Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. They develop when you strain during bowel movements or due to increased pressure on these veins because of certain causes. Hemorrhoids are fairly common. By 50 years, half the adults have had to deal with the pain, discomfort, itching, and bleeding of hemorrhoids.
Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options to treat hemorrhoids. You can get relief from the symptoms by using home remedies as well as making certain lifestyle changes.
Causes And Symptoms Of Swollen Hemorrhoids
The rectal and anal veins tend to stretch under pressure and swell. Factors that increase pressure are:
- Straining at stool
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Sitting for protracted intervals of time on the toilet
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- A low fiber diet
- Anal intercourse
- With age
Symptoms of swollen hemorrhoidal tissues include:
- Itching and irritation in the anus.
- Pain and swelling around the anus.
- A lump in the anus, which may be painful.
- Bleeding with bowel movement.
- Leakage of feces.
Home Remedies To Reduce Hemorrhoid Swelling
- In case the hemorrhoids are producing only a mild discomfort, your health care provider will advise over the counter ointments, lotions, or suppositories. These applications contain ingredients, like witch hazel or hydrocortisone, which help allay the pain, discomfort and itching, at least provisionally. On the other hand, it is very important for you to remember that it is not good to use an over the counter product for more than 7 to 10 days unless advised by your doctor. These products are known to cause side effects, such as inflammation of the skin and skin thinning.
- Soak regularly in a warm bath. Soak the anal area in plain warm water for about 15 minutes 4 to 5 times daily. A sitz bath can be fitted over a toilet and can be bought at most drugstores.
- Ensure that the anal area is absolutely clean. Clean the skin around the anus very gently with warm water. Soap is not necessary and could even worsen the problem. Steer clear of alcohol based or perfumed wipes; these irritate the skin. Gently dry the area after bathing.
- Ensure that you are drinking 12 to 15 glasses of water every day; this helps you have a smooth bowel movement.
- Also, step up your intake of fiber-rich foods they add bulk to the stools and aid in their quick expulsion.
- Have 3 to 5 dates and dried figs every night. These have been touted as the best remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
- Do not use dry toilet paper. To clean the anal area after passing motion, use moist paper towels which do not contain alcohol or perfume.
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses; this promises to assuage the inflammation, swelling and pain appreciably.
- In extreme cases, with too much of pain, confer with your physician and take oral pain relievers.
With these treatments, by and large symptoms fade away in 6 to 7 days. See your doctor if there’s no relief in a week or if there’s excruciating pain and / or bleeding.
Nonetheless, in case any of the factors triggering hemorrhoids recur, then the inflammation and swelling will be back; thus frequent exacerbations can occur. You may also want to consider surgical intervention to manage your condition better.