Relief in 72 Hours: How to Cure Piles Quickly and Effectively
Updated on: 4th Jun 2024
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, can cause intense discomfort, pain, and even bleeding. For many, finding a quick and effective solution is crucial to resuming daily life without pain. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can cure piles in 72 hours with a combination of home remedies, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms quickly.
Understanding Piles
Piles occur when the veins in the lower rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal piles: These occur inside the rectum and are generally painless, but can cause bleeding.
- External piles: These occur under the skin around the anus and can be painful, especially if they become thrombosed (clotted).
Symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Swelling around the anus
- Bleeding during bowel movements
Now that we understand the basics of piles, let’s look at ways to relieve symptoms fast, within 72 hours.
1. Dietary Changes for Quick Relief
One of the most effective ways to alleviate piles quickly is by making dietary adjustments. Since constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids, focusing on foods that ease bowel movements can provide fast relief.
- Increase Fiber Intake: Consuming high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps soften stool, making it easier to pass. Psyllium husk supplements can also help.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration, which can lead to hard stools and worsen piles.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol, as they can aggravate piles symptoms.
2. Topical Treatments for Immediate Relief
Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories are effective at soothing piles and can provide quick relief. These treatments work by reducing inflammation and numbing the area.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: Reduces inflammation and relieves itching.
- Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that helps to shrink swollen tissues and reduce irritation.
- Lidocaine Gel: Provides a numbing effect that can alleviate pain.
3. Sitz Baths for Soothing Pain
A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath designed to cleanse the perineum (the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum). Taking sitz baths 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes can significantly reduce swelling and discomfort.
- How to Prepare a Sitz Bath: Fill your tub or a special sitz bath basin with warm water and add a pinch of salt or Epsom salt. Soak the affected area to alleviate pain and promote healing.
4. Over-the-Counter Medications
To tackle piles quickly, combining dietary changes with medications can lead to faster relief. Here are some options:
- Oral Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stool Softeners: Products like docusate sodium can make bowel movements less painful by softening the stool.
- Suppositories: Glycerin or hydrocortisone-based suppositories can provide localized treatment inside the rectum.
5. Home Remedies for Fast Relief
Home remedies can work wonders when paired with other treatments. Some of the best remedies for quick piles relief include:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the piles can reduce inflammation and provide soothing relief.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack to the area can numb pain and reduce swelling.
- Coconut Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be applied to the affected area to alleviate pain and promote healing.
6. Exercise for Better Bowel Movements
Moderate physical activity improves blood circulation and can help prevent constipation, a major cause of piles. Engaging in light exercise, such as walking or yoga, for 30 minutes a day can regulate digestion and ease piles symptoms.
7. Medical Treatments for Severe Piles
In some cases, home remedies and OTC treatments may not be sufficient. If your piles are severe, medical interventions might be necessary to achieve quick relief:
- Rubber Band Ligation: This non-invasive procedure involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off within a few days.
- Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the piles, causing them to shrink.
- Infrared Coagulation: This method uses infrared light to shrink internal piles by cutting off their blood supply.
If your condition is serious or if you experience heavy bleeding, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
8. Preventing Recurrence of Piles
Once you’ve relieved piles symptoms within 72 hours, the next step is to ensure they don’t come back. Here are a few tips to prevent a recurrence:
- Follow a High-Fiber Diet: Continue eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can increase pressure on the veins in your rectal area, worsening piles.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can strain the veins in the rectum. Take breaks and walk around every hour if possible.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Clean the anal area gently but thoroughly after bowel movements to avoid irritation.
9. When to See a Doctor
While most cases of piles can be treated at home, it’s essential to seek medical advice if you experience:
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Heavy bleeding during bowel movements
- No improvement after 72 hours of home treatment
Conclusion
Curing piles quickly and effectively within 72 hours is possible with a combination of dietary changes, over-the-counter treatments, home remedies, and medical intervention if necessary. The key is to address the condition promptly, follow the right steps, and ensure that you prevent future flare-ups by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional to explore advanced treatment options.
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