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How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Quickly
When the veins around the anus swell and become inflamed, this can result in a condition called hemorrhoids (also referred to as anal piles). The hemorrhoids can be inside the rectum, in which case they are referred to as internal, or they can be under anal skin, making them external hemorrhoids. The condition is common and can be caused by straining to have bowel movements, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, anal intercourse and pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can be painful at times but generally pose no significant health threat. In many cases appropriate treatment can quickly take care of the problem.
Keep the anal area as clean as possible to promote healing. Use warm water and a mild soap to gently wash the entire area following a bowel movement. Dab dry with a soft, lint-free white washcloth.
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Change your underwear any time you have bleeding from the anus due to hemorrhoids. You can place a very soft pad of tissue over the anal area to help keep it dry and prevent your having to change often. Avoid wearing snug briefs or panties as these can be irritating. Cotton undergarments are recommended.
Soak in a hot sitz bath several times a day to relieve and treat anal piles. Fill the tub with very warm water to a height of few inches. Remain in the tub for 10 to 20 minutes or until the water is no longer warm.
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Apply a topical cream to your anal piles. These hemorrhoid medications can be found over-the-counter in drug stores. Test a very small area first to make sure you have no adverse reaction to the product.
Begin eating a diet full of fiber to promote softer bowel movements. Straining can cause hemorrhoids to worsen and will prevent healing. Consume such fibrous foods as dark leafy vegetables, dark berries, flaxseed, butter beans and limas. You can also consume a fiber supplement that is sold over-the-counter as a powder to mix in with water or juice.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water each day. Space your consumption out so you stay hydrated throughout the day. The added liquid will help promote soft bowel movements, thus benefiting your condition.
See a physician if you find no relief from your hemorrhoids after a few days. The doctor may be able to treat your condition with prescription topical creams, or he may recommend more aggressive treatment. Among the possible remedies for hemorrhoids are rubber band ligation, laser therapy, sclerotherapy (use of chemical solution to shrink hemorrhoids) and surgical removal.
Tips
Exercise daily to help regulate bowel movements and improve overall health.
Apply a cold pack to the anal region to relieve burning and itching symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to dull pain from anal piles.
Warnings
Do not delay going to the toilet when you have the urge to have a bowel movement as this can worsen hemorrhoids.
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References
- Colon Cancer | American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Resources. Disease and Conditions. Hemorrhoids.
- Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. Gastrointestinal Society. What You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids.
- Colon Cancer | American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Resources. Disease and Conditions. Hemorrhoids.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Hemorrhoids and what to do about them. Harvard Health Blog.
- Lohsiriwat V. Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(17):2009-17. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009
- Riss S, Weiser FA, Schwameis K, et al. The prevalence of hemorrhoids in adults. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2011;27(2):215-220. DOI: 10.1007/s00384-011-1316-3
- UCSF Medical Center. Hemorrhoids.
Writer Bio
Lisa Mooney has been a professional writer for more than 18 years. She has worked with various clients including many Fortune 500 companies such as Pinkerton Inc. She has written for many publications including Woman's World, Boy's Life and Dark Horizons. Mooney holds bachelor's degrees in both English and biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.