Getting Rid Of Hemorrhoids
A Helpful Guide To Getting Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Getting rid of hemorrhoids is a serious topic for those that have the misfortune of suffering from them. Hemorrhoids are abnormally swollen veins that are found in the rectum or anus. Some find it helpful to compare this to a varicose vein that you may find on someone's leg. When this vein gets irritated, the membranes that surround it begin to itch, burn, swell and bleed. For many people, they can be extremely painful and for others, they can have them for years and never be bothered by them or have even one symptom.
Types Of Hemorrhoids
Getting rid of hemorrhoids can be tricky so it helps to know which kind you are plagued with, either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are the ones that usually go unnoticed since they are actually up inside of the rectum. If bleeding is present and you think you may have internal hemorrhoids, you will want to see your doctor since this could be a warning sign of something much more serious.
External hemorrhoids are the ones that you most definitely will feel as they cause burning, pain and itching. If the supply of blood that is going through this swollen vein for some reason becomes blocked then a clot could form. If this happens it causes what is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid which is a horribly painful condition. These appear smooth, hard and either purple or black, feeling much like a growth that is forming from the anus. Getting rid of hemorrhoids in this case would call for your doctor making a tiny incision. If you leave it alone it could take weeks or longer to go away. It is important that you are aware that once you have your first hemorrhoid, you are a prime candidate to have many more because stretching has already occurred in the veins.
Causes
Getting rid of hemorrhoids is often easier if you know what caused them in the first place so that you can attempt to prevent them in the future. The primary causes of them include:
- Sitting for extended periods of time
- Fiber deficiency in your diet
- Engaging in anal intercourse.
- Severe or frequent sneezing or coughing
- Straining during bowel movements
- Frequent heavy lifting
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Suffering from diarrhea
Treatment
The first step to getting rid of hemorrhoids is to alleviate the itching, pain and burning symptoms and then you can work on shrinking the hemorrhoids. Over the counter medication can be helpful and taking an anti-inflammatory drug will help to relieve the discomfort. There are various suppositories and topical creams available that are non-prescription strength for you to try first.
The next step in getting rid of hemorrhoids is to take a Sitz bath. They are available for purchase at most pharmacies and they are designed to relieve symptoms and help with shrinkage. Follow the directions, it is usually recommended that you take a hot 20 minute bath, 3 or 4 times per day while symptoms persist.
Hemorrhoid Prevention
The best way to eliminate your chances for recurring hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Reducing constipation by consuming high fiber foods is always a good place to start getting rid of hemorrhoids. Additionally, you may want to try taking a bulk fiber supplement that is designed to soften stools. This will help to eliminate any strain taking place during bowel movements. Keep in mind that this may take a few days to kick in so it is more of a preventative measure. The fiber will help to regulate your bowel movements as well.
It is very important to clean the rectal area thoroughly after every bowel movement, especially if you are experiencing bleeding so that you do not cause infections. Getting rid of hemorrhoids cannot always be done on your own. If symptoms persist for over four days, you should speak with your physician about other treatment options.