Hemorrhoids are a very common thing for people that are over the age of fifty. Actually more than half of the people over fifty that report for a regular physical are diagnosed with the condition. In most of these cases, surgery is not needed as the cases are minor and able to heal themselves. A benefit to being over fifty is you are not afraid to make adjustments to your lifestyle in order to improve your health.
For people over fifty, the most successful hemorrhoid treatment method is to maintain a diet that is high in fiber. Adding fiber to a diet will help regulate the body’s digestive system and prevent constipation and diarrhea. There are many ways to add fiber to a diet. Some foods that are high in fiber include popcorn, potatoes, and apples with the skin on it, green vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. It is also important to add more water in your diet as well. Water will help you pass stools easier and help reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated or constipated.
For the burning and the itching there are creams that can be used which can provide immediate relief from the pain, itching, and burning that is associated with the condition. Another more conservative alternative to relieving the burning and itching sensations is to apply an ice pack directly to the anus for five to ten minutes two to three times a day. Make sure to cover the ice pack with a clean cotton cloth that will provide a barrier between your skin and the ice. You can also try a heat pack and even alternate between using ice and heat to relieve pain.
Another effective hemorrhoid treatment is to soak the lower bottom half of the body in lukewarm water for ten to fifteen minutes, three to four times a day. You should avoid adding anything to the water such as bubble bath or bath salts as they may contain perfume and dyes that could further irritate the inflammation.
You should limit your time on the toilet to no more than five minutes. Sitting on toilet for long periods of time can cause the veins in the anus to inflame. It is a good idea to remove all reading material out of the bathroom. Also try not to strain while having a bowel movement as this will put more strain on the colon and cause more swelling which can cause more pain, bleeding, and irritation.
For most people over fifty who suffer from anal inflammations, surgery is not necessary. Simple changes to your lifestyle can make a huge improvement on your condition, as well as your overall health. It is wise to talk to your doctor about what methods are right for your condition.