How to Travel With Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids--you know the feeling. There are no pleasant words associated with hemorrhoids. Those painful, bulging blood vessels can make travel unpleasant and uncomfortable. With a few tips and help from an inflatable or foam cushion you can minimize the discomfort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sitz bath tub that fits over a toilet
• Epsom salts
• "O" ring or foam cushion

1. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet several days before traveling. Adding fiber to your diet helps soften the stools and prevents straining which causes hemorrhoids. Some sources of fiber are popcorn, fresh fruit and vegetables, oat bran, nuts and beans.
2. Apply an over-the-counter medication for hemorrhoids. Medication can help ease the pain and reduce the swelling.
3. Take a sitz bath the day before you plan to travel. A sitz bath can be done with a sitz tub fitted over the toilet or a simple bath with a few inches of water. You can add Epsom salts to assist with healing.
4. Purchase an inflatable "O" ring cushion or foam cushion from a medical-supply store.
5. Place the "O" ring cushion or foam cushion in your seat in the car or on the train or plane.
6. Sit on the "O" ring cushion or foam cushion while traveling. Make it a point to get up and walk around whenever possible during travel.

Tips & Warnings

• A cold compress or ice pack can provide relief before you travel.
• Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid straining when using the bathroom.
• If the hemorrhoids do not respond to over-the-counter medicines, begin bleeding, or the pain persists, see a physician.