Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on September 10, 2022
Introduction | Symptoms | Causes | Prevention | Treatment
Hemorrhoids are the most prevalent ailments that can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Around 10 million people report incidences of hemorrhoids in the 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, it is easy to treat hemorrhoids. You can also learn how to treat hemorrhoids at home by using basic home remedies.
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend upon their location. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum and cannot be seen or felt. However, if the surface of the 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 blood pools inside the external hemorrhoid, forming a blood clot (thrombus) and results in severe pain, swelling, inflammation. This hard lump around the anus can be extremely painful and may need to be surgically removed.
Hemorrhoids or piles can develop due to increased pressure in the anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissue supporting the veins in the 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:
Hemorrhoids rarely cause complications. The complications due to hemorrhoids are:
Below remedies can help prevent hemorrhoids and reduce the risk of reoccurrence:
There are a variety of natural hemorrhoid treatments that can relieve pain, swelling, itching, and inflammation at home. Often these home treatments prove sufficient and hemorrhoids go away within a few days. Always consult your doctor in case you have severe pain and bleeding. Follow these quick tips for effective treatment of piles at home:
Apply hemorrhoid creams or ointments that can stop the itching. Topical analgesics such as Sombra can also provide external hemorrhoid pain relief through pain gate theory and cold therapy. Pain-Relieving Gel that is most suitable for acute conditions or injuries. The gel is beneficial in relieving minor backaches and muscle and joint pains that may be a result of arthritis, strains, or bruises. It has a quick absorption formula and you need not worry about staining your clothes. Many people find the smell of topicals unbearable, and thus, refrain from using them. Sombra provides the patient with an ointment that has a cool, refreshing lemon scent. This gel is perfect for post-exercise cool down. If you are alcohol intolerant this gel is the best option for you to go with as it contains no alcohol at all.
Although topical ointments are a relatively safe way of treating hemorrhoids, there are certain things that need to be kept in mind.
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.
Drive Sitz Bath is lightweight, durable, and easy-to-clean. It is a useful tool to relieve pain and swelling caused by surgery, trauma, or infection of the perineum area. Also, it comes with a bag and tubing for irrigation and cleaning. You can use warm and cool water for alternating therapy Bags. The capacity: 2.1 US quarts non-kink tubing length: 60" 152.4cm) Basin capacity: 2 US Quarts (1.9L).
Another sitz bath set is Graham-Field Grafco Sitz Bath, ideal for hemorrhoid treatment and other complications related to the anal and genital area. It is the best option to soothe the perineal region after an episiotomy. The complete product contains a graduated water bag and tubing, with a basin capacity of 2 US quarts.
Similarly, Carex Sitz Bath Set is a simple portable bath device that offers comfort with warm soothing water to the perineal area following childbirth, post-operatively, or certain female operations. The vented bowl helps prevent accidental overflow. It can be used for the treatment of hemorrhoids and other conditions in the anal and genital areas and especially after an episiotomy.
The set consists of a - 2000cc Graduated bag, 60" Kink resistant tubing, a Shut-off clamp, and an instruction booklet. Carex Sitz Bath Set has wide contoured edges for comfort. Subsequently, it comes with on/off flow control and fits standard toilets.
Excessive use of coarse toilet paper can lead to skin-related problems. In fact, the skin in the perineal region is immensely delicate and thus needs extra care and protection. Also, it is important to keep the anal area clean and hygienic after bowel movements, therefore one should always use moist towelettes, wipes, or wet toilet paper which is perfume and alcohol-free. Avoid rubbing soap or dry toilet paper over hemorrhoids. It is recommended to use wipes containing aloe vera or witch hazel for hemorrhoids.
Medline NatureSoft Flushable Cleansing Dry Wipes breaks down in 15 turns. Its plumbing-safe design does not contribute to clogging, entanglement, and obstruction of pipes. If you are inclined towards environmentally-friendly products these wipes are for you. Also, these eco-friendly wipes are biodegradable. Medline NatureSoft Flushable Cleansing Dry Wipes are gentle to the touch but tough enough for all cleaning needs.
The Abena Pre-Moistened Cleansing Wipes are apt for adults having hemorrhoids. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E in ample amounts that help in soothing and providing moisture to your irritated skin. The textured washcloth has a pleasant fragrance, it is hypoallergenic and is dermatologically proven too. Additionally, it does not contain alcohol and has a shelf life of 24 months.
Similarly, the Medline FitRight Personal Cleansing Wipes is another option to try. It is an alcohol and latex-free product that makes your skin soft and moisturized while keeping skin infections at bay. Subsequently, to ensure good hygiene these wipes are manufactured for single patient use to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. The absorbent material used is Spun lace and the area of application is perineal.
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 Sammons Preston Black Polyurethane X-Tra Durable Cold Packs are constructed with a highly durable polyurethane material that allows it to have a longer shelf life and also helps it resist bursting. Unlike normal ice packs that can burst after a few uses, these cold packs can be used hundreds of times while still holding their temperature (for up to 30 minutes). Cooling comfort from cold therapy also provides soothing relief from itching caused by hemorrhoids.
One more option to go for is the Sammons Preston Cold Pacs. These are re-freezable and come in different sizes and variants. Additionally, the pliable cold therapy packs can hold the temperature for at least 30 minutes. Also, it is safe for those having latex allergies as it is completely latex-free. One of the major reasons why people with hemorrhoids buy these packs. Its affordable pricing is an added benefit for the user.
Cara Cold Therapy English Ice Bag has new durable waterproof fabric electra mechanically sealed. It is used for the treatment of muscle strains and sprains and is latex free. It is designed to help aid comfort and alleviate fever symptoms or aches and swelling. It has a 9-inch diameter that fluffs out for wide coverage. It contains dry natural rubber and is made to rest easily in a variety of places on the body, including the head.
Stool softeners or laxatives can help alleviate constipation, reduce stool mass, and make bowel movements quick and painless. You can also try laxative enema to stimulate bowel movements. Bayer MiraLAX Laxative Powder For Solution activates water to work in 3 ways by hydrating, easing, and softening to unblock the GI system (colon). It works naturally with the body for a gentle predictable relief from occasional constipation. The powder dissolves easily in four to eight ounces of water, fruit juice, or any other beverage. There is no taste, no grit, just gentle relief without causing harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, or sudden urgency.
Fleet Saline Laxative Enema works by drawing water into the colon which helps produce a bowel movement. This latex-free enema provides a soft stool mass and increases bowel action. A bowel movement should be stimulated in one to five minutes, without pain or spasm. Ideal for bowel cleansing before undergoing a rectal examination.
Good sense Milk of Magnesia Saline Laxative Original Flavor Liquid is an antacid that helps in relieving heartburn, upset stomach, constipation, and bowel irregularity. It is gentle dependable and provides overnight relief within 30 minutes to six hours. This sugar-free saline laxative contains very low sodium and 400mg magnesium hydroxide as the active ingredient.
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 Foam Invalid Ring Cushion is helpful for those suffering from hemorrhoids. The Invalid Ring Cushion conforms to natural body contours and directs the pressures of sitting away from the perineal area, distributing it to the buttocks and thighs.
Carex Swivel Ring Cushion reduces the hassle of getting in and out of cars and has all the benefits of a ring cushion. It has a non-skid base which prevents the cushion from moving out of place. It reduces pressure on the tailbone and spine and diminishes the risk of a strained back, knees, or hips. It is great for pregnant women, new mothers, post-surgical care, hemorrhoid sufferers, and those with an inflamed coccyx or prostate discomfort.
Hermell Foam Comfort Ring with a White Polycotton Cover is a Softeze foam comfort ring designed to relieve pressure on sensitive areas, useful for hemorrhoid sufferers and new mothers. Can be on any seating surface to provide optimal seating comfort. It is made from high compression molded foam and features a removable washable cover. Comes with an attractive, removable, machine-washable polyester cotton cover.
Squatting is the best sitting position for hemorrhoids as it prevents excessive straining and damage to the anal region while on the toilet. Due to the 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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Hunaid Germanwala is digital marketer and content creator at Health Products For You since 2014. He has an MS from Ulm University in ...
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