Hemorrhoids, or “piles,” can occur as a result of pregnancy, poor diet, excessive straining during bowel movements, or repeated bouts of constipation. Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins that form in your rectum or anus due to pressure on that part of your body. They often swell, bleed, and itch, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Hemorrhoids are generally not a serious condition, but people on blood thinners and people with cirrhosis of the liver may experience prolonged and significant bleeding. Fortunately, there are many different methods to get rid of hemorrhoids and prevent them from returning.

Best Homeopathic Doctor for Piles

Take a sitz bath. A sitz bath is a technique in which you soak the hips and buttocks in warm water. The moist heat of a sitz bath helps soothe hemorrhoids and relieves some of the painful/itchy sensations.

• You can use a shallow bath, or a special device that fits over the toilet seat.
• Soak the anal region in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times daily for fast, effective relief.

Use wet wipes. If you’re experiencing hemorrhoids, dry toilet paper can scratch and tear at already swollen, inflamed veins. Instead of toilet paper, use unscented baby wipes or flushable wipes instead.

• Make sure you use wipes without fragrance or alcohol, as these may irritate hemorrhoids.

Apply a cold compress. Because hemorrhoids are caused by swollen, inflamed veins, an ice pack or cold compress can help reduce inflammation by slowing blood flow to the site of the hemorrhoid. Seal an ice pack or cold compress in a plastic sandwich bag and apply to the anus for fast relief.

• Do not use an ice pack or cold compress for longer than 20 minutes at a time. Remove the ice pack for at least 10 minutes before reapplying as needed.

Practice good hygiene. One of the best things you can do to care for hemorrhoids is to keep the anal area clean. Bathe or shower daily, and clean the skin in and around the anus with a gentle stream of warm water. You may do this with or without soap, but soap may irritate the hemorrhoids.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence

Avoid straining during bowel movements. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is excessive straining while going to the bathroom. This may be caused by constipation, or by chronic diarrhea associated with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. It can also be caused by simply sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time, due to outside distractions like reading or playing on a smartphone.

• Do not sit on the toilet for longer than necessary.
• Try elevating your feet slightly while sitting on the toilet. This may help facilitate a less-strenuous bowel movement.
• Constipation is a side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, so talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking and if you can switch to something less likely to cause constipation.

Respond to bowel urges. If you are prone to hemorrhoids, it’s important that you use the restroom immediately when you feel the need. Putting off a bowel movement or waiting for a “more convenient” time can cause constipation and painful bowel movements, which can cause hemorrhoids or aggravate existing ones.

Change your diet. If you experience frequent hemorrhoids, changing your diet may help you prevent future recurrence of hemorrhoids. Eating the right foods, and avoiding harmful food/beverages, can help regulate your bowel movements and reduce the chances of constipation.

• Add fiber to your diet. Good sources of fiber include fruit, vegetables, whole wheat pasta and bread, wholegrain rice, seeds, nuts, and oats.
• Try a fiber supplement. Fiber supplement sources include psyllium husk, wheat dextrin, and methylcellulose. Taking daily supplements can help ensure you get 20 to 30 grams of fiber every day.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water each day can help you regulate your bowel movements and reduce the chances of constipation. Aim for six to eight glasses each day.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can affect your bowel movements.
• Try a stool softener. You can make a simple stool softener by adding one tablespoon (14.79 ml) of mineral oil to a soft food like applesauce or yogurt. Eat the stool softener with one of your meals, but do not consume this recipe for extended periods of time.

Exercise and lose weight. Being overweight can be a major contributor to hemorrhoids, as additional weight puts pressure on your veins. Physical activity itself can also help reduce the incidence of constipation.

Seeking Medical Assistance

Know when to see a doctor. Hemorrhoids are highly treatable and generally harmless; however, they may cause complications in some people. If you are experiencing complications associated with hemorrhoids, or if your condition does not improve after about a week with over-the-counter treatments, see a doctor immediately.

• Blood in your stool may indicate hemorrhoids, but it may also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem. If you find blood in your stool, contact your doctor and set up an appointment as soon as possible.
• Chronic and prolonged blood loss caused by hemorrhoids can lead to anemia in some people. Anemia results from a loss of red blood cells, which restricts your body’s ability to carry oxygen to your cells. Symptoms of anemia include weakness and chronic fatigue.
• If your body’s blood flow to a hemorrhoid is suddenly cut off, it can lead to a condition known as strangulated hemorrhoids. Strangulated hemorrhoids are extremely painful and may result in necrosis (tissue death) and gangrene.