Hemorrhoids are soft tissues that function to cushion the impact of fecal material passing through the rectum and anus.
They can become painful and swollen.
Sometimes they bleed.
When that happens, they may be referred to as piles.
Painless bleeding accompanies internal piles.
External ones cause pain and contribute to itching of the delicate skin surrounding the anus.
For immediate hemorrhoid relief, creams can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may be used occasionally, but if used on a regular basis, they can make the problem worse.
New warning labels attempt to advise consumers against the regular use of synthetic anti-inflammatories.
Even aspirin can damage the liver, if taken too often.
Sitz baths safely relieve pain and itching.
Epsom salts may be added to the warm water to enhance the soothing effect.
Both heat and cold are effective for relieving pain.
Small ice packs can be used for external hemorrhoids.
Cold reduces inflammation as well as numbing the area to reduce pain almost immediately.
The easiest and safest way to apply heat (which relieves pain) is through a warm bath.
Although internal piles do not usually cause symptoms, bleeding can lead to dehydration or anemia.
Weakness, fatigue and irritability are not uncommon.
Many people find the condition embarrassing, which leads to anxiety in social situations.
Finding a solution for long-term hemorrhoid relief will prevent the need for surgery and reduce your risk of chronic health problems.
Finding a cure for piles cures the accompanying embarrassment as well.
You should consult your doctor if the condition is accompanied by chronic diarrhea.
Piles do not cause diarrhea, but blood in the stool can be a symptom of a different condition.
People with chronic constipation or difficulty passing stools are most likely to need hemorrhoid relief.
Hard dry stools irritate the delicate tissues.
Straining to pass the stools increases the risk of broken blood vessels.
One of the long term solutions for painful or bleeding hemorrhoids is to add more fiber to your diet and drink more plain water.
Both will reduce the risk of chronic constipation, which also reduces the risk of piles.
Dietary changes can be difficult to make.
Drinking more water is usually an easy thing to accomplish.
Taking a fiber supplement is an easy alternative to making dietary changes.
Fiber supplements may provide near immediate hemorrhoid relief by softening the stool.
It sometimes takes a combination of treatments to relieve hemorrhoids and prevent them from coming back.