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By Hemorrhoid.com | August 2, 2024
About half of the UK’s population will face hemorrhoids at some point1. Understanding how to ease the discomfort is vital. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels near or in the rectum and anus. They can hurt but usually get better on their own.
It’s essential to manage the symptoms well. Keep the anal area clean and apply cold packs for relief. Gently pushing back prolapsed hemorrhoids helps too. People often use over-the-counter creams like Revivol-XR for quick relief. Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods make stools softer. This reduces straining and prevents new hemorrhoids.
If hemorrhoids get worse, seeing a doctor is a good idea. Treatments like banding work well in most cases, but some may see a return of symptoms1. More advanced options, like phenol in oil injection, are also available. This treatment scars and closes off the swollen vessels1
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are a common but uncomfortable condition that many people experience. They lead to a significant number of cases in both the UK and the US. This has created a high demand for effective treatment and prevention methods.
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. They come in two types: internal piles, which are inside and can vary in severity, and external piles, which are closer to the anus2. Internal hemorrhoids usually cause less pain. However, external hemorrhoids may stick out and hurt more, especially if their blood supply gets cut off3.
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include seeing bright red blood when you go to the bathroom, feeling itchy or having pain around your anus, often feeling like you need to go to the bathroom, finding mucus on toilet paper, noticing lumps near your anus, and dealing with anal pain4. You might also experience soreness, redness, and swelling3. Sometimes, it’s easy to mix up hemorrhoids with other issues like bowel cancer or anal fissures2.
Many factors can lead to hemorrhoids, but they’re often due to increased pressure on the blood vessels. Causes include constipation, straining too much during bowel movements, being pregnant, heavy lifting, and sitting for too long42. Other factors that might increase your risk include being overweight, getting older, having hemorrhoids in your family, coughing or vomiting a lot, often lifting heavy things, and sitting for extended periods3.
To lower these risks, making lifestyle changes is suggested. Things like eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, not taking meds that cause constipation, losing weight, and exercising can all help decrease pressure on the blood vessels3. By knowing what causes hemorrhoids and the risk factors, people can work towards better prevention and management of the symptoms.
Hemorrhoids can affect around 10% of adults and usually get better quickly with the right treatment. Yet, full recovery might take three to six weeks5. For those with mild to moderate symptoms, options available over the counter can be quite effective. These include creams, ointments, and suppositories found in stores like Boots, Superdrug, and Lloyds Pharmacy6.
When looking for effective hemorrhoid relief, creams often come out on top. In the UK, options with ingredients like Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Calendula are popular6. They ease swelling and discomfort while speeding up the healing process.
UK markets provide over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams with hydrocortisone for itch relief. They also include ingredients like lidocaine for pain relief6. Always apply a small amount as directed to prevent irritation6.
Ointments and suppositories are also effective for treating hemorrhoids over the counter. Options from Anusol, Preparation H, and Germoloids help soothe pain and reduce swelling. They contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and phenylephrine5. Most products come with applicators for easy and accurate use.
These treatments are quite helpful, but it’s important to be aware of side effects like mild irritation. For severe issues, such as bleeding or prolapsed hemorrhoids, advice from a GP may be needed6. Picking the right treatment in the UK, using it correctly, and temporarily can make a big difference in comfort and healing.
Dealing with hemorrhoids can be tricky. Still, many home treatments help manage symptoms and prevent them from coming back.
There are natural ways to lessen pain and discomfort from hemorrhoids. Warm water baths, or sitz baths, can soothe itching and pain7. Using a mix of micronized flavonoid, witch hazel, and herbal extracts can also cut down pain and swelling7. Aloe vera could help with its anti-inflammatory benefits, but more studies are needed to be sure8.
Eating plenty of fiber and keeping active helps with regular bowels, reducing hemorrhoid risk9.
Hemorrhoid home remedy treatments
Changing your diet is key in handling hemorrhoids. Aiming for 25 grams of fiber daily for women and 38 for men helps make stools softer. This means less straining when going to the bathroom8. Drinking lots of fluids and eating fiber-rich foods keep stools soft, easing symptoms7. Studies indicate as many as 40% of pregnant women get hemorrhoids due to pelvic pressure8. Adding psyllium husk to your diet can also aid symptom management8.
Wearing loose cotton underwear can reduce irritation and help with symptoms7. Exercising regularly keeps your weight healthy and lessens straining during bowel movements9.
Natural hemorrhoid treatments focus on preventing them from returning. They include lifestyle and care strategies. For instance, using moist toilet paper for cleaning and sitting on a cushion offers relief from external or prolapsed hemorrhoids.
It is important to know when to get medical help for hemorrhoids. Though common, some cases can’t be managed at home. If symptoms get worse, like severe pain, ongoing bleeding, or pus, see a doctor. In these instances, a10hemorrhoid doctor in the UK can give the right diagnosis and treatment options.
If home cures don’t ease the pain or if problems come back often, get medical care. Signs that point to needing a doctor include long-term bleeding, intense pain, or strange discharge. In situations with blood clots, squeezed piles, or infections, antibiotics might be needed11. Without a doctor’s help, these issues might not get better and could get worse12.
Finding the right doctor for hemorrhoid treatment starts with your GP. They can refer you to a specialist. You can also get advice from your pharmacist about doctors who treat hemorrhoids. Hospitals offer different treatments, like rubber band ligation or surgery, which can let you go home the same day11. Check out UKHealthcare, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and Patient.info for more on treatments.
Common symptoms include bright red blood after going to the bathroom. You might also feel itchy or have a sense of not being fully empty. Some experience mucous discharge, lumps, and discomfort around the anal area.
Even though it’s not clear what exactly causes hemorrhoids, they’re linked to increased pressure on blood vessels. This can happen from constipation, pushing hard during bowel movements, being pregnant, lifting heavy things, or sitting a lot.
Being overweight, a family history of hemorrhoids, a chronic cough, and frequent heavy lifting increase your risk too.
UK pharmacies offer various treatments that don’t need a prescription, like creams and ointments. These products help with pain, itching, and swelling. Some popular UK brands also have creams that relieve pain and make stool easier to pass, reducing discomfort.
Effective creams in the UK for hemorrhoids include Anusol, Germoloids, and Preparation H. They help with pain, swelling, and itching.
Yes, at-home remedies include keeping the affected area clean and using wet wipes for gentle cleaning. Ice packs also help with pain. Drinking more fluids and eating more fiber will soften your stools. These steps can ease symptoms and stop hemorrhoids from coming back.
Drinking more liquids and eating lots of high-fiber foods make stools softer. This means you won’t have to strain as much when you go to the bathroom.
Regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and not sitting for too long also reduce pressure on your blood vessels.
See a doctor if your symptoms get worse or don’t get better with home treatment. You should also seek help if you have severe pain, ongoing bleeding, pus, a high fever, or if you feel really sick.
You can ask your GP or a pharmacist for a referral to a specialist who knows a lot about treating hemorrhoids. Hospitals offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
