Hemorrhoids, however small, can be a source of uncomfortable days and sleepless nights. They are swollen blood vessels either in the rectum or in and around the anus that are itchy, painful, and may even bleed. Therefore, if you have the misfortune of suffering from them, you must be looking to cure them as fast as you possibly can. Look no further because this article is going to give you a myriad of solutions you can choose from to achieve a hemorrhoids-free life.
There are two major types of hemorrhoids; internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are those located on the lower part of the rectum while external hemorrhoids are the ones found on the skin of the anus.
While external hemorrhoids can easily be detected because they are painful, itchy, and make sitting and passing stool uncomfortable, internal hemorrhoids can go unnoticed. Painless rectal bleeding is the main symptom that may hint at their presence. However, you have to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor because the bleeding could also be a symptom of another serious disease like colorectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids develop when the veins of the rectum and anus are put under excessive pressure such that proper blood circulation in them is hindered. They, therefore, become engorged with blood. This can happen due to several reasons:
Chronic Constipation
Constipation refers to difficulty in passing stool which usually comes out hard and dry. It’s referred to as chronic constipation when the frequency of passing stool is less than three times a week. Chronic constipation puts great strain on the blood vessels in the rectum and anus so they may swell.
Chronic Diarrhea
Frequent diarrhea also strains the blood vessels in the anal and rectal region so hemorrhoids are likely to develop as a result. Diarrhea also requires frequent wiping so the anus becomes raw and inflamed.
Aging
With age comes the wearing out of tissues and muscles all over the body. Thus, the muscles and tissue in the rectum and anus weaken and when they’re strained, hemorrhoids easily form. That is why half of the people between 45-65 years have hemorrhoids.
Strenuous Activity
When you often lift heavy objects or lift weights in the gym, you are unwittingly straining the veins of your rectum and anus. Therefore, you may develop hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy and Delivery
The weight of a fetus, especially in the third trimester rests on the inferior vena cava and hinders proper blood flow from the lower regions of the body to the heart. This is why pregnant women often have swollen legs and hemorrhoids.
The imbalance of hormones during pregnancy also causes the unusual swelling of blood vessels in the body. Vaginal delivery is very strenuous on the muscles of the anus and rectum. Therefore, new mothers often develop hemorrhoids after childbirth.
Being Overweight or Obese
When you’re overweight or obese, it places a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in the lower regions of the body. Hemorrhoids are, therefore, more likely to form in overweight or obese people than people with normal weight.
With small hemorrhoids, you don’t have to go to a doctor to have a procedure done for them to be removed. You can treat them yourself using simple home remedies and they’ll be gone in a matter of days or weeks. Some can even disappear on their own without any intervention.
However, if you want to reduce the symptoms immediately, here are some pointers of what you can do:
Sitz Bath
You can buy a sitz bath to fit over your toilet so you can sit in warm water after moving your bowels. This improves the circulation in the anus and rectum so the inflammation, pain, and irritation are eventually reduced.
Aloe Vera
Extract aloe vera gel from a fresh leaf and apply it to the hemorrhoids. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory agent so it will reduce swelling, inflammation, and itchiness.
Ice Pack
Ice is often used on injuries like sprains to reduce swelling and pain. This is because it constricts the blood vessels in the area it’s placed. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and place it on the hemorrhoids for about 15 minutes and the symptoms will be relieved.
Over-the-counter Solutions
Pharmacies have creams, gels, wipes, suppositories, and sprays made from compounds like witch hazel and hydrocortisone which are anti-inflammatory. You can use them on hemorrhoids to reduce the pain, inflammation, bleeding, and irritation.
You can avoid getting hemorrhoids if you take these precautions:
Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet
Fiber is very good at preventing constipation because it adds to the bulk of the stool and softens it. Foods rich in fiber that you should eat to prevent hemorrhoids include wholemeal grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Don’t Strain in the Toilet
When you force yourself to pass stool, it puts too much strain on the blood vessels of the rectum and anus so hemorrhoids may develop. Wait for the natural urge to pass stool so that it comes out easily. You shouldn’t also delay going to move your bowels because the stool will harden and become difficult to pass.
Exercise Regularly
When you’re active, it speeds along the digestion and excretion process so stool doesn’t get time to harden and cause constipation.
Stay Hydrated
Water helps the fiber in softening stool so drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent hemorrhoids.
Minor hemorrhoids are not minor at all; they can bring you untold misery and make everyday activities like sitting a nightmare. Lucky for you, they are treatable and preventable using the above-recommended remedies and prevention measures. So start your journey to a hemorrhoids-free life today!
