Hemorrhoid: A Pain in the…

Hemorrhoids are often painful. The pain from hemorrhoids can be severe and occur all of a sudden. Or it can be chronic and last a long time. Hemorrhoid pain affects your quality of life. It can wake you up during the night. Make it difficult to sit down at work. The pain is a major distraction when it comes to normal, everyday things you need to do.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged veins that develop near your rectum or anus and cause pain. Hemorrhoids are common, and most of us experience having them during our lifetime. Do you sit a lot during the day? Do you strain during bowel movements? Suffer from anal infections or liver disease? Are you pregnant or did you recently give birth? Are you overweight or obese? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you are more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids develop inside or outside of your rectum.

  • Internal: inside your anus, at the end of your rectum
  • External: at the end of your anal canal; may bulge outside of your anus

When hemorrhoids develop, you may experience pain, especially during bowel movements and when you are constipated. Straining or spending too much time on the toilet can damage your veins and lead to itching and burning, along with the pain.

Hemorrhoids and Your Diet

A diet high in fiber can prevent or treat hemorrhoids. It may sound strange, but yogurt has been known to help relieve hemorrhoid pain. Yogurt and other probiotic products available in your local grocery store may improve regularity, stomach and digestive health, and hemorrhoid pain. Yogurt and other probiotics can be a part of a healthy, well-rounded diet that reduces hemorrhoid symptoms, help them heal faster and may offer support in preventing a recurrence.

Besides a healthy diet and probiotics, there are additional ways to manage your hemorrhoid pain.

  • Sitting: Avoid sitting for a long period of time
  • Toilet: Do not spend too much time on the toilet; if you are unable to go, leave
  • Tissues/Underwear: Avoid those with perfumes
  • Warm Bath: Soak in shallow, warm water

There are plenty of non-pharmaceutical options. However, when most people realize they have hemorrhoids, they go to their local drug store to purchase over-the-counter medications and ointments.

Over-the-Counter Options

Visit your local drug or big box store for over-the-counter medications, creams, pads, ointments, and suppositories containing lidocaine to relieve hemorrhoid pain and other symptoms. Consult your physician before beginning over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment. They can usually point you in the right direction and make recommendations on which products to use.

Over-the-counter options can temporarily alleviate hemorrhoid pain. These options typically include:

  • Witch Hazel
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Lidocaine

These products can help manage other hemorrhoid symptoms, as well, including itching and swelling. Search the Internet to find ratings and reviews of the various products available on the market.

When to Go to the Doctor

If your hemorrhoid pain remains for more than a few days, even after various treatments and lifestyle changes, make an appointment with your doctor. Also, see your doctor as soon as possible if you are bleeding excessively from your rectum or if you feel lightheaded and dizzy. You may have lost too much blood.

If painful hemorrhoids don’t respond to less-invasive treatments, you may need surgery. With a hemorrhoidectomy, a colon and rectal surgeon removes the affected tissue with a scalpel or other tools. This can be a painful procedure, and the pain is usually at its worst in the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Until your incision heals, your doctor will prescribe painkillers, which will likely contain acetaminophen, hydrocodone, and/or codeine; and other options, including ice packs.

Typically, you take the pain medications every four to six hours, as needed. Only use them if you truly need them because they can cause constipation, which could produce complications and hinder your healing.

An alternative to a hemorrhoidectomy is the newer option called, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids). This procedure is associated with much less discomfort. Your colorectal surgeon will be able to explain PPH to you.

What Next?

Hemorrhoids are painful. The pain may be acute and occur suddenly, or it may be chronic and last a long time. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications can help alleviate the pain. However, if these do not successfully handle your hemorrhoids, then you may need surgery or PPH.

Do you have hemorrhoids? Are they painful? Leave us a comment below about your experience with hemorrhoids.