Hemorrhoid Treatments and Home Remedies

Hemorrhoid Treatments and Home Remedies

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a common complaint. In fact, most people think that hemorrhoids are abnormal when in fact they are present in everyone. Only when the hemorrhoid tissue enlarges can hemorrhoids cause problems and be considered abnormal or a disease. By age 50, about half of adults have struggled with the itching, discomfort, and bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum and are divided into two types, internal and external. Hemorrhoids become more common as you age because the tissue that supports the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch as you age.

Internal hemorrhoids are found in the rectum, while external hemorrhoids are found under the skin around the anus. Occasionally, strain while passing a stool can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. This is known as a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid and can cause pain and irritation. Additionally, straining during a bowel movement can also damage the surface of a hemorrhoid and cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids are generally located under the skin around your anus. If irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or even bleed. In addition to stress, hemorrhoids can be caused by prolonged sitting, a low-fiber diet, as well as pregnancy and obesity (both of which cause increased pressure on the veins).

Hemorrhoid symptoms usually depend on the location. Internal hemorrhoids are located in the rectum. You often can't see or feel these hemorrhoids and they generally don't cause any discomfort. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can present with a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is painless bleeding during bowel movements. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl immediately after a bowel movement. Itching, swelling, or irritation in your anal region is also common in people with hemorrhoids. Occasionally, individuals also develop a lump near the anus, which may be tender.

Fortunately, there are many effective options available to treat hemorrhoids. Many over-the-counter products are sold to treat hemorrhoids. Products used to treat hemorrhoids are available as ointments, creams, gels, suppositories, foams, and pads. However, there are few studies that show that they actually do anything other than relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Most people find that they can achieve similar relief from their symptoms by using simple home treatments and making lifestyle changes.

One of the most popular home remedies for hemorrhoids is simply increasing your fiber intake. Generally, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, while the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Foods rich in fiber include bran (wheat, rice and oats), raspberries, blackberries, acorn and butternut squash, and beans. Additionally, fiber supplements can be purchased at most drugstores and health food stores. Sitz baths are also an effective home treatment for hemorrhoids. Sitting in a few inches of hot water for 15 to 20 minutes 1-3 times a day has been shown to help reduce inflammation of hemorrhoids. Another effective home remedy is witch hazel. It is believed to reduce bleeding from hemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It can also relieve the pain, itching, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Witch hazel should be applied topically to the anal area in the form of witch hazel distilled liquid, ointment, or medicated pads.

Inspired by Liza Day