How to prevent hemorrhoids | OSF HealthCare

Whereas hemorrhoids are sometimes the butt of jokes, these struggling with them don’t discover the state of affairs humorous. And, sadly, about half of all of us could have hemorrhoids by age 50.

Julie Maner-Stevenson, superior observe registered nurse with OSF HealthCare, places jokes apart and talks about how one can reduce your possibilities of affected by hemorrhoids.

What are hemorrhoids?

When the veins or blood vessels in and round your anus and decrease rectum turn out to be swollen and irritated, they’re referred to as hemorrhoids. It’s a results of an excessive amount of stress on these veins and blood vessels.

Hemorrhoids might be both inside your anus or below the pores and skin across the exterior of your anus.

“Hemorrhoids are a quite common situation that impacts many individuals, often between the ages of 45 to 65, however they’ll have an effect on folks of all ages and genders,” Julie mentioned.

What causes hemorrhoids?

It’s possible you’ll get hemorrhoids for those who:

• Are older
• Are pregnant
• Have a household historical past
• Have long-term or continual constipation or diarrhea
• Usually pressure throughout bowel actions

It often comes all the way down to extra stress, however it might probably outcome from weakened veins and blood vessels or hereditary points. Everyone seems to be totally different and may deal with totally different ranges of stress.

“As an illustration, many instances, girls get hemorrhoids throughout their being pregnant and childbirth. The additional stress of the child and the exertion of childbirth places stress on the blood vessels of their pelvis,” Julie mentioned.

What are you able to do to forestall hemorrhoids?

Whereas it’s not at all times potential to forestall hemorrhoids, you possibly can scale back the probability by consuming a traditional nutritious diet, keep away from straining these veins and blood vessels and sustaining a wholesome weight.

“Stopping hemorrhoids contains protecting bowel actions comfortable and simple to move,” Julie mentioned. “This may be completed by staying hydrated and rising fiber.”

Sustaining constant bowel actions via correct diet reduces the danger of constipation and diarrhea.

“Most individuals want 20-35 grams of fiber each day. Consuming a weight-reduction plan filled with recent vegatables and fruits together with different fiber-filled foods might help improve each day fiber consumption,” Julie mentioned. “For those who discover it onerous to eat sufficient fiber, you possibly can attempt over-the-counter fiber dietary supplements like Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber or Fibercon. These medicines can all be present in generic type.”

One other benefit to a wholesome digestive tract, it helps restrict your time and effort on the bathroom.

“Attempt to keep away from straining throughout bowel actions. Some folks must take stool softeners to forestall onerous stools which can be troublesome to move,” Julie mentioned. “Stool softeners like docusate sodium can be utilized. In some circumstances, osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol 3350 could also be helpful.”

It’s not at all times potential, however attempt to keep away from exerting or straining these veins and blood vessels.

Speaking to your well being care supplier

Working together with your well being care supplier to handle bowel points and stop pointless straining is your first step towards avoiding hemorrhoids.

Your major care supplier might help you establish bother spots in your weight-reduction plan and join you with a dietitian, if needed.