Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting around 1 in 20 people in India. Hemorrhoids are swelling of the veins in and outside of your anus and rectum. Although hemorrhoids are not risky, it is a painful and uneasy condition that can cause rectal bleeding. Piles are also known as piles. Generally, it is expected to affect people over the age of 50, though it can affect anyone regardless of age.
Hemorrhoids typically have three types: internal, external, and Prolapsed. Internal-type growth forms within the rectum, while the external one expands on the anus itself. Prolapsed piles happen when an internal hemorrhoid extends down thus far that it swells the outer surface of your anal opening. Whichever type an individual suffers from, stool passage can cause pain and bleeding.
Fortunately, you can reduce Hemorrhoids symptoms and treat them at home. We will guide you through the effective hemorrhoid management strategies you can adopt to relieve your condition.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Internal piles don’t cause any symptoms until they move down. You will likely see blood on toilet paper when you wipe or in your stool. If you suffer from external piles, you may experience these symptoms;
- Itchy anus
- Lumps around your anus
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain in your anus, mainly when you sit.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be very painful and unpleasant.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
In general, Hemorrhoids develop from increased pressure in the lower side of the rectum that may be caused by;
- Obesity
- Anal intercourse
- Pregnancy
- Stress during bowel movements.
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
- Regularly lifting heavy weights.
- Eating a low-fiber diet.
- Aging
9 Effective Hemorrhoid Management Strategies
You can effectively manage and shrink piles fast with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter remedies, and sometimes medical interventions.
1. Eat high-fiber foods.
When you consume a high-fiber diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, your bowel movements are easier. A high-fiber diet is an ideal way to reduce pressure on hemorrhoids. Take at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily—you can take psyllium husk fiber supplements, too. If it causes bloating, then take a wheat dextrin or methylcellulose supplement.
2. Stay Hydrated.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking 8-12 glasses of water to avoid problems with gas.
3. Incorporate Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurveda has the power to provide relief to much health related problems. Ayurvedic herbs like- Kutaj, Nagkeshar, Haritaki, Triphala, Jimikand and many more are known for their effect in pile management. you may use effective formulations for piles management like Dr. Piles Free, which is effective in piles and can also help in fistula and fissure management.
4. Warm Baths
Soak your rectal part in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes twice or thrice daily. This warm bath is called a sitz bath, which is when you sit in a tub of warm water to relieve hemorrhoid pain. A warm bath soothes hemorrhoids and reduces discomfort.
5. Stay Physical Active
Regular physical activity can help control bowel function and prevent constipation. Do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
6. Use topical treatments.
Use over-the-counter cream with ingredients like hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or witch hazel to reduce itching, swelling, and pain caused by hemorrhoids. To properly apply the cream, follow the instructions on the packaging.
7. Stool softeners:
If dietary and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent constipation, you can soften your stool by consuming laxatives to make bowel movements easier.
8. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
Nonsteroidal drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation.
9. Practice Good Hygiene:
Gently clean the anal part with water and mild soap or a flushable wet wipe, as it is vital to manage piles. Avoid using scented wipes or harsh soaps, as they may irritate the rectal area.
These treatments help with piles symptoms disappear in a week. But if you don’t find comfort in it, then consult a healthcare provider.
Doctors’ treatment for hemorrhoids
If your pain and bleeding don’t stop with lifestyle changes, then your healthcare provider might suggest invasive procedures. This treatment can be done in a hospital or outpatient center without a numbing medicine. Below are the hemorrhoid office treatments;
- Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is an internal hemorrhoid treatment that doctors use to treat bleeding. In this procedure, rubber bands are attached around the base of the hemorrhoid—the band cuts off the blood flow to hemorrhoid. As a result, the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls in about a week. It may take one to two weeks to heal completely.
- Sclerotherapy. In sclerotherapy, the doctor inserts a chemical solution into the internal hemorrhoid, which causes a scarring reaction. Then scar tissue cuts back the blood supply; this gradually shrinks the hemorrhoid over time.
- Infrared photocoagulation. Infrared photocoagulation is a medical procedure to treat internal piles. The doctor uses a device that directs an intense beam of infrared light. The heat from the infrared light causes scar tissue that ultimately cuts off the blood supply and shrinks the hemorrhoid.
- Electrocoagulation. This procedure is the same as Infrared photocoagulation, except the doctor uses electric current to create scar tissue instead of infrared light.
External hemorrhoid thrombectomy
When a painful blood clot is created in an external hemorrhoid, a healthcare professional does a procedure and numbs the affected part to release the trapped blood. Usually, it performs best only within the first three days after a thrombosed hemorrhoid appears.
If you have severe complications of hemorrhoids, then you may be given the Hemorrhoidectomy and Hemorrhoid stapling treatment at the Outpatient center or hospital. These are external hemorrhoid treatments.
- Hemorrhoidectomy. A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to get relief from piles. In this procedure, the surgeon wipes out large external hemorrhoids and prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, which doesn’t go away with other treatments.
- Hemorrhoid stapling. Another surgical practice Hemorrhoid stapling in which stapling tool is used to expel internal hemorrhoid tissue and prolapsing internal piles from the anus.
Conclusion
Effective hemorrhoid management needs a varied approach to prevent it and get relief from symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as high fiber intake, sitz baths, staying hydrated, regular exercise, managing weight, and good hygiene practices are crucial to reduce your symptoms. Moreover, over-the-counter medications and topical treatments also soothe a pile condition.
In this way, you can improve your quality of life and shrink the hemorrhoids. However, if your condition lasts longer than weak even with these hemorrhoid management guidelines, then consult a healthcare provider for proper personalized treatment.
