What To Do if You Have Hemorrhoids (or Piles) ?

What to Do If You Have Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable, but with the right habits, you can ease symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. 

What To Do if You Have Hemorrhoids (or Piles) ?

Many people with hemorrhoids tend to avoid using the bathroom due to fear of pain. 

However, holding in bowel movements can cause constipation, which worsens hemorrhoids and creates a vicious cycle. 

To prevent this, it's important to keep your stools soft and regular.

Tips for Managing Hemorrhoids

Keep Your Bowel Movements Regular

• Eat a fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly to help digestion.

Avoid Straining on the Toilet

• Don’t force bowel movements; straining can make hemorrhoids worse.
• If you can't go, try again later instead of pushing too hard.

Use Gentle Hygiene Practices

• Choose unscented, dye-free toilet paper to avoid irritation.
• If external hemorrhoids are hard to clean, dampen the toilet paper or use unscented wipes.
• Pat dry gently instead of rubbing.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

• You notice bleeding during bowel movements.
• You experience persistent anal itching.
• The pain becomes unbearable.
• Symptoms last more than 48 hours despite home treatment.
• You have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids before and need prescription treatment

What Will a Doctor Do?

A doctor will check if the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids or another condition. They may perform a physical exam, stool analysis, or an anoscopy (a non-invasive procedure to examine internal hemorrhoids). They will also ask about your lifestyle and suggest ways to prevent future flare-ups.

Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoids, treatment may include:

• Over-the-counter medications: Creams, ointments, and suppositories to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Medical procedures: Rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy to shrink the hemorrhoids.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary.

The best treatment depends on the size and severity of the hemorrhoids. By following good lifestyle habits and seeking medical advice when needed, you can manage and prevent hemorrhoids effectively.