Have you ever experienced the discomfort and irritation of piles, also known as haemorrhoids? These swollen veins in the anus or rectum affect millions worldwide, causing not only physical discomfort but also disrupting daily activities. While they often resolve on their own, sometimes they can become more problematic, leading to pain and complications.
Dr Amita Jain, who is one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and specialises in painless lesser surgery for piles understands the challenges of haemorrhoids and offers valuable self-help tips to alleviate their irritation and pain. Let’s learn more about them.
What do you need to do as a self-help to get relief from irritation or pain related to piles?
Dr Amita Jain, Senior Consultant, Artemis Lite Hospital, says there is no single remedy that could turn successful, you need to take care and do the following things to avail the best results. These include
Warm Baths – Soaking in warm water is a great way to relieve discomfort from piles. It reduces itching, irritation, and spasms. By filling a bathtub with a few inches of warm water and soaking for 15-20 minutes after defecation, you can find relief. Use unscented soap to wash the area gently and avoid scrubbing.
You can also use a sitz bath, a plastic tub that fits over the toilet seat, for easier soaking. Pat the area dry afterwards to avoid further irritation. Warm baths soothe the irritation caused by haemorrhoids by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles. Adding antiseptic solutions like Betadine, as advised by a doctor, can enhance the healing process.
Ice Pack – Don’t be surprised, but both hot and cold treatments can ease the discomfort of piles. Ice packs are particularly helpful as they reduce swelling, pain, and bleeding associated with haemorrhoids. Applying ice packs to the affected area for at least 15 minutes at a time can significantly reduce swelling and inflammation.
Ice acts as a natural vasoconstrictor, decreasing blood flow to the swollen blood vessels, and providing fast relief. For large, painful haemorrhoids, doctors often recommend applying ice several times a day. To use ice packs effectively, place a thin cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent direct contact, and follow up with a warm, wet towel for additional relief.
A Fibre-rich Diet – Have more high-fibre, low-fat foods like beans, whole-grain bread, cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables to ease the discomfort of haemorrhoids. Fibre increases stool weight and softens stools, making them easier to pass and reducing the time they spend in the colon. This helps prevent or alleviate haemorrhoid symptoms. If you can’t get enough fiber from food, consult your doctor about supplements, but introduce fibre gradually to avoid gas and bloating.
Increase Fluid Intake – Staying hydrated is crucial for keeping stools soft and easy to pass, which is important for preventing and easing the discomfort of piles. When you’re not drinking enough water, your intestines absorb water from food waste, leading to hard and dry stools that are difficult to pass. This can cause straining during bowel movements, putting pressure on blood vessels around the anus and leading to inflammation and piles.
Drinking plenty of water keeps the colon hydrated, preventing it from drawing too much water from stools and keeping them soft. Increasing water intake is a simple and effective way to ease piles discomfort and reduce the risk of constipation. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to help soften stools and minimize straining.
Don’t Delay Your Bowel Movement – Avoid delaying bowel movements to alleviate discomfort from piles. Waiting exacerbates constipation, and worsening haemorrhoids. When you feel the urge, promptly visit the bathroom to prevent stool backup and reduce strain. Establish a consistent time for bathroom visits that can improve bowel habits.
Exercise – Regular at-home exercises, particularly pelvic floor exercises, effectively manage haemorrhoid symptoms. Strengthening these muscles aids in easier bowel movements, reducing strain and pain. This proactive approach offers long-term relief, making daily activities more comfortable for those experiencing piles.
Now that you’ve learned these self-help tips from Dr Amita Jain, managing haemorrhoid discomfort is within reach. By adopting warm baths, ice packs, a fibre-rich diet, hydration, timely bowel movements, and exercise, finding relief and improving daily comfort becomes achievable.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi