Hemorrhoids are the blood engorged veins in the region of lower rectum (anal area) that form tiny sacs when too much pressure is exerted on it. This increased pressure could be either due to straining during bowel movements, defecation taking longer than normal time, chronic constipation, diarrhea, heavy weight lifting, sitting or standing for long duration or even obesity. The symptoms apart from embarrassment include severe rectal pain and swelling, painless bleeding during defecation and leakage of feces.
Taking medication do help but here are 8 very useful self-care tips which will improve your lifestyle and help you live healthy with hemorrhoids:
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Cleanliness keeps you healthy
Taking a sitz bath several times a day with warm water will help bleeding veins get relief and also prevent chances of infection. This can also be done using a water tub that could be placed on the toilet seat, in which you can immerse your hips and buttocks. Sitz bath tub is freely available at the medical shops.
2. Keep yourself hydrated
Our body is made up of 80% of water and for the stools to pass smoothly you need to soften them by drinking a lot of water in a day. On an average you must consume six to eight glasses of water and can increase up to 12 glasses in summers or during exercises. Avoid consuming beverages, caffeine and alcohol that promote fluid loss from the body.
3. Use pain relievers
There are many over the counter medications available for relieving pain and inflammation like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Many topical creams are also available that helps prevent bleeding and relives swelling.
4. Answer nature’s call
It is extremely important for a person suffering from hemorrhoids to immediately respond to the urge for defecation or else it may lead to constipation. Constipation is the main cause for straining and thus aggravating the existing situation. One should make it a habit to pass bowels in the mornings after getting up from the bed.
5. Use fiber or fibrous foods
It is important that one should avoid constipation to prevent straining during defecation. The use of fiber will help increase the volume of the stools and make them pass easily. One should consume 14 gm per 1000 calories of fiber and approximately 25 grams a day for woman and 38 grams per day for man. Some foods that are rich in fiber are wheat bran, green leafy vegetables and fruits.
6. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise schedules play a very vital role in preventing worsening of hemorrhoids and help its treatment. If you sit for long hours then try getting up and walking around often. A brisk walk for 30 to 45 minutes day is very helpful. Avoid sitting on the toilet seat for long time and avoid lifting heavy weights. Meditation and yoga helps a lot.
7. Take special care during pregnancy
Hemorrhoids sometimes occur during or after pregnancy. This is because of the increased abdominal pressure of increasing baby size in the uterus and various other metabolic changes in the body. You must talk to your doctor before starting any self-care treatment if you experience symptoms like rectal pain or itching. Talk to your doctor to know your sleeping positions to avoid stress in your veins.
8. Stay positive
At times you may get into an embarrassing situation due to rectal bleeding or leakage of stools, but that is not your fault. Keeping yourself prepared by suing underwear pads (if required) and using public toilets whenever you feel an urge to defecate will help a lot. Hemorrhoids are manageable and are treatable too. So keep a positive outlook towards life. Socialize and often crack jokes with you family and friends.
