How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

2018-08-21

how

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum. They can be caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, childbirth, and obesity. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, itching, and bleeding. In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies. However, if they are severe, surgery may be necessary.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and natural remedies for hemorrhoids. We will also provide tips on how to prevent hemorrhoids from developing.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. While most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies, some cases may require surgery. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment option for you.

how to get rid of hemorrhoids

Here are 8 important tips on how to get rid of hemorrhoids:

Increase fiber intake
Drink plenty of water
Avoid straining during bowel movements
Use over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppositories
Take warm baths
Apply cold compress
Sitz bath
Healthy lifestyle

If home remedies do not provide relief, consult a doctor.

Increase fiber intake

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. It helps to keep your bowels moving smoothly and prevents constipation, which can be a major cause of hemorrhoids. Fiber also helps to bulk up your stool, making it easier to pass. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Aim to eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day. If you are not used to eating a lot of fiber, start slowly and increase your intake gradually to avoid gas and bloating. You can also take fiber supplements if you have difficulty getting enough fiber from your diet.

In addition to preventing constipation, fiber can also help to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Fiber helps to soften the stool, making it easier to pass without straining. This can help to reduce pain and bleeding. Fiber can also help to reduce the size of hemorrhoids.

If you are experiencing hemorrhoids, increasing your fiber intake is a simple and effective way to help relieve your symptoms and prevent them from coming back.

Here are some tips for increasing your fiber intake:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least five servings per day.
Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, while refined grains are not.
Add beans, lentils, and other legumes to your meals.
Snack on nuts and seeds.
If you have difficulty getting enough fiber from your diet, you can also take fiber supplements.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, and it can also help to prevent and treat hemorrhoids.

Water helps to soften the stool. When you are dehydrated, your stool becomes hard and dry, which can make it difficult to pass. This can lead to constipation and straining, which can aggravate hemorrhoids.
Water helps to keep the anal area clean. When you drink plenty of water, you urinate more frequently. This helps to flush out bacteria and other irritants from the anal area, which can help to prevent and treat hemorrhoids.
Water helps to reduce inflammation. Hemorrhoids are often inflamed, and drinking plenty of water can help to reduce inflammation. This can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
Water helps to improve overall health. Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, and it can help to improve your immune system and overall well-being. This can help to prevent hemorrhoids from developing in the first place.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you are exercising or sweating a lot, you may need to drink more. You can also drink other fluids, such as herbal tea or fruit juice, but water is the best choice.

Avoid straining during bowel movements

Straining during bowel movements is a major cause of hemorrhoids. When you strain, you increase the pressure in the veins in your anus and rectum. This can cause the veins to swell and become hemorrhoids.

There are a few things you can do to avoid straining during bowel movements:

Make sure you are getting enough fiber in your diet. Fiber helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Drink plenty of water. Water also helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Don't ignore the urge to go to the bathroom. When you need to go, go. Don't wait until you are desperate to go, as this will make it more likely that you will strain.
Take your time on the toilet. Don't rush yourself. Give your body time to pass the stool without straining.
Use a stool to prop your feet up. This can help to align your rectum and make it easier to pass the stool.
If you have difficulty passing the stool, you can try using a laxative. However, laxatives should only be used as a last resort. Talk to your doctor before using a laxative.

If you are experiencing hemorrhoids, avoiding straining during bowel movements is essential for preventing them from getting worse. By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids and relieve your symptoms if you already have them.

If you are struggling to avoid straining during bowel movements, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other strategies that can help you.

Use over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppositories

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories can be effective in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids. These products typically contain ingredients that help to relieve pain, itching, and inflammation.

Pain relievers. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories often contain pain relievers, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. These ingredients can help to numb the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories may also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as hydrocortisone. These ingredients can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Astringents. Some over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories contain astringents, such as witch hazel. Astringents can help to shrink hemorrhoids and reduce bleeding.
Protectants. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and suppositories may also contain protectants, such as petroleum jelly. Protectants can help to soothe and protect the irritated skin around the anus.

When choosing an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository, read the label carefully to make sure that it is right for you. Some products are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with certain medical conditions. You should also talk to your doctor before using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository if you have severe hemorrhoids or if your symptoms do not improve after a week of use.

Take warm baths

Taking warm baths can be a soothing and effective way to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. The warm water can help to relax the muscles around the anus and reduce pain and inflammation.

To take a warm bath for hemorrhoids, follow these steps:

Fill a bathtub with warm water. The water should be warm, but not hot.
Add Epsom salt or sea salt to the water. These salts can help to soothe and heal the irritated skin around the anus.
Sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes. Relax and let the warm water soothe your hemorrhoids.
After 10-15 minutes, gently pat the area around your anus dry with a soft towel.

You can take a warm bath for hemorrhoids several times a day, or as needed to relieve your symptoms.

In addition to taking warm baths, you can also use a warm compress to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. To make a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and apply it to the area around your anus. Hold the compress in place for 10-15 minutes.

Warm baths and compresses can be a helpful way to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor.

Here are some additional tips for taking a warm bath for hemorrhoids:

Make sure the water is not too hot. Hot water can irritate hemorrhoids and make them worse.
Do not add soap or other harsh chemicals to the water. These chemicals can also irritate hemorrhoids.
Pat the area around your anus dry with a soft towel after taking a bath. Rubbing the area can irritate hemorrhoids.
Avoid taking long baths. Long baths can dry out your skin and make hemorrhoids worse.

Apply cold compress

Applying a cold compress to the area around your anus can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Cold compresses can be especially helpful if you have external hemorrhoids.

To apply a cold compress to hemorrhoids, follow these steps:

Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel.
Apply the cold compress to the area around your anus for 10-15 minutes.
Repeat as needed to relieve your symptoms.

You can also use a cold compress to relieve the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. To do this, soak a cotton ball in cold water and insert it into your anus. Hold the cotton ball in place for 10-15 minutes.

Cold compresses can be a helpful way to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor.

Here are some additional tips for applying a cold compress to hemorrhoids:

Do not apply a cold compress directly to your skin. Always wrap the compress in a thin towel.
Do not apply a cold compress for more than 20 minutes at a time. Applying a cold compress for too long can damage your skin.
If you have any open wounds or sores in the area around your anus, do not apply a cold compress.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before applying a cold compress to your hemorrhoids.

Sitz bath

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that you sit in. Sitz baths can help to relieve the pain, itching, and inflammation of hemorrhoids. They can also help to clean the area around the anus and reduce the risk of infection.

Sitz baths are easy to do at home. To take a sitz bath, follow these steps:

Fill a bathtub or sink with warm water. The water should be warm, but not hot.
Add Epsom salt or sea salt to the water. These salts can help to soothe and heal the irritated skin around the anus.
Sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes. Relax and let the warm water soothe your hemorrhoids.
After 10-15 minutes, gently pat the area around your anus dry with a soft towel.

You can take a sitz bath several times a day, or as needed to relieve your symptoms.

Sitz baths can also be done with a sitz bath basin. A sitz bath basin is a small, plastic basin that fits over the toilet bowl. To use a sitz bath basin, follow these steps:

Fill the basin with warm water.
Add Epsom salt or sea salt to the water.
Sit on the toilet with the basin in place.
Relax and let the warm water soothe your hemorrhoids.
After 10-15 minutes, gently pat the area around your anus dry with a soft towel.

You can use a sitz bath basin several times a day, or as needed to relieve your symptoms.

Sitz baths are generally safe for most people. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking a sitz bath if you have any of the following conditions:

Open wounds or sores in the area around your anus
A fever
Heart disease
High blood pressure

Sitz baths can be a helpful way to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor.

Healthy lifestyle

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help to prevent and treat hemorrhoids. These changes include:

Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, which can help to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. A healthy diet also includes lean protein and healthy fats.
Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to keep your bowels moving regularly and prevent constipation. Exercise can also help to strengthen the muscles around your anus, which can help to prevent hemorrhoids.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Losing weight can help to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids and improve your symptoms if you already have them.
Avoid straining during bowel movements. Straining during bowel movements can increase the pressure in the veins in your anus and rectum. This can cause the veins to swell and become hemorrhoids. To avoid straining, make sure you are getting enough fiber in your diet and drinking plenty of fluids. You should also take your time on the toilet and avoid rushing yourself.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help to prevent and treat hemorrhoids. If you are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor. They can recommend other treatments that can help to relieve your symptoms.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of hemorrhoids:

Question 1: What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Answer: The symptoms of hemorrhoids can include pain, itching, bleeding, and a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement even when your bowels are empty.

Question 2: What causes hemorrhoids?

Answer: Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the veins in your anus and rectum. This can be caused by straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, or sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Question 3: How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

Answer: You can help to prevent hemorrhoids by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories.

Question 4: How can I treat hemorrhoids at home?

Answer: You can treat hemorrhoids at home by taking warm baths, applying cold compresses, using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, and taking pain relievers.

Question 5: When should I see a doctor for hemorrhoids?

Answer: You should see a doctor for hemorrhoids if your symptoms are severe, if they do not improve with home treatment, or if you have any of the following symptoms: bleeding, fever, or pain that is severe or does not go away.

Question 6: What are the treatment options for hemorrhoids?

Answer: The treatment options for hemorrhoids depend on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options include over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, prescription medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

Question 7: Can hemorrhoids be prevented?

Answer: While hemorrhoids cannot be completely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, such as eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for getting rid of hemorrhoids:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for getting rid of hemorrhoids:

Tip 1: Use witch hazel.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help to shrink hemorrhoids and relieve itching and pain. You can apply witch hazel to hemorrhoids using a cotton ball or pad.

Tip 2: Try a cold compress.

A cold compress can help to reduce pain and swelling. Apply a cold compress to hemorrhoids for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Tip 3: Take a sitz bath.

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that can help to soothe hemorrhoids. To take a sitz bath, fill a bathtub or sink with warm water and add Epsom salt or sea salt. Sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes.

Tip 4: Use a hemorrhoid donut.

A hemorrhoid donut is a cushion that can help to relieve pressure on hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid donuts can be purchased at most drugstores.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

These are just a few tips for getting rid of hemorrhoids. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with home treatment, talk to your doctor.

Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but they can be effectively treated. By following the tips in this article, you can help to relieve your symptoms and prevent hemorrhoids from coming back.

Conclusion