulty sitting.

Hemorrhoids are the most prevalent ailments that can have significant impact on the quality of life. Around 10 million people report incidence of hemorrhoids in USA each year. Both men and women experience hemorrhoids at the same rate. About half of the adult population experiences the symptoms of hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50. Although hemorrhoids cause pain and discomfort, they are usually not a life-threatening condition. With proper care and lifestyle changes they often go away on their own.

What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend upon their location. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

1. Formation of a lump and swelling around anus
2. Painful lump near the anus which is sensitive to touch
3. Itching and discomfort around anus
4. Bleeding during bowel movements
5. Discharge of mucus during bowel movements
6. Pain in anal region during sneezing or coughing
    

Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum and cannot be seen or felt. However if the surface of hemorrhoid is damaged due to straining, it might cause bleeding. Occasionally, internal hemorrhoids are pushed out through the anal opening due to excessive straining. This creates a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid which can be painful.

Sometimes the blood pool is formed inside an external hemorrhoid. The blood clot (thrombus) results in severe pain, swelling, inflammation. This hard lump around the anus can be extremely painful and need to be surgically removed.

What causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or piles can develop due to increased pressure in the anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissues supporting the veins in anus and lower rectum become weak and stretch. They are known to become more prevalent with age. Though the exact cause of Hemorrhoids is unknown, they can occur due to:

• Excessive straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy and child birth
• Sitting or squatting for long periods of time
• Complications due to chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Low-fiber diet
• Obesity
• Anal intercourse
• Genetics or family history
• Consistently lifting of heavy weights

What are the complications of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids rarely cause complications. The complications due to hemorrhoids are:

• Anemia - Excessive blood loss from hemorrhoids which results in lack of healthy red blood cells to circulate oxygen.
• Strangulated Hemorrhoid - Painful condition due to cessation of blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid.

How to prevent Hemorrhoids (Piles)?

Below remedies can help prevent hemorrhoids and reduce the risk of reoccurrence:

1. Eat high-fiber diet - Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, pears, carrots, buckwheat and bran in your diet. A high fiber diet softens the stool, reduces gas problems and helps you avoid the straining that can potentially cause hemorrhoids.
2. Avoid Dehydration - Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic liquids every day.
3. Don't strain or hold bowel movements - Avoid any activity which creates great pressure at the lower rectum. Don’t strain or hold your breath during bowel movements. Go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge.
4. Stay Active - Exercise daily to prevent hemorrhoids. It will also help you shed excess weight which can contribute in development of hemorrhoids. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Cardio and light weight exercises such as yoga, jogging, swimming, stretching, and cycling are the best.
5. Don’t sit or squat for long periods - Avoid sitting for too long, especially on the toilet.
6. Maintain proper hygiene - It is crucial to keep the anal area clean. Shower and clean the skin around the anal area gently with warm water. Alcohol-based, perfumed, or rough wipes should be avoided.

How to treat Hemorrhoids naturally at home?

There are a variety of natural hemorrhoids treatments that can relieve pain, swelling, itching, and inflammation at home. Often these home treatments prove sufficient and hemorrhoids go away within few days. Always consult your doctor in case you have severe pain and bleeding. Follow the below-given quick tips for effective piles treatment at home:

1. Seek Topical Treatments

Apply hemorrhoid creams or ointments that can stop the itching. Topical analgesics such as BioTemper can also provide external hemorrhoid pain relief through pain gate theory and cold therapy.

Calmoseptine Moisture Barrier Ointment	GoodSense Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream	BioTemper Pain Relief Deep Penetrating Gel

2. Have Warm Bath or Sitz Bath

Sitz Bath is considered to be the best cure for hemorrhoids. Soak your anal region in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to minimize the pain, especially after bowel movements. Repeat the process two to three times a day for quick hemorrhoid relief. A sitz bath set fits over any standard toilet. Sitz bath sets are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.

Carex Sitz Bath Set	Graham Field Grafco Sitz Bath	Drive Sitz Bath

3. Get rid of Rough Toilet Papers

It is important to keep the anal area clean and hygienic after bowel movements. Always use moist towelettes, wipes, or wet toilet paper which is perfume and alcohol free. Avoid rubbing soap or dry toilet paper over the hemorrhoid. It is recommended to use wipes containing aloe vera or witch hazel for hemorrhoids.

Abena Soft-Care Wet Skin Cleansing Wipes	Abena Pre-Moistened Cleansing Wipes	Medline Aloetouch Personal Cleansing Wipes

4. Apply Cold Therapy

Cold therapy or cryotherapy is the time tested treatment to relieve pain and inflammation. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to help relieve hemorrhoids swelling and pain. The cooling comfort from cold therapy also provides soothing relief from itching caused by hemorrhoids.

Sammons Preston Black Cold Packs	Sammons Preston Cold Pacs	Cara Cold Therapy English Ice Bag

5. Buy Stool Softeners

Stool softeners or laxatives, can help alleviate constipation, reduce stool mass, and make bowel movements quick and painless. You can also try laxative anema to stimulate bowel movements.

Bayer MiraLAX Laxative Powder	Fleet Saline Laxative Enema	GoodSense Milk Of Magnesia

6. Try Ring Cushions and Seats for Hemorrhoids

Foam ring cushions are beneficial for those suffering from hemorrhoids and new mothers. The ring cushion adjusts to natural body contours and relieves the pressures from the perineum area and distributes it to the buttocks and thighs.

AT Surgical Invalid Ring Cushion	Carex Swivel Ring Cushion	Hermell Foam Comfort Ring

7. Squat instead of Sitting

Squatting prevents excessive straining and damage to the anal region while on toilet. Due to nature of the recto-anal angle, squatting can help to have natural bowel movements. Try Squatty Potty Ecco Toilet Stool to get the right angle and efficiency of natural squatting. It works well with all commodes and toilet heights.

If you have excessive pain, dizziness, and rectal bleeding during bowel movements, a physical examination may be required by the doctor. Medical tests can help rule out other serious conditions or diseases such as colorectal cancer and anal cancer.

 

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