If you suffer from the discomfort of recurring hemorrhoids, you might be looking for a solution that will stop them happening. Here at Imperial Digestive Health Specialists, PLLC, we can provide some answers that can ease your issue.
Dr. Ewelukwa and our team can provide tips to help you avoid the recurrence of hemorrhoids, which are veins that swell in your lower rectum — much like varicose veins. They can develop inside your rectum or around your anus, and are called internal or external hemorrhoids, respectively.
This common condition affects three out of four adults, but we can give you some guidance on what to do to give you relief and even eliminate them from your life.
Ways to prevent hemorrhoids
There are several things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids.
Watch what you eat
You should first start with your diet. When you’re constipated or have diarrhea, these symptoms can put undue pressure in your rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids. When you have plenty of fiber in your diet, you can have bowel movements with ease that are normal, healthy, and regular.
You want to eat plenty of insoluble fiber, which includes:
- Raw vegetables
- Fruit
- Whole grains
- Wheat brain
- Legumes
You should also drink plenty of water to keep your stools soft. In general, 6-8 glasses a day is sufficient.
“Go” when you need to
If you feel the urge to pass a bowel movement, you should act on it. If you wait, it may cause your stool to dry out, which makes it hard to pass.
Don’t strain
Be careful not to hold your breath when trying to pass a stool. This can cause hemorrhoids to develop.
Move your body
When you sit for long periods of time, you can add pressure to the area around your anus, which contributes to hemorrhoids. If you have a desk job, be sure to get up and take breaks. Walk around and stretch. These actions can give your body the relief it needs.
Don’t shy away from treatments
To reduce your inflamed hemorrhoids, a few treatment options include taking a sitz (warm water) bath, using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or witch hazel wipes, sitting on a cushion, or coming in to see us about having your hemorrhoid surgically removed.
When it’s time to see your doctor
If at-home remedies and our suggested solutions aren’t working for you, it may be time to seek our help. You should especially book an appointment if you experience any bleeding during your bowel movements or if your hemorrhoids aren’t improving with care.
You also don’t want to assume that your hemorrhoids are what’s causing any bleeding. You could be experiencing more serious issues that need examination.
You should also pay attention to your stool. Watch for any changes in color or consistency.
If you have hemorrhoids that you aren’t able to manage, first try our suggestions to give yourself the relief you need. However, if you have concerns or questions or are experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our office in Katy, Texas at 281-305-0423. Other options include texting us 832-639-5725 or clicking here to book an appointment online.