Most of us have had hemorrhoids at some point in our lives, dealing with all the unpleasant symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding, and itching.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around your rectum and anus. They can either be internal (inside your rectum) or external (right outside your anus). External hemorrhoids are usually the most uncomfortable because the skin around them can become very irritated, and if a blood clot forms, it can cause sudden and severe pain.
Thankfully, in most cases, hemorrhoids simply go away on their own. However, if you’re struggling with hemorrhoids that keep coming back, you may need to start making some lifestyle changes. If your hemorrhoids are severe, more drastic medical treatment could be necessary.
Because recurrent hemorrhoids can be so painful and frustrating to deal with, Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and the rest of our team at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, want to not only provide you with some lifestyle adjustments that can hopefully reduce the frequency of your hemorrhoids but also discuss professional treatment options.
Hemorrhoids typically form due to chronic constipation, too much straining during a bowel movement, or prolonged sitting on the toilet. All these things interrupt blood flow to and from your rectal and anal areas, causing blood to pool and blood vessels to swell.
Practicing these healthy habits can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce your risk of hemorrhoids:
When taken with enough hydrating fluids, fiber can help soften stools and make them easier to pass. This should reduce pressure and constipation which helps ease or prevent hemorrhoids. Aim to ingest 25-30 grams of fiber through food or supplements every day.
Moderate exercise, such as walking, 20-30 minutes every day can stimulate bowel movement. This should keep you regular and reduce your risk of hemorrhoids.
As soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, don’t put it off. Waiting can lead to stool build-up and cause straining and constipation. You may also want to try sitting on the toilet for a few minutes at a scheduled time each day. This can encourage regular bowel movement habits.
Sitting in a few inches of warm water for about 20 minutes right after you have a bowel movement can reduce itching and irritation around your anus. Pat your anal area very carefully to dry it and don’t wipe it hard.
If you find that your hemorrhoids persist, our team at GI Physicians, Inc. offers next-level treatment for hemorrhoid relief.
A very effective method for hemorrhoid removal is rubber band ligation. During this procedure, bands are placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, causing the blood flow to the hemorrhoid to be cut off. The hemorrhoid then withers and falls off.
If all other hemorrhoid treatments have been unsuccessful, we may discuss surgical methods for removing them. However, surgery is rarely necessary, and we exhaust all other options first.
For more information on how to manage chronic hemorrhoids, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or booking online today.
