Hemorrhoid Pain Relief and Prevention
People have suffered from hemorrhoids since the beginning of time. Fortunately, today it is much easier to find hemorrhoid pain relief than it once was. There is a wide range of treatment options available, and the type you choose will depend on the severity of your symptoms as well as other factors. The following is a brief overview of what hemorrhoids are and some tips for prevention and pain relief.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Basically, hemorrhoids are veins around the rectum and anus that have become distended or swelled. This is somewhat similar to varicose veins in the legs that are so common. This problem can arise from a number of different causes. The most common of these causes is constipation.
Constipation causes one to strain or push too hard to complete a bowel movement. The excess pressure from this straining is what causes the veins to swell. Pregnant women also experience an increased frequency of hemorrhoids. This is due to unusual pressure that is put on the lower parts of the body by the uterus.
Hemorrhoids can show up with a variety of different symptoms. This is what makes it difficult to find hemorrhoid pain relief. Common symptoms include mild itching and burning to mild to moderate bleeding from the affected area. In more severe cases, hemorrhoids may show up as large masses that protrude from the anal cavity. These masses are extremely uncomfortable and often make it difficult to complete a bowel movement.
Treatments
When considering the nature of this condition, it's not surprising that people want to find hemorrhoid pain relief as quickly as possible. Treatment options are available in all shapes and sizes. The best thing to do is consult your physician for the best options for your particular case. Sometimes hemorrhoid treatment can be quite simple, such as soaking in a warm bath or applying one of the many creams and ointments available on the market.
For severe cases, more aggressive treatments are sometimes necessary. If the topical treatments and medicated pads and suppositories do not work, you may need to achieve hemorrhoid pain relief through one of the many surgical procedures. Again, your physician can direct you to the appropriate method of surgery, if it has come to that.
Prevention
Sometimes the best hemorrhoid pain relief comes in the form of preventative methods. There are several things you can do to prevent this condition before it occurs. The most effective form of hemorrhoid prevention involves making some changes to your diet. Most Americans eat a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber. Begin by adding some fiber to your diet and reducing the amount of fat intake. In addition to this, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This will also help you avoid becoming constipated.
Many people will put off making a bowel movement when the urge hits. This is another thing that should be avoided. When you feel it's time to go, make sure you do within a reasonable amount of time. When you do go, avoid straining and pushing too much. Try to let it happen naturally. When wiping, make sure you do so gently, and at the same time, make sure you get the area as clean as possible. Failing to do this can also contribute to problems.
These preventative measures should help, but if they do not, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. He or she will be able to advise you what the best options are for hemorrhoid pain relief and prevention tips for the future.
