Hemorrhoids affect many people who are not self-sufficient and who rely on others to care for them. The elderly, especially if they are in nursing homes or are bedridden, may be at a higher risk to develop hemorrhoid symptoms than many other people are.
Dehydration and a diet low in fiber can make the difference between having normal, easy-to-pass bowel movements and becoming constipated. There is also the possibility that certain medications may cause constipation. When the elderly become constipated, hemorrhoid symptoms may soon follow.
The main problem is that, quite often, there have been illnesses and other debilitating problems that may have made it difficult for many elderly people to express their discomfort. This can present the problem of them having hemorrhoid symptoms and not having any help with them until there is a more serious symptom such as rectal bleeding.
Another cause of hemorrhoid symptoms among the elderly is the lack of proper care that many of them experience in understaffed nursing homes and when being taken care of by people who may not know what to look for. Being left in soiled undergarments can cause irritation and inflammation of the rectum and anal canal. When inflammation occurs, if a vein is affected, then a hemorrhoid will appear and there will be hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, pain, and burning.
Cleaning is especially important when taking care of the elderly. Making sure they are clean after a bowel movement and that there is no pain or itching may help prevent hemorrhoid symptoms or catch them early so they can be taken care of. Wiping the area with a damp cloth may help clean them as well as offer soothing if there are already any hemorrhoid symptoms.
Making sure that their caretaker helps them change position often will also help. Sometimes, hemorrhoid symptoms happen when there is pressure on the rectum from sitting in one position or lying on the back too long. Changing position is a good way to change the area the pressure is on, making it less likely to cause a problem.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is wise to observe the way they do things to make sure that they are cared for in every area, even this one. Preventing hemorrhoids may mean that you need to ask about them being given a stool softener or laxative to help them not become constipated, especially if they are unable to eat a high fiber diet.
If you notice a problem, or if your elderly loved one indicates that they are in any discomfort, take it seriously and have them looked at by a doctor. This may be the best way to keep on top of the possibility of hemorrhoid symptoms in the lives of those who can’t care for themselves.
Hemorrhoid symptoms can be helped if there is already a problem. Using a hemorrhoid cream or ointment may offer them relief from any hemorrhoid symptoms they may be having. If there is bleeding or a prolapse, taking care of it right away will help avoid worse problems in the future.