If you are suffering from hemorrhoids you may be tired of dealing with many of the symptoms. While rarely serious they can be uncomfortable and can impact your lifestyle quite a bit. Common symptoms can include itching, pain and pressure around the rectal opening, pain and bleeding any time a bowel movement occurs, and swollen lumps that protrude from the area around the rectal opening. Any of these symptoms can be difficult to deal with on their own but in combination with one another they can really make someone feel uncomfortable and frightening.
You may find that the best approach to dealing with hemorrhoids is to get the symptoms under control. Then, you may find that you have the time you need to get to the root cause and ensure that the symptoms no longer reoccur. This way you may find that you are able to keep the condition under control enough that surgical intervention is not necessary.
Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels in and around the rectal opening are placed under pressure.
- Straining to go to the bathroom, constipation, and even improper toilet habits can all cause hemorrhoids.
- When they are located inside the rectal opening they are known as internal hemorrhoids.
- Hemorrhoids that occur outside the rectal opening are known as external hemorrhoids.
There are many ways that you can control hemorrhoids. One popular method for easing discomfort is to use a moist wipe after having a bowel movement. This can limit the amount of irritation that the area will experience. You can also use creams and lotions that contain medications that will ease the pain, get rid of the itching and reduce the swelling. Witch hazel is one popular ingredient that works as an astringent and will shrink hemorrhoids very effectively.
Once you are no longer dealing with pain and discomfort you may be willing to take the time to address the underlying causes that make this condition come back time and time again. Reducing the amount of pressure that the blood vessels are under is the only way that you can get rid of hemorrhoids without resorting to surgery.
Because straining can cause pressure on the blood vessels, making it easier to pass stool can really help to control the condition. Adding fiber to the diet can soften stool. Eating more whole fruits and vegetables and taking a fiber supplement can soften stools as can drinking more water. Changing the position you sit on when on the toilet can also get rid of the pressure on the blood vessels and can help to keep hemorrhoids under control.