Try these at-home treatments to find relief.

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Health tips: Hemorrhoids

Dear Reader,

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, although often the cause is unknown. They may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy. Other causes of hemorrhoids include lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for long periods, and obesity.

Hemorrhoids are very common. Nearly 3 out of 4 adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Sometimes they don’t produce any signs or symptoms, but other times they cause itching, discomfort and bleeding.

Treatment: You can often relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids with home treatments.

Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens stool and increases its bulk, which can help you avoid the straining that can worsen symptoms from hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas. A high-fiber diet also can help prevent hemorrhoids.
Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.
Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz. External hemorrhoid bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Avoid alcohol-based or perfumed wipes. Gently pat the area dry or use a hair dryer.
Don’t use dry toilet paper. To help keep the anal area clean after a bowel movement, use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper that doesn’t contain perfume or alcohol.
Apply cold. Apply ice packs or cold compresses on your anus to relieve swelling.
Take oral pain relievers. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) temporarily to help relieve your discomfort.

With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. See your doctor if you don’t get relief in a week, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.

What you need to know about digestive health

If digestive problems are some of the most common reasons why people seek medical care, why do most Americans know so little about their causes and treatment options?

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