At some point, everyone will suffer the pain of haemorrhoids. It is inevitable. Veins that lie just beneath the lining of the anus become inflamed and truly let you know they are LOUD and PROUD. Typical symptoms include itchiness, swelling, and a burning sensation.

What is Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are veins that form an enlarged protrusion in a highly sensitive area of the anal canal. These veins become engorged and uncomfortable. Internal haemorrhoids are typically less sensitive to pain and usually make themselves known with a few drops of blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

Internal hemorrhoids may be considered more concerning when they become anal fissures or perianal abscesses. Medical intervention is recommended in these instances. External hemorrhoids appear on the outside of the anus. Usually as smaller protrusions and can be acutely painful.

Symptoms and Causes

  • Hemorrhoid pain is usually caused by increased pressure on both sides of the abdomen and down to the lower rectum. Causes may be constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pregnancy, obesity, or from lifting heavy objects. What you eat and your lifestyle habits will play an important part in what contributes to digestive conditions.

  • Things such as overeating processed foods, lack of good hydration, and no exercise will not work in your favor. Sitting is the ENEMY. A sedentary lifestyle places pressure on hemorrhoids.

Why Do Hemorrhoids Cause Pain?

  • The nerve network connected to the veins that form Haemorrhoid is usually not painful until they become engorged with excess blood. The strain on the lower rectum forces the swelling and thereby initiates a series of uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms range from itching to bleeding and unspecific soreness.

  • Hemorrhoids inside the rectum are normally painless and often never noticed. External hemorrhoids experience contact and irritation of the outer skin and therefore deliver a painful sensation when one needs to use the bathroom. Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse and bulge to the outside of the anus may cause a pinch or itchy feeling around bumps that form. Thrombosed Haemorrhoids may deliver a throbbing sensation when they first appear causing the patient discomfort.

What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like & What You Can Do to Find Relief? 

The norm is swelling and inflammation on the surrounding skin. Itchiness, a burning sensation, inflammation, and irritation are regularly experienced.

At home Treatments

  • The good news is that there are numerous affordable, effective solutions for at-home treatments.

Topical Treatments

  • Numerous creams and ointments for purchase at your local pharmacy. Highly popular and affordable they tend to work well in many cases to numb the pain. Corticosteroids help to reduce swelling, vasoconstrictors temporarily narrow blood vessels, and plant-based options such as aloe vera and witch hazel are more natural options.

If you have some kind of allergic reaction to any of these, we highly recommend consulting a medical professional as soon as possible.

Sitz Baths

Ice Packs

  • Cold therapy is used widely to treat external hemorrhoids. Apply an over-the-counter ice pack against the affected region for about 15-18 minutes. Repeat as necessary throughout the day. By doing this you will cool the tissue temperature and reduce blood flow and inflammation.

Pain Relievers

  • Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen are all antiinflammatories as well as pain relievers. This makes them suitable for the relief of hemorrhoidal pains, particularly at night.

They offer the patient temporary relief from pain so that they may sleep enough to start the healing process. Creams and such applied to the site will help further to enable sleep. 

Stool Softeners

  • Hemorrhoidal pain during bowel movement is not pleasant. A good stool softener can help. The laxative increases the amount of water absorbed by your stool thereby making it softer and easier to pass. Typically these are used after childbirth, or recovering from surgery.

Softening your stool will help to reduce straining when going to make a 'poo'. Straining due to constipation may cause the hemorrhoid to become bigger (engorged). A hard stool is likely to cause tearing or further exacerbation. Stool softeners usually contain docusate sodium and docusate calcium. They should be used as directed and not taken any longer than a week. If constipation persists, seek medical advice.

High-Fiber Additives

  • We know of 2 types of fiber. Soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is ingested with a liquid (usually water) which helps slow your digestion process and generate improved gut fermentation. Insoluble fiber is not dissolvable.

It tends to absorb moisture to help bulk up your stool and give it a more solid form that’s easier to pass. Both types help to prevent constipation and ensure regular bowel movements. Good fiber sources are always recommended from natural options such as fresh vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fruit. 

Stay Hydrated

  • Water is a key component in helping your digestive system break down food so that it can be accessed by the body. Water can also help to prevent Haemorrhoid by softening ingested food as it moves through the digestive system. Insufficient water intake will cause a multitude of problems that will increase the likelihood of hemorrhoidal conditions.

Eight glasses a day is broadly recommended, however, actual intake may vary due to age, physical activity, heat, etc. When your pee stays a clear pale yellow it means you are well hydrated.

You Should Not Strain During Bowel Movements

  • Everyone's experienced a bowel movement that is difficult to pass. Straining during an occasional bowel movement isn’t unusual, however it should not occur more often than not. Straining places great pressure on your rectum which can lead to hemorrhoids.

A hard, dry stool will signal to your body to forcefully push it out which may tear the lining of the anus. By practicing good toileting techniques you can help to reduce the severity of straining. A wonderful device known as Squatty Potty is essential to assist your body in evacuating a stool with minimal strain.

Anal Hygiene

  • Like it or not the anus is a highly skin-sensitive area. It is notoriously difficult to keep clean and constant wiping only makes the situation worse. It is imperative to properly remove all fecal particles after an evacuation. The best way to do this is with water. Use a bidet, spray bottle, or sitz bath to achieve a 100% clean anus.

  • Don't do it and you run the risk of infection and eventually surgery. Hemorrhoids are already prone to infection, so keeping your anus clean of infections, bacteria, and irritants is essential. A sitz bath helps keep it clean without the aggravation or chaffing caused by toilet paper.

Avoid Sitting for Too Long

  • Pressure on the anus pushes Haemorrhoid down and stops blood from moving which then causes swelling, irritation, and pain. Sitting is the NO1 cause of anus pressure. Try to stand more than you sit through the day. If you must sit then using a suitable seat cushion can also help to reduce this pressure.

Wear Cotton

  • An excess of moisture in the area of the anus may lead to the growth of yeast, fungus, or infection-causing bacteria. By wearing undergarments made of natural, non-synthetic material we help to reduce heat, absorb moisture wicking away from the body, and deliver good ventilation to the region.

Avoid Irritating Foods

Lift Properly

  • No matter what your Haemorrhoid resulted from, you must be aware of correct lifting techniques to help minimize stress on your lower rectum. Don't lift weights outside of your comfort range. Too heavy is no good.

  • Refrain from holding your breath when lifting as this can cause a sudden surge of pressure in your blood vessels. Eliminate workout routines that involve lower rectum strains such as squats. Use your knees, not your back when lifting.

Surgery

  • If there is a need for surgery such as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, there are a few options for treating hemorrhoids. Rubber band surgery is used on hemorrhoids by placing a band around the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off.  A hemorrhoidectomy surgically removes enlarged or prolapsed hemorrhoids. 

Hemorrhoidopexy (stapling) securely staples a prolapsed hemorrhoid back inside the rectum to block off blood supply until it shrinks and is absorbed by the body. Surgery is not risk-free and may develop postoperative infections, abscesses, anal stenosis, and in rarely fecal incontinence.

Also Read:- Postpartum Products Guide: Make the Transition To Motherhood Easier

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If unsure about any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any product suggested.

FAQs

Q:- Why is my hemorrhoid hurting?

Ans. Hemorrhoids hurt due to swelling and inflammation of the veins around the anus or lower rectum.

Q:- How do you treat hemorrhoid pain?

Ans. Treatment includes over-the-counter creams, sitz baths, pain relievers, and increasing fiber intake.

Q:- Can hemorrhoid pain be excruciating?

Ans. Yes, especially if the hemorrhoid is thrombosed (contains a blood clot) or prolapsed.

Q:- What shrinks hemorrhoids fastest?

Ans. Sitz baths, topical treatments like hydrocortisone cream, and ice packs can help shrink hemorrhoids quickly.

Q:- How long should hemorrhoid pain last?

Ans. Mild hemorrhoid pain may last a few days, while more severe cases can take a few weeks to heal.