Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition causes pain, discomfort, itching, and bleeding around the anal region, making it difficult for people to carry out their regular lifestyles.
Although hemorrhoids are not life-threatening, they can cause distress and discomfort to an individual, reducing their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. In this article, we have compiled tips from two doctors to help you get rid of hemorrhoids fast and effectively.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Before we discuss the tips to get rid of hemorrhoids fast, it is essential to understand what hemorrhoids are and their causes.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that occur due to increased pressure or straining during bowel movements. The condition can cause itching, pain, and discomfort around the affected area, making it difficult to pass stool.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:.
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Pain or discomfort around the anus region
- Itching and irritation around the anus region
- Swelling around the anus region
- A lump around the anus region
Tips from Doctor 1: Change your diet
One of the main causes of hemorrhoids is constipation, which can be due to low fiber intake. Therefore, a change in your diet can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Ensure that you incorporate foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Fiber makes the stool soft and bulky, making it easy for you to pass stool without straining; thus, reducing the chances of hemorrhoids.
Additionally, it is essential to avoid foods that can cause constipation, such as processed foods, dairy products, and red meat.
Such foods are low in fiber and can lead to a buildup of fecal matter in the colon, leading to constipation and hemorrhoids.
Tips from Doctor 2: Use a sitz bath
Another effective way to get rid of hemorrhoids is by using sitz baths. Sitz baths involve sitting in warm water for about 15 minutes several times daily.
The warm water helps to relieve pain and itching around the anal region and also promotes healing of the hemorrhoids.
You can add some Epsom salt to the warm water to reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected area. Additionally, you can use a sitz bath after bowel movements to ensure that the anal area is clean and dry.
Tips from Doctor 1: Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential in preventing hemorrhoids. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep the stool soft, making it easy to pass stool without straining.
It also allows the colon to work efficiently, thus reducing the chances of hemorrhoids.
Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps to prevent constipation, which is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Experts recommend that you drink at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain good hydration levels.
Tips from Doctor 2: Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is essential in preventing hemorrhoids. Exercising helps to improve blood circulation in the body, including the anal region, reducing the chances of developing hemorrhoids.
Additionally, regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on the rectum and anus, thus reducing the chances of hemorrhoids.
Experts recommend that you engage in moderate exercise such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming for at least 30 minutes daily to maintain good health.
Tips from Doctor 1: Treat constipation immediately
Constipation is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is essential to treat constipation immediately to prevent hemorrhoids from occurring.
You can treat constipation by eating foods rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.
Additionally, you can use over-the-counter stool softeners and laxatives to help alleviate constipation. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using any laxative to ensure that you receive the correct dosage.
Tips from Doctor 2: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
Sitting or standing for long periods can put pressure on the rectum and anus, leading to hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is essential to avoid sitting or standing for long periods. If you have a desk job, try to take breaks and walk around after every hour.
Additionally, use a cushion or pillow to sit on to help relieve pressure around the anal region.
If you stand for long periods, ensure that you take breaks and move around to improve blood circulation in the body.
Additionally, wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels or tight shoes, which can cause blood to pool around the veins in the feet and legs, increasing the chances of hemorrhoids.
Tips from Doctor 1: Use over-the-counter creams and ointments
You can get relief from the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids by using over-the-counter creams and ointments.
Such creams and ointments contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel, which help to reduce the inflammation and itching around the affected area.
It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using such creams and ointments to prevent further irritation of the area.
Tips from Doctor 2: Avoid straining during bowel movements
Straining during bowel movements is a leading cause of hemorrhoids; therefore, it is essential to avoid straining.
You can avoid straining by eating foods rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and using over-the-counter stool softeners and laxatives.
Additionally, it is essential to visit the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to pass stool to avoid the stool from becoming hard and difficult to pass.
Finally, do not spend too much time in the toilet, which can increase pressure around the anal region, leading to hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, you can get relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition by following the tips discussed in this article.
Remember to consult a healthcare provider if your hemorrhoids do not improve with home remedies or if you experience severe pain or bleeding.