Depending on the location of your hemorrhoids, you may experience different symptoms, and in varying severity. Internal hemorrhoids are often asymptomatic except for blood stained stools. However, external hemorrhoids can be very painful, and are often very itchy. This article can help to give you more information about this condition.
If you are prone to developing external hemorrhoids, it may be time to take a closer look at your bathroom hygiene. Choose soft toilet papers that do not leave paper or residue, and use moistened wipes after every bowel movement.
Ice Pack
Are you aware of the fact that there are a few products in your kitchen which can aid in relieving some of the commonly associated symptoms of hemorrhoids? A good home remedy is using an ice pack. A cold compress like an ice pack will dissipate swelling and help to get rid of the lingering pain. An ice pack positioned directly over your hemorrhoids can also help to reduce inflammation.
Hemorrhoids are often caused by the overexertion of sphincter muscles. For this reason, you should take care not to strain excessively during bowel movements, and you should also take steps to strengthen and tone your muscles overall for better health and strength.
Go around the block a few times before going to the bathroom if you think you are constipated. This can prepare your body for your next bowel movement. This is a good way to reduce the strain you put on your hemorrhoids. Try to walk for 10-15 minutes, as briskly as possible.
Go see your doctor to make sure you have hemorrhoids. Blood in your stools, or from the rectum, could be sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer. Get diagnosed to know exactly what you are dealing with. If you doctor confirms that you are suffering from hemorrhoids, he or she can advise you about the treatment options.
Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated. When your body does not get enough water, it pulls excess water from you stool. This could cause the stool to become hard, which will cause a lot of pain when you go to use the restroom. You can avoid the potentially excruciating condition of dehydration and even hemorrhoids by taking in a steady supply of water.
If the pain and inflammation is becoming severe, soak in a bathtub filled with warm water whenever possible. This will increase the amount of blood flowing to the area and can reduce the pain and discomfort. Try to sit straight with your knees bent. Allow time until the water cools a tad.
If you are dealing with painful hemorrhoids, then you should think about purchasing a donut cushion. These cushions have a hollowed out center that prevents pressure on hemorrhoids. You sit on this cushion, and you will then be much more comfortable and relaxed than just sitting elsewhere without the added cushioning.
Sit in a warm bath while keeping your knees elevated. Water around your hemorrhoids helps to relive the pain and inflammation. Warm water helps blood flow to irritated areas quickly, and helps reduce swelling and pain. This can be repeated as frequently as you wish, and you'll experience quick relief.
An excellent tip for avoiding hemorrhoids injuries is to attempt to easily push them back into the anus. If your hemorrhoids have not expanded too much, they should fit inside. This prevents you from rubbing them on your clothing when you sit and keeps them from being injured. If they are too big or already injured, don't do this.
Regardless of whether or not your hemorrhoids itch, do not scratch them. Scratching can lead to infections, and can cause serious damage to the area. If you can no longer take the itching, use a wet cloth to gently cleanse the area. One source of hemorrhoid itching is dirt, so this method may clean the area enough to reduce the amount of itching.
You could reduce the chance of hemorrhoids by exercising your anus. Not exercising the muscles in the anus can restrict blood flow, which could possibly cause hemorrhoids. Multiple times throughout the day, trying flexing your anal muscles and releasing after five seconds.
If there is a small amount of blood contained in your stool, don't panic just yet, as this is a normal symptom of a hemorrhoid. This just means you should eat some more fiber, or take a softener so that the stool can pass easier. The bleeding is most likely occuring because your stools are too hard, and they are aggravating the hemorrhoid as they pass through.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel works great against hemorrhoids. You can buy witch hazel at a variety of pharmacies and supermarkets. When the witch hazel is applied to the affected area, the astringent effect helps to reduce swelling and bleeding.
If you would like to lessen the pain that comes with hemorrhoids and maybe even reduce the swollen veins associated with them, include Vitamin A as part of your diet. Carrots are full of this helpful vitamin. Eat a lot of carrots, or drink carrot juice, and you may get hemorrhoid relief.
The symptoms of hemorrhoids were covered at the beginning of this article. External and internal hemorrhoids can produce different symptoms and levels of pain and can be easy to tell apart because of this. By following the advice of this article, you can learn more about prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.