7 Things You Need to Know About Preventing or Treating Hemorrhoids.
No one likes talking about hemorrhoids, but they are obviously a problem for a lot of us! 80% of Canadians will suffer from hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime and at least 50% of people over the age of 50 will experience it, making this condition quite common among Canadian men and women.
So, What Are Hemorrhoids?
Basically, they are the varicose veins in the anal area and lower rectum that become swollen and inflamed - often from constipation, too much sitting and strain during bowel movements to name a few.
Signs & Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- Small amounts of bleeding during bowel movements, especially if straining
- Itching or irritation from bulging hemorrhoids
- Pain or discomfort in the rectum
- Soreness or pain when cleaning the anal area
- A lump close to the anus, which may be painful or sensitive
- Stool leakage
Causes of Hemorrhoids
- Low fibre intake
- Obesity
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Rushing to complete a bowel movement
- Pregnancy
- Anal intercourse
- Alcoholism
7 Ways to Prevent Hemorrhoids
Here are some simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to help protect against hemorrhoids and their recurrence.
Here are some simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to help protect against hemorrhoids and their recurrence.
When you feel the urge to go the bathroom, go. Don’t wait for a more convenient time. Waiting can cause the stool to back up, leading to increased pressure and the worsening of constipation. This only aggravates the hemorrhoids even more.
One of the best ways to prevent and treat hemorrhoids is to increase the fiber in your diet, by adding fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. According to the Canadian Health Digestive Foundation you should eat at least 30 grams of fibre each day paired with adequate
To prevent irritating the already inflamed tissues, consider wiping with wet toilet paper or non-alcohol or fragrance-free wipes. If you are in severe discomfort an ice pack or cold compress placed firmly on the irritated area for a few minutes can help reduce swelling.
Sitting in a warm bath for about 10-15 minutes once or twice day can help keep the area clean and can relieve pain and itching. Remember, use a blow dryer set on the lowest setting to air-dry the area.
Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel function which in turn can prevent constipation. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
When home treatments are not enough and symptoms have worsened no matter what steps you have taken, it is time to consult a doctor. Ask your doctor about a treatment plan to remove or reduce hemorrhoids.
Speak to Your Doctor About Hemorrhoids
People are often embarrassed to talk about it, but if not treated immediately, hemorrhoidal disease may become more painful and can worsen over time. Speaking to your physician will help protect your body from digestive problems. By working collaboratively with your health care professional, you can receive the best care and treatment plan. Before you visit your physician, track, and record your symptoms, write down questions and concerns to discuss on your next appointment. This will aid in an effective health management strategy.
Here are some questions you can consider when keeping track of your hemorrhoid symptoms
- What are the symptoms that you are experiencing?
- How often you are experiencing symptoms?
- Are there streaks of blood in the toilet, on toilet paper or on stool?
- What is the location and severity of the pain or discomfort, if any?
- Have there been any change to your bowel movements?
- What medications are you currently taking and why you are taking them?
- Are there any other questions you want answered during the appointment?
In most cases, your family physician is able to treat your hemorrhoid disease; however, if complications arise, you may be referred to a specialist.
If you are concerned about your hemorrhoids and the impact they are having on your life, speak to a doctor online