How to Care for Hemmoroids
Although it can be a delicate, embarrassing health topic to discuss, hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, afflict nearly half of all adults over the age of 50, but can appear in anyone at any age. Swelling and inflammation of the veins located in the lower rectum and anus typically result from an increase of pressure on the area. Common causes of this increased pressure include pregnancy or straining during a bowel movement. Most of the time, you can treat hemorrhoids at home. But there are occasions when professional medical intervention is necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter hemorrhoid medication
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Moist towelettes
- Ice pack
Instructions
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Properly diagnose the presence of a hemorrhoid. The first and most common symptom is bright red blood on the toilet paper following a bowel movement. A protruding hemorrhoid may become irritated, swollen and itchy. Bleeding from the rectum is a symptom that should be diagnosed by a medical professional, because while it is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, it is also common to other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
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Treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medications. If the symptoms are not severe, your health care provider may recommend the application of non-prescription ointments, pads or suppositories containing soothing ingredients such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel. These medications are designed to provide temporary relief and should not be used for more than one week.
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Increase the amount of fiber in your diet to prevent or reduce constipation. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help your stool remain soft. Stay active with regular exercise. When you feel the need for a bowel movement, don't wait.
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Take warm baths to help relieve the pain. Use a moist towelette instead of toilet paper to clean yourself following a bowel movement. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain.
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See your physician for professional medical care if the symptoms of the hemorrhoids don't dissipate withing one to two weeks. Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoids, your physician may recommend a minimally invasive procedure such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy or laser treatment. For exceptionally large hemorrhoids and for hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments, your physician may recommend a surgical hemorrhoidectomy.
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Tips & Warnings
In rare cases, hemorrhoids have been known to result in anemia.
