Hemorrhoids Treatment - Top Tips For Immediate Relief
Immediate Constipation ReliefHemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, is not a particularly serious condition, but it is a very common one and if the symptoms become severe it can make your life a misery. The main symptoms are discomfort, irritation, pain and bleeding from the anus, especially during or for a while after bowel evacuation.
To obtain immediate relief from your hemorrhoids you need to both treat the symptoms themselves and avoid things that aggravate your hemorrhoids and make your symptoms worse.
Treating the Symptoms
The most effective treatments that are readily available and combat the main symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
- Creams, ointments and gels. These are applied directly to the hemorrhoids as a thin covering layer, and can be used to treat both external and internal hemorrhoids: they can be applied internally using a finger or a special nozzle (or 'pile pipe'). They usually contain a local anesthetic for quick pain relief, and form a protective layer to isolate the hemorrhoids from irritating substances. They often also contain ingredients that act to shrink the hemorrhoids. Natural astringents and soothing agents, such as witch hazel, cranesbill, aloe vera and honey, offer a viable alternative to the commercial creams, etc.
- Suppositories. These work in a similar manner to creams, ointments and gels, but take the from of a 'capsule' that is inserted into the anus and are therefore only suitable for treating internal hemorrhoids. There is little difference in effectiveness between suppositories and creams, etc. -- which to choose is largely a matter of personal preference for the method of application.
Avoiding Aggravating Factors
The effectiveness of any specific treatment will be enhanced if you also try to avoid factors that can make your symptoms worse. These include:
- Straining too much while evacuating your bowels. Don't try to force yourself to empty your bowels when you don't need to: wait until the urge to do so is strong. Also try to avoid 'holding on' unnecessarily.
- Constipation and diarrhea. Keep your stools soft and movements regular by eating a healthy diet containing plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated too. If you need to use a laxative to combat a bout of constipation in the short term, then use a mild one that works by softening the stools; stronger laxatives that stimulate the movement of matter through your bowels often increase straining during bowel evacuation and make your hemorrhoids worse.
- Cleaning your anal region too roughly after emptying your bowels, particularly with normal toilet paper. Use moist wipes or even wash yourself with water instead.
- Standing or sitting for too long. Get up and move around for a few minutes to get your circulation going a couple of times an hour. You can also improve your comfort while sitting by using a hemorrhoid cushion.
- Lifting heavy objects can increase the strain in the muscles of the anal region and therefore aggravate your hemorrhoids, especially when done repeatedly, such as during some weight training exercises.
- High blood pressure, which can be caused by such factors as stress and excessive salt, caffeine or alcohol consumption.
In The Longer Term
The treatments outlined above are usually very effective for reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids in the short term, especially when accompanied by steps to reduce your exposure to aggravating factors. However, they are not a long term cure: even if your hemorrhoids heal as a result of such treatment, they are likely to recur unless you also tackle the underlying causes.
Much more about hemorrhoids treatment, causes and symptoms is available on Hemorrhoids-Explained.com.
Toby Lichfield is a writer specializing in health matters, natural remedies and self-treatment of common problems.