Hemorrhoids can be an anemia risk for children. Hemorrhoids lead to rectal bleeding, causing blood loss and low red blood cell levels. Constipation and anal fissure risk increases.
Hemorrhoids make bowel movements difficult for children, leading to avoidance or straining. This worsens hemorrhoids and causes hard, dry stools and tears in the anal skin.
There are a handful of practical ways to relieve hemorrhoids in children, including over-the-counter creams, dietary changes, sitz baths, and medical remedies. Awareness about preventing this is also essential.
In this blog, we will discuss various ways to help ease hemorrhoid pain and help your child deal with hemorrhoids effectively.
Hemorrhoid Relief For Children: 3 Home Remedies
Hemorrhoids can be a painful experience for adults, but it can also happen to children. The causes of hemorrhoids are similar in children and adults, such as constipation, prolonged sitting, and straining during bowel movements. Children may not express their discomfort accurately, making it harder for parents to take steps for hemorrhoid relief to children.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are essential for children to relieve hemorrhoids. Introducing high-fiber foods into their diet and limiting processed foods is recommended. Water intake should also be increased to soften the stool and prevent constipation. Here are some high-fiber foods that can be added to your child's diet:
- Some fruits are oranges, apples, pears, bananas, berries, and bananas.
- Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens are all good vegetable choices.
- There are many whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
Sitz Baths
Warm sitz baths can help soothe and relieve the pain of hemorrhoids in children. Sitz baths are a type of bath where only the buttocks and hips are immersed in water. An Epsom salt bath that includes baking soda can also have anti-inflammatory effects. Here's how to perform a sitz bath:
- Fill a bathtub or basin with a few inches of warm water.
- Have your child sit in the water for 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid burns.
- A soft towel should dry the area.
Topical Creams
There are several topical creams and ointments available to treat hemorrhoids in children as well. It's essential to discuss this with your pediatrician before using any products on your child. Here are some creams and ointments that are safe for children:
- Witch hazel: This contains tannins and oils that soothe the hemorrhoids. Witch hazel wipes can clean the affected area, soothing and relieving discomfort.
- Petroleum jelly: This can create a layer of protection around the hemorrhoids, preventing further irritation and allowing the area to heal faster.
- Zinc oxide: This medication can temporarily reduce hemorrhoid burning, pain, and itching. This product contains cocoa butter, starch, or zinc oxide ingredients to keep stool from irritating.
Hemorrhoid Relief For Children: 3 Medical Remedies
Children can also develop this painful condition, which a variety of factors, such as constipation, obesity, and poor toilet habits, can cause. There are several medical remedies that parents can use to help relieve their child's hemorrhoids.
Prescriptions
A doctor can prescribe stronger medications to manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some options include:
- Hydrocortisone cream: A topical steroid cream that helps relieve itching, burning, and inflammation around the affected area.
- Suppositories: In severe cases, a child may need suppositories that contain an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory to provide pain relief.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If the hemorrhoids are causing severe discomfort and bleeding, a doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures to remove or reduce the hemorrhoids. These procedures include:
- Rubber band ligation: The hemorrhoid is cut off from its blood supply by placing a rubber band around its base. The hemorrhoid will eventually shrink and fall off.
- Injection therapy: The hemorrhoid is shrunk by injecting a chemical solution.
- Infrared coagulation: Heat is used to coagulate (clot) veins to cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoids in infrared coagulation (IRC).
Surgery
Surgery is only recommended for severe hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments. The most common surgical procedures include:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: The surgical removal of the hemorrhoids.
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: This procedure involves using a unique stapling device to remove the hemorrhoid tissue.
Hemorrhoid Relief For Children: 4 Prevention Tips
Being aware of hemorrhoid prevention is essential. If a person can maintain a healthy life, then hemorrhoids will not be threatening to that person. There are several things parents can do to prevent their children from developing hemorrhoids.
Healthier Bowel Habits
Teaching children healthy bowel habits is one of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids. This includes:
- Encouraging them to eat a diet full of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Ensure they drink plenty of water to help keep stools soft to pass.
- Encouraging them to use the bathroom when they need to go, rather than waiting until later.
- Teaching them to wipe gently to avoid irritating the anus.
Active Living
Physical activity is also vital for preventing hemorrhoids. Physically active children are less likely to become constipated, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Physical activity can be encouraged in the following ways:
- Encourage your child to play outside and participate in running, jumping, and climbing activities.
- Limit your child's screen time and encourage active play instead.
- Sign your child up for sports or other physical activities they enjoy.
Standing or sitting too long
Hemorrhoids can develop when standing or sitting for long periods. Here are some ways to avoid this:
- Encourage your child to take breaks and move around every hour if sitting or standing for a prolonged period.
- Consider getting a standing desk for your child if they do much homework or play video games.
- If your child must sit for a long time, sit on a comfortable cushion to reduce pressure on the rectal area.
Weight Maintenance
Besides keeping a healthy weight, it is also essential to prevent hemorrhoids in children. Being overweight can extra pressure the rectal area, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. Here are some ways you can help your child maintain a healthy weight:
- Make sure they eat a balanced, healthy diet.
- Make sure they don't consume sugary drinks or unhealthy snacks.
- Make sure they get regular exercise.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids can be painful for children, but there are ways to treat their symptoms. Remember to consult your child's pediatrician before administering medications, and if symptoms persist, get medical attention. With a bit of care and attention, your child's hemorrhoid discomfort can be managed, and they will regain their health and happiness.
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