All You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids

Written by Kari Healy

Hemorrhoids can be quite a debilitating condition that could also lead to other more serious health problems if left untreated. This condition can cause pain during bowel movements and bleeding. Not all hemorrhoid cases display these symptoms, though. There are cases when a person has hemorrhoids but only feels a slight discomfort during bowel movements, while other cases include severe pain and bleeding. Anal bleeding can be caused by hemorrhoids but there are also several other health conditions that might be the underlying cause. We suggest that you immediately contact your doctor if you discover that you have anal bleeding so that they can determine the real cause. Another reason to go to the doctor if you have hemorrhoids is if you are experiencing pain during bowel movement even after taking medications or following a high fiber diet. There are prescription drugs and over-the-counter products that you can take to help with the pain and inflammation of this condition.

Determining If You Have Hemorrhoids

You experience bleeding and pain during bowel movements or if you have discomfort in the anal region, a doctor can perform several examinations and tests to determine if you are suffering from hemorrhoids. The first step is via inspecting the anal area internally using an anoscope or proctoscope or by checking it physically using a gloved finger. Learning what caused the anal bleeding is imperative in order to rule out any life-threatening diseases and determine adequate treatment.

Treatment For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be effectively treated. You can take medication (such as nutritional supplements) and make lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) to help lessen the strain they give to your body, as well as, prevent any further injuries and discomfort from developing during bowel movements.

One of the most recommended ways to help alleviate hemorrhoids is by consuming a healthy diet. Introducing a high fiber rich diet plan is a good way to start. You should also start minimizing your intake of processed foods and start drinking more water every day. A lot of hemorrhoid treatments center around decreasing the discomfort brought upon by this condition. One of the oldest methods includes taking a warm sitz bath. This is done by sitting in warm water about three inches high for about 15 minutes a couple of times a day. For best results, you should perform a sitz bath right after a bowel movement. A sitz bath works by helping to reduce the swelling within the sphincter muscles and to stop spasms in order to alleviate pain.

Final Thoughts

Hemorrhoids should not be ignored. Once they cause anal bleeding, it is best to consult a doctor to start proper treatment in order to avoid them developing into a more serious health problem. If possible, address the issue as soon as you experience any symptoms. In order to avoid hemorrhoids, it is best to start conducting a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, minimize intake of processed foods, drink a lot of water and exercise daily. As stated time and time again, prevention is always better than a cure.

Researched and written by experts, brought to you by our team at Mommy Authority.