How to reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids in easy steps

Hemorrhoids  are veins on the inside or around the outside of your rectum that have become swollen and inflamed due to an increase in pressure on these veins. This condition can be caused by pregnancy, constipation, or straining too hard when you go to the bathroom.^[1] The chances of hemorrhoids occurring can also be increased by having a history of suffering from them within the family, as well as other risk factors like obesity or sitting for long periods of time without taking enough breaks to move around.

Studies have pointed towards the fact that around half of the population will suffer from hemorrhoids at some time in their lives^[2] and how, rather than being a singular experience,  this could end up as an ongoing state of discomfort due to the recurrent nature of hemorrhoidal disease.

Luckily enough, there are some tips to help reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids, alleviate the pain and discomfort which most often accompany the disease, and prevent hemorrhoids from bleeding.

What causes hemorrhoids to become swollen?

Hemorrhoids can sometimes be incredibly painful and the pain of hemorrhoids can last for days or even weeks. Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the veins around your anus and rectum. This pressure causes blood vessels to swell, which is what leads to hemorrhoids forming, and the accompanying symptoms.

The first step in approaching the issue of how to shrink hemorrhoids faster is gaining a better understanding what causes them in the first place. The most common cause of hemorrhoids is constipation,^[3] so if you are not going to the bathroom regularly then that in itself could be a contributing factor to your condition.

Aside from monitoring regular bowel movements, constipation might be caused by several different factors, and these have been known to include stress, a diet low in fiber, a lack of exercise, and dehydration, among other things.^[4]

Seven tips to shrink hemorrhoids faster

As such, the best way to shrink hemorrhoids faster is by doing everything within our power to avoid constipation or excessive straining that can lead to hemorrhoid flare-ups and bleeding hemorrhoids. Here are 7 key tips that will help you, safely and effectively, to reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids.

1. Gently place a cool compress or ice pack on the area for 10 minutes.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. By drinking plenty of water, this will help the body flush out any toxins that might be causing or exacerbating the swelling.
3. Make sure to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. You should also try to avoid extreme heavy lifting, which can put too much stress on your pelvic floor muscles, which in turn can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.  Eat fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, oats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to help keep stools soft and easy to pass.
4. Take a warm, shallow sitz bath for about 10 or 15 minutes. This can relax the aggravated tissue and relieve pain which will help to reduce the swelling and soothe your overall discomfort.
5. Be active. Although you should be mindful to avoid physical activities that might increase the strain on your pelvic floor (such as heavy weights) which could in turn lead to the worsening of swollen hemorrhoids. There are gentler exercises such as Kegel pelvic exercises,^[5] and lifting your legs while on the toilet that can be helpful in easing bowel movements and reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids.^[6]
6. Keep away from stress. Stress can have a negative impact on our health and more specifically it can cause hemorrhoid flare-ups. If you want to shrink your hemorrhoids faster, meditative relaxation makes a far better companion than stress does. Here’s how stress can cause hemorrhoids.
7. Use an over-the-counter medication. Oral venotonic medications are the most highly recommended treatments among the medical community when it comes to reducing hemorrhoids and the associated symptoms such as pain, frequent bleeding during bowel movements, itching around the anus area, and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the rectum. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

Hemorrhoids often resolve on their own, but it might not always be the case. If you continue to suffer from swollen and painful hemorrhoids, it is important to visit your doctor and ask about treatments and preventions for hemorrhoidal disease with the help of venotonic medications^[7] with flavonoids which are very efficient in reducing the risk of bleeding, pain, persisting symptoms, and the recurrence of hemorrhoids.⁷