Don't worry, this is the right way to deal with hemorrhoids for the elderly

Hemorrhoids can cause symptoms of anemia such as frequent fatigue and pale skin due to blood loss. Especially for the elderly whose bodies have decreased naturally. Hemorrhoid generally occurs in adults aged 45 years and over and the elderly. So, how to deal with hemorrhoids in the elderly must be done appropriately. So, how do you do it?

What are the signs if the elderly have hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are a condition when the veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum swell. The hemorrhoids will make it difficult for people to sit up due to pain and discomfort when they are pressed.

Although hemorrhoids are painful, they are not a life-threatening disease and can go away on their own. Even so, special treatment is still needed to reduce the symptoms that arise, and in some cases special medical measures are needed.

In fact, the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids in the elderly are the same as those in other age groups. Reported on the Healthline page, pay attention to the symptoms that appear, such as:

Extreme itching around the anus
Irritation and pain around the anus
There is an itchy, painful, or swollen lump near the anus.
Chapter bloody bright red

How to treat hemorrhoids for the elderly at home

In general, how to deal with hemorrhoids for the elderly is not much different from the others. Treatment that can be done at home is more aimed at reducing pain and other symptoms caused by hemorrhoids, not eliminating hemorrhoids.

Some ways to deal with hemorrhoids in the elderly, namely:

Soak in a warm water bath, at least 20 minutes every day to relieve pain. Adding Epsom salt can also be an alternative to help reduce pain.
Use pain relievers or creams, if the pain does not go away. Ointments such as hydrocortisone or hemorrhoid cream can relieve itching and burning.
Eat lots of fiber from vegetables and fruit. This is important to do to prevent constipation, so you don't have to push when you have a bowel movement and cause pain.
Cold compress on the anus, in order to reduce swelling of hemorrhoids. Always wrap the ice to be affixed with a cloth or towel and do this every 15 minutes. Don't put it directly on your skin.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can also reduce pain.
Don't hold your bowels. Sometimes some elderly people have a stimulus to defecate that is not as sensitive as young people. The more it is held, this will make the tension and pressure on the anal area even greater.
When defecating in a sitting place, cover your feet with a short stool. This position aims to lift your knees while sitting on the toilet. Changing this position can make it easier for your bowel movements to pass stool.

How to treat hemorrhoids medically

If home treatments don't help improve your hemorrhoids, you may be advised to get special measures.

1. Rubber band ligation

It is the most commonly performed non-surgical technique of removing hemorrhoids.

This procedure involves the doctor cutting off part of the hemorrhoid. An elastic band will be attached to the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. In the absence of a way to supply blood, this will cause the hemorrhoids to shrink over time.

2. Sclerotherapy

If you are not using rubber band ligation, the doctor can also perform injection sclerotherapy therapy. The doctor will inject the hemorrhoids. Injection with this drug will create scars that can cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

3. Operations

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is also possible which is known as a hemorrhoidectomy. In this operation, complete removal of the hemorrhoid that causes pain.

We recommend that if the elderly experience hemorrhoids, consult a doctor immediately. Every elderly person may experience a different severity of hemorrhoids, so to find out what kind of treatment is most appropriate, you should consult a doctor.

Some seniors may only need simple home remedies, but if symptoms are severe you should consult a doctor.