How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Causes, Treatments and Symptoms

Heather Campbell
 min read

How to get rid of hemorrhoids is a question that people are often too embarrassed to ask.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Causes, Treatments and SymptomsHave you ever heard people complain of pain and bleeding during a bowel movement? Is that a definition of a hemorrhoidal crisis?

As a general rule, hemorrhoids are caused by swelling and abnormal dilation of the vessels in and around the anus. More commonly known as hemorrhoids, medical treatment consists of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and natural remedies include witch hazel and horse chestnut.

Although they are unpleasant in daily life, they usually do not come with harmful consequences for your health. Read on for more details.

How to get rid of hemorrhoids: Introduction

In their normal state, hemorrhoids are defined as vein formations located around and within the anus and rectum that are painless.

Problems arise when a hemorrhoidal crisis occurs, caused by an abnormal dilation of these veins.

There are two types of hemorrhoids, and effective treatments range from local treatment to surgery.

A hemorrhoid is a dilated vein in the anus or rectum that, when it is internal, can bleed during the emission of stools and be accompanied by itching.

Symptoms, causes, duration, the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids, and quick treatments, this article will give you tips to better understand and deal with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids: What are they?

Hemorrhoids can be defined as structures of dilated veins located around the wall of the anus and inside the rectum.

Often, they are called upon when going to the stool. Indeed, their role is to regulate the output of stools. However, unlike normal veins, hemorrhoids remain permanently dilated.

Hemorrhoidal disease, also called hemorrhoidal crisis, or more commonly known as hemorrhoids, results from inflammation of the vascularized tissues located in the anal area.

Depending on their location, there are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the opening of the anus. Sometimes they cause swelling in the anal area.

More sensitive than internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids also have a greater risk of causing a blood clot in a dilated vein.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids appear in the anus at the level of the lower part of the rectum and form a small protrusion.

This type of hemorrhoid can be classified in different degrees, depending on its stage of evolution.

In the absence of any intervention to stop their evolution, external hemorrhoids can progress from one degree to another.

There are four types of degrees:

  1. First degree: the hemorrhoid remains in the anus. In this case, it is called hemorrhoidal prolapse. There could also be slight protuberances without externalization.
  2. Second degree: the hemorrhoidal prolapse will leave the anus at the time of defecation and returns spontaneously to its normal position at the end of the effort.
  3. Third degree: the hemorrhoid comes out of the anal canal during the bowel movement. This stage requires the patient’s intervention, who will gently replace it with the fingers to its normal position.
  4. Fourth degree: the prolapsed hemorrhoid can no longer be placed inside and remains externalized. This will lead to many symptoms.

The different causes of hemorrhoids

To understand how to get rid of hemorrhoids we must understand where they come from.

The primary cause of the hemorrhoidal crisis is the deterioration of the sphincter.

The latter is caused by repeated pressure on the anal or rectal veins due to prolonged and excessive defecation efforts.

The second reason is related to sphincter hypertrophy.

And finally, the third cause is related to the swelling of the hemorrhoidal plexus.

However, other factors can cause or accentuate hemorrhoids, including:

  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Heredity
  • Poor sitting or standing position
  • A bad posture

In addition to these factors, other variables can be added, such as:

  • Overweight and obesity
  • Anal sex
  • Too much effort during defecation
  • Lifting objects that are too heavy
  • Pregnancy and childbirth in women, etc.

Eating habits can also increase the strain on the rectal veins and arteries, leading to hemorrhoid attacks.

Symptoms of a hemorrhoidal attack

The symptoms of hemorrhoidal attacks vary depending on the type of hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are noticed by a burning sensation, irritation, painful itching, or swelling in the anal area.

The person with this type of hemorrhoid may also experience oozing mucus and slight bleeding from the anus.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids

In the case of an internal hemorrhoid, one notices a painless emission of small quantities of very bright red blood in the stools or on the toilet paper.

However, this bleeding can also signify other diseases or inflammation, such as anal fissures or certain cancers.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible after the first appearance of bleeding.

This blood loss could be accompanied by infection, weakness or dizziness.

Duration of the symptoms

The duration of the symptoms will depend on the severity of the hemorrhoids.

For example, without any treatment, symptoms of less severe hemorrhoids can disappear in just a few days.

However, for prolapse-type hemorrhoids, it may take longer to heal. For example, large external hemorrhoids may take weeks to recover if they are large external hemorrhoids.

In the latter case, it is advisable to consult a doctor and proceed with a local treatment.

Hemorrhoids: Possible complications

Inflammation of the internal veins may cause them to become externalized through the anal orifice.

This prolapse leads to discomfort or mild pain that may later become more severe and brutal.

In these cases of complications, blood clots form in the hemorrhoids.

Indeed, it is a painful hemorrhoidal thrombosis that presents a bluish swelling but without danger.

In general, the symptoms disappear after about one and a half to two weeks, thanks to treatments of analgesics and laxatives that will facilitate bowel movements.

In addition to these symptoms, anemia due to hemorrhagic blood loss could be diagnosed. In rare cases, ulceration may also occur.

Hemorrhoid prevention

How to prevent hemorrhoid is better than asking how to get rid of hemorrhoids, so it is recommended to:

  • Take the time to eat well in the morning
  • Control and maintain a healthy weight
  • Drink plenty of water (minimum 1/3 gallon) between meals
  • Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Take fiber supplements to prevent the recurrence of an attack.
  • Avoid eating foods that tend to increase flare-ups, such as spices, coffee and alcohol
  • Exercise regularly and give yourself an abdominal massage to improve bowel movements and boost blood vessel tone
  • Avoid sitting for too long
  • Have a bowel movement when you need to
  • Avoid intense efforts at the time of defecation

Hemorrhoid treatments

In general, hemorrhoidal attacks are curable with or without home care.

Medical treatments for internal and external hemorrhoids are based on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that help soothe the pain.

In addition, using laxatives helps reduce constipation quickly. When symptoms are recurrent, surgery is recommended to remove the hemorrhoids.

However, it is also possible to use natural remedies to answer your question of how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

For example, some medicinal plants, such as witch hazel, produce venotonic drugs that strengthen blood vessels.

Another example, horse chestnut, is also used to reduce the effect of inflammation and improve venous tone.

It is recommended to take it in capsule form three times a day until completely cured.

Foods to avoid during a hemorrhoid attack

There are several foods to avoid consuming during a hemorrhoidal attack to not aggravate the symptoms.

French fries

Avoid all fried or breaded foods such as breaded fish, nuggets, French fries, and others, which are very fatty and should not be eaten in case of a hemorrhoid attack.

Chili pepper

Chili, and all chili-based preparations, should not be consumed during an attack. Indeed, this ingredient would not relieve the pain at all; on the contrary.

Salt

If you are prone to hemorrhoids, avoid excessive salt in your dishes. In fact, a high salt intake increases the risk of a seizure.

Pepper

Like spices and overly salty dishes, too much pepper on your plate can be a bad idea if you suffer from a hemorrhoid attack.

Mustard

Avoid using mustard when you have hemorrhoids.

Hamburger

A hamburger contains red meat and bread and sauces that are often very fatty. This is a dish to avoid if you want to relieve a crisis.

Curry

One food to avoid eating in case of hemorrhoid attacks is curry! Generally, spicy food is avoided during a seizure.

Pastries

Too rich in sugar and too fatty, the pastries and cakes of the significant distribution must also be avoided.

Delicatessen

Deli meats are far too fatty and should not be eaten when you have hemorrhoids.

Red meat

When suffering from hemorrhoids, it is recommended to reduce your consumption of red meat.

Alcohol

All alcoholic beverages are among the foods to be banned in a hemorrhoid crisis.

Sodas

Sodas, especially cola, should not be part of your daily routine when you have a hemorrhoid attack. Instead, choose plain water and stay well hydrated.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks should be avoided during a crisis, especially when consumed with alcohol.

Coffee

Coffee consumption promotes hemorrhoid attacks, so avoid drinking it when pain occurs.

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage, especially Brussels sprouts, can cause flatulence. To be avoided if you suffer from hemorrhoids.

Milk

If you are suffering from a hemorrhoid attack, do not consume milk and dairy products in general so as not to aggravate the situation.

Cheese

Cheese, especially very fatty cheeses such as Gruyere, Comté, or Roquefort, should be avoided in case of a hemorrhoid attack.

White rice

White rice slows down the transit and is not recommended in case of constipation. Avoid using it if you have a hemorrhoidal attack.

Tea

Tea is an excitant, and it is not advisable to drink too much of it when you suffer from hemorrhoids.

Choose beneficial water or herbal teas that do not contain theine.

How to get rid of hemorrhoids: Conclusion

Having hemorrhoids can cause attacks that are sometimes painful and uncomfortable for those who suffer from them.

Whether you are a man or a woman, hemorrhoids affect everyone!

The two types of hemorrhoids can be treated either in a few days with treatments sold in pharmacies or a surgical procedure.

There are several tips to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids, the first of which is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Always better than asking how to get rid of hemorrhoids is to prevent them in the first place.

About Heather Campbell

As a nutritionist, my field of specialization is science-based nutritional advice but more importantly, it is my goal to share capturing and inspiring stories, examples and solutions which can help plus-size individuals overcome their specific difficulties. Read More