Dealing With Haemorrhoids: What To Do And What Not To Do

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a serious concern that you shouldn’t take lightly. Haemorrhoids make bathroom breaks a challenge, they’re uncomfortable, bleed and cause significant pain, especially when pressure is applied. In fact, haemorrhoids are a common condition. Statistics show that about 50% of people have experienced haemorrhoids before the age of 50.

What is a haemorrhoid?

Haemorrhoids are engorged and swollen blood vessels that can occur inside or outside your anus. External haemorrhoids are visible and appear on the skin surface as enlarged and swollen veins. They can mimic skin tags, lumps or other similar skin anomalies. As for internal haemorrhoids, they are non-visible and usually happen within the rectum or anus. While you don’t see or feel internal haemorrhoids, you may notice some bleeding during or after bowel movements.

Common causes of haemorrhoids among adults include:

• Constipation or straining during bowel movement
• Engaging in consistent heavy lifting activities that strain your body
• Increased pressure on the pelvic floor due to pregnancy
• Obesity
• Sexual practices involving the anus

The most important thing you can do to prevent a bout of haemorrhoids is avoid straining when having a bowel movement and incorporate a nutrient-rich diet that promotes a healthy and smooth bowel movement.

Although haemorrhoids can reduce and heal on their own, here’s what you can do to solve the underlying problem of constipation and straining, avoid further exacerbating existing haemorrhoids and minimise any pain.

Do’s

• Consume a nutrient-rich diet and high-fibre foods to prevent constipation. Some examples of beneficial food types include bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots, legumes and nuts.
• Drink plenty of water for smoother bowel movement.
• Consider an over-the-counter fibre supplement that will help soften your stool.
• If you’re experiencing pain, soak in a warm and shallow bath for at least 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, to relieve the pain of external haemorrhoids, you can sit on a warm water bottle.
• Suppose you experience any form of rectal bleeding or persistent pain that lasts over a week. In that case, it’s recommended to visit the doctor for a thorough examination to receive an in-depth diagnosis.

Don’ts

If you already suffer from haemorrhoids, there are things you will need to avoid doing to let them heal. It might be a good idea to note that once bleeding stops, chances are the haemorrhoids is on its way to healing.

• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, especially on hard surfaces like concrete.
• Avoid adding pressure during bowel movements, as straining increases pressure and prevents the haemorrhoids from shrinking and healing.
• Avoid aggressive wiping or over-wiping. It’s best to use gentle cleansing wipes, plain or unscented wet wipes, soft tissue paper or a bidet.
• Avoid wearing skin-tight undergarments or pants, as they could chafe and irritate the affected area.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and pay a visit to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right. Each symptom could signify a serious underlying condition, and while you know your body best, advice from a trained practitioner could help. From there, the specialist would walk you through types of haemorrhoids treatment and haemorrhoids treatment costs in Singapore if necessary. The sooner the issue is treated, the sooner you will feel better after all.