Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are a painful medical condition in which the blood vessels, along with tissues, in your lower rectum become enlarged. The tissue is already present, but due to constant pressure, such as chronic constipation or hormonal changes during pregnancy, they can become swollen.
Symptoms vary between patients, but depend largely on the location of the piles. The ones located in the lower rectum, also called internal hemorrhoids, are usually painless but can bleed when passing bowel movements. External ones, i.e., the ones located under the skin in your anus, can be painful. Piles treatment in Navi Mumbai depends on your symptoms, severity, and underlying cause of piles.
Tips for Getting Relief from Hemorrhoids
1. Fiber is Essential
The simplest change you can make in your diet is adding more fiber to it. Fiber makes your stool softer and easier to pass, thus relieving constipation and preventing pressure on the already swollen tissue around the anus.
There’s not a significant change needed. Try to eat whole-wheat roti, oats, lentils, and vegetables. Eat papaya, apples, pears, and other fruits during snacks.
2. Drink Enough Water
Increasing your fiber intake will only work when you complement it with proper fluid intake. Drink more water. Have soups, fresh fruit juices, and lemon water to loosen stools.
Your exact fluid requirement depends on the weather in your area, whether you work out, and your health. Always consult a doctor before increasing your fluid intake if you have a heart or a kidney condition.
3. Do Not Strain
Do you often sit on the toilet seat for several minutes? Avoid that. This can increase pressure in the anal area, making piles worse.
Likewise, do not push hard to pass a bowel movement. If you are unable to pass it without straining, get up from the seat and try later. The harder you strain, the more pressure will be on the swollen tissue.
4. Take a Warm Sitz Bath
If your anal area feels uncomfortable or painful, prepare a warm sitz bath by filling a basin with 3-4 inches of water. Sit with the anal area immersed in it for 10-15 minutes, preferably after every bowel movement. This can provide relief from itching and pain temporarily, but is not a permanent solution to hemorrhoids.
5. Exercise Regularly
A piles specialist in Navi Mumbai recommends a few minutes of physical activity every day to support bowel movements. This doesn’t have to be intense workouts, but simple physical activities, such as walking or cycling. Do not practice activities that put pressure on the abdomen or cause overexertion, as they can make your hemorrhoids worse.
6. Seek Treatment
Home remedies can help to some extent, but for long-lasting relief, it’s worth consulting a piles specialist. They may recommend stool softeners, pain-relief medication, and, for severe cases of piles, you may need to undergo procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or hemorrhoidectomy.
Getting rid of hemorrhoids requires a balanced diet rich in fiber, moderate physical activity, enough fluid intake, and bathroom practices that prevent constipation.
