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Treatment for hemorrhoids can be done with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the proctologist to relieve pain and discomfort, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, ointments such as Proctyl or Ultraproct, or surgery, in the most severe cases, in that the hemorrhoid is "stuck" in the anus, for example.
However, some home measures, such as taking sitz baths, eating fiber-rich foods or avoiding using toilet paper so as not to injure the anal area, also help relieve pain and treat hemorrhoids faster, especially when you can't take medicine, as in pregnancy. Learn more about treating hemorrhoids in pregnancy.
Some important precautions to treat hemorrhoids faster include:
1. Eat a high fiber diet
To help treat and prevent the worsening of hemorrhoids, you should increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber, such as brown rice, bread with cereals, flaxseed and wheat germ, as they help make the stools softer, which facilitates bowel function and reduces pain when going to the bathroom.
2. Drink 2 liters of water a day
Drinking about 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day helps keep stools well hydrated, facilitating their elimination, which greatly reduces pain when defecating and facilitates the healing of hemorrhoids.
3. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel like it
Another strategy that can help a lot to relieve pain when using the bathroom is to go to the bathroom whenever you feel like it, this ensures that stools are eliminated while they are still hydrated, decreasing pain and reducing pressure on the hemorrhoid.
People who hold it for a long time to go to the bathroom usually end up with drier stools, which cause discomfort when passed, can aggravate hemorrhoids.
4. Avoid using toilet paper
Although toilet paper is one of the most used ways to clean up after using the bathroom, it may not be a good option when you suffer from hemorrhoids. This is because the paper is often irregular and can irritate the anal area, increasing discomfort.
It is recommended to use a shower or, for example, pass a moist towelette.
5. Practicing regular physical exercise
Exercise regularly, such as walking or swimming, increases bowel mobility and makes stools more shaped, helping them to pass more easily and decreasing pain.
6. Applying a hemorrhoid ointment
Ointments for hemorrhoids, such as Hemovirtus, Proctyl or Ultraproct, are widely used in the treatment of hemorrhoids because they have vasoconstrictor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ointments should be prescribed by the doctor and applied directly to the hemorrhoid, with a gentle massage, 2 to 3 times a day, while the treatment lasts. Discover all the ointments for hemorrhoids.
7. Take a sitz bath
Sitz baths are a great natural treatment for hemorrhoids that can be done with just lukewarm water about 3-4 times a day as warm water helps relieve pain and discomfort.
To make a sitz bath, simply fill a large basin with warm water and sit in it, without underwear, for about 20 minutes or until the water cools down.
Sitz baths can be more effective if plants with anti-inflammatory and vasopressor properties are added to the water. See how to prepare some options in the following video:
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in hemorrhoids include relief of pain and discomfort, especially when having a bowel movement and when sitting, disappearance of blood in bowel movements or after cleaning the anal area, and the disappearance of one or more bags in the anal area, in the case of external hemorrhoids.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening hemorrhoids include increased pain and discomfort, especially when sitting or having a bowel movement, increased volume of the pouch or pouches in the anus, and increased blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement.
