About Hemorrhoid Pain
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the anal canal as a result of pressure. This pressure, or force, is placed on the anal canal during the elimination of stool from the body. Stool that is hard and large is particularly hard to pass. As such, force is needed to push the stool through the anal canal for excretion. The application of force can result in the formation of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may develop internally or externally, and internal hemorrhoids tend to be more painful.
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Swelling
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Hemorrhoids can be quite painful. It can be extremely uncomfortable to stand, walk or even sit. Sitting on a pad or cushion might be more comfortable in mild cases. However, it hurts to sit down on anything when there is significant swelling of hemorrhoids because the direct contact of the seat with the swollen area causes pressure. As such, sufferers may have to sit on an inflatable device that is donut-shaped with an opening similar to a toilet bowl.
Burning
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When hemorrhoids develop, they are typically inflamed, resulting in a burning sensation that can also be rather painful. In order to soothe the infected area, submersion in water is needed, accomplished by taking a sitz bath. Lukewarm water should be used to fill a bathtub or a basin specifically designed to fit the toilet bowl. After 15 minutes of sitting, the area should be thoroughly soaked and less irritated. This can be done several times per day to reduce burning as well as swelling.
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Itching
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Sufferers of hemorrhoids also tend to experience itchiness. In order to relieve itchiness, a topical substance must be applied. This can be a problem since touching the affected area may result in increased pain. Hydrocortisone can be applied to both internal and external hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhoids, a suppository is needed. It is inserted directly into the rectum and takes about an hour to be absorbed. External hemorrhoids can be treated by applying a hemorrhoid cream, such as Preparation-H, directly on them.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
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Hemorrhoid pain can be severe enough to require the use of pain medications. Symptoms tend to flare up after the passage of stool, especially when constipated. Over-the-counter medications that include ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate the pain. Motrin, which contains ibuprofen, and Tylenol or Aleve, which contain acetaminophen, are popular over the counter medications that can be purchased at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Aspirin, such as Bayer, can also be used to relieve pain.
Prevention
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Constipation is the most common cause of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are also more common among pregnant women and the elderly. Painful symptoms of hemorrhoids typically go away on their own. Increased exercise is good way to prevent constipation. Also, changes in diet such as drinking six to eight glasses of water daily and increasing fiber intake help to prevent the dry, hard stools associated with constipation. Fruits and vegetables as well as supplements such as Citrucel or Benefiber are good sources of fiber.
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