When symptoms such as pain, rectal area discomfort, burning and itching occur, many sufferers go for home remedies. The more popular remedies are fiber supplements, exercises, sitz baths, compresses and ice packs. We shall look at each of these in turn.
The mistake is substituting a diagnosis with home remedies. Even though the symptoms of haemorrhoids are often obvious, they do overlap considerably with symptoms of anal fissure, anal fistula, inflammatory bowel diseases and even bowel cancers. If the anal condition has not previously received medical attention, a consultation with a physician is required. Medical review is also essential if the last assessment was more than a couple of months ago and there are still symptoms.
Fiber supplements
Fiber-high foods help to prevent constipation but can cause problems if overdone. The main problems are bloatedness in the abdomen and excessive flatus. The following foods are usually helpful if taken in moderation:
- Bran and bran cereals: they need to be introduced slowly into the diet because otherwise, they can cause stomach discomfort.
- Dark berry juices: made from cherries, blueberries and blackberries. If taken excessively, the high sugar content can tip some sufferers' blood sugar level overboard.
- Cantaloupe: contains fiber, minerals and vitamins.
- Papaya: it is a rich source of fiber and helps digestion.
- Red and black currants they also contain rutin which helps to alleviate pain and discomfort in the rectal area.
- Bananas: they are high in fiber and can be eaten steamed. Some advocates suggest that four bananas can be taken daily to help treat haemorrhoids. This is to be discouraged as bananas are high in potassium content. Four bananas a day can cause excessive potassium load in individuals with restricted kidney function reserve. This can cause high blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia) which is a very dangerous condition associated with irregular heart rhythm and even collapse.
Exercise
Physical activity is generally advocated for people suffering from haemorrhoids. Where there is no doubt that exercise is helpful for cardiovascular system and irritable bowel syndrome, there is no evidence to support its benefit in haemorrhoid sufferers. Do not try to maintain an exercise regime during a flare-up of haemorrhoid symptoms. It just doesn't make sense to give yourself more pain.
Sitz baths
Many advocate the use of warm water to soak the rectal area in the tub for up to 15 minutes two to three times daily for three weeks. A few problems arise here. Firstly, the water should in fact be only lukewarm, like the temperature of a heated swimming pool, rather than the temperature of a hot bath or a hot spring. Otherwise, more swelling will result from dilatation of blood vessels. Also, be extremely careful when you dry the affected area afterwards as the condition is often worsened if rough material is used. Use a soft cotton towel to remove wetness from the anus, with utmost gentleness and to avoid causing abrasion and bleeding.
Compresses and ice packs
Compresses saturated in pomegranate juice and ice packs to be applied to the anus are often advocated for symptomatic relief. Even though soothing is achieved at the time, more swelling and delayed resolution of the swelling often follow. Wrap them in a soft cotton cloth, applying the ice pack on the affected area for short periods only. This way you can alleviate the haemorrhoidal pain significantly and reduce swelling and rectal discomfort to a great degree.
With recent advances in medications, primary care physicians can achieve speedy symptomatic relief for most haemorrhoid sufferers. They are also able to spot the conditions which require early specialist referrals. Most of the time, there is really no advantage for sufferers to try to manage their own haemorrhoids with home remedies.
Source: Dr Benson Yeung, Honorary Consultant in General Surgery, Matilda International Hospital
Updated: August 2009
