Addressing Hemorrhoids At Home
Hemorrhoids can develop into a serious medical condition if left untreated, so it is important that you find treatment for your hemorrhoids from a Los Angeles proctologist as soon as you notice a problem. Over time, hemorrhoids can grow more painful, and blood loss from serious hemorrhoids may lead to iron deficiency anemia if not addressed.
As with any medical condition, your hemorrhoids are best treated with the expertise and proven strategies of an experienced doctor. Your colon and rectal specialist can help you overcome the pain associated with hemorrhoids and ensure that they are not associated with any larger health concern. Due to the painful nature of hemorrhoids, many people seek out alternative remedies as they await an appointment with their physician or make plans to have their hemorrhoids surgically removed.
These home remedies should not be attempted without first discussing your condition with your physician, and then should only be used as a complement to proven medical treatment. When combined with treatment from your colon and rectal specialist, the following home remedies can reduce the pain associated with your hemorrhoids and help you breathe easier.
Here are a few home remedies that can help in the treatment of hemorrhoids:
- Sitz bath: This technique is especially recommended to keep the anal area clean. After a bowel movement, fill a tub with just a couple of inches of warm water and sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to relieve itching, irritation and the spasms of the sphincter. If you are unable to take a sitz bath after a bowel movement, schedule two or more of these baths at other times in your day.
- Topical ointments: Do not use any ointments without the approval of your colon and rectal specialist, as certain ointments and herbal reliefs can cause more damage to the anus and rectum. Talk to your doctor about what over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments they recommend.
- Change your diet: Eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water will help to keep your stools soft, which will reduce the amount of strain you experience during bowel movements and prevent further hemorrhoids from developing.
These home remedies often help to reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids, but are not guaranteed to fully treat hemorrhoids. Your colon and rectal specialist can discuss medical strategies like a PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids, also known as a stapled hemorrhoidectomy), or THD, both of which are minimally invasive procedures that fully remove painful hemorrhoids.