Straight talk about what you need to know about hemorrhoids

Five questions about hemorrhoids you’re afraid to ask

1. Who’s most likely to get hemorrhoids? Pregnancy, chronic constipation and obesity put added pressure on the delicate veins in the anus and rectum and increase the risk of hemorrhoids flare-ups Approximately 50 per cent of adults over age 50 will experience hemorrhoids, as cited by John Hopkins Medicine. Older adults are more prone to the condition because of a weakening of supporting tissues in the anus and rectum which can occur naturally with aging.

2. What lifestyle behaviours contribute to hemorrhoid flare-ups? Your mom might have told you that sitting on cold pavement would cause them, but that’s not true. Straining during a bowel movement, sitting on the toilet for long periods and not eating enough fibre-rich foods are all contributing factors that can be avoided.

3. What should I do if I have hemorrhoid flare-ups? At the top of the list is easing pain. Use pre-moistened wipes with witch hazel to soothe the area, sit on a soft cushion for relief and have a sitz bath in warm water, especially after bowel movements. Also consider Venixxa, a natural oral product, designed to reduce swelling and improve healing.

4. What can I do to make sure I don’t get them again? Some simple habits will reduce your chances of reoccurrence. Stay regular by consuming fibre-rich foods (at least 30 g daily), exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, moderate exercise can reduce your risk, thanks to its ability to stimulate bowel function.

5. Should I see my doctor? Usually, it’s not necessary. Hemorrhoid flare-ups should heal with at-home care. But if you are still experiencing rectal bleeding with bowel movements and don’t see improvement in symptoms after a week, consult your doctor. It’s important not to let rectal bleeding go unchecked. According to Dr. Karimuddin, the diagnosis will often be hemorrhoids, which can be treated. “However, the symptoms of more concerning problems like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease can often be the same.”

The human body is a wondrous creation. The average adult has more than 100,000 miles worth of blood vessels – veins included. They are vital for ensuring adequate blood flow and keeping tissues healthy. When veins in the anal or lower rectum region swell and become distended, that’s indicative of hemorrhoidal flare-ups, also known as hemorrhoids (or piles), a common, yet very painful, condition.

An estimated 60 to 80 per cent of Canadians will have hemorrhoid flare-ups at least once in their lifetimes. Though many people have had them, few talk openly about their experiences despite the serious impact hemorrhoid flare-ups have on quality of life. They may cause bleeding, itching and severe discomfort. Those with the malady suffer in silence, reluctant to discuss an intimate, potentially embarrassing matter openly.

“People often don’t understand symptoms in that area well, and are fearful of seeking medical advice,” says Dr. Ahmer Karimuddin, a colorectal surgeon at St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care, in Vancouver. “Often the symptoms are self-limiting, so people will put up with them for many days, hopeful that the symptoms will resolve on their own or simply disappear.”

Being able to discuss hemorrhoids with your doctor or your pharmacist opens the door to learning more about what causes them, how to prevent them and the latest ways they can be managed. Fortunately, new treatment options can help ease pain and allow those coping with hemorrhoid flare-ups to live their life to fullest again.

There are two types of hemorrhoids – internal (swollen veins inside the rectum) and external (dilated veins under the skin of the anus). Symptoms of both can be reduced through diet, according to Dr. Bruno Salena, a gastroenterologist at McMaster University Medical Centre in Hamilton, in an article published by the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology.

Softer stools and being able to fully empty bowels will help reduce the pressure on the veins. He recommends eating more fruit and vegetables and whole grain cereals like bran, accompanied by at least six to eight glasses of water daily. A physician may also suggest a stool softener or laxative. Dr. Salena emphasizes the importance of good hygiene. Keep the area clean post-bowel movement with moist wipes. The key is to be gentle to avoid irritation.

Treatments vary, but most can be done at home. Warm soaks, ice packs, suppositories or zinc oxide paste are all options to ease swelling. You could also try Venixxa, an oral, natural health product introduced in late 2017. Available without a prescription, it is formulated with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) that has been extracted from immature oranges. Controlled trials showed it reduced the duration and intensity of acute hemorrhoidal episodes. Patients using Venixxa saw an overall reduction of symptoms as early as two days after use. If treatment begins early, symptoms can be significantly improved.

The main thing to remember: There’s no need to suffer quietly with hemorrhoid flare-ups. Relief is available. Don’t worry about blushing. Talk to your health-care provider or pharmacist about treatment options.

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