Managing Hemorrhoid Symptoms During Humid Weather

Humidity can have an impact in more ways than just your skin and hair—it can affect your digestive system and your blood circulation as well. For people who are experiencing hemorrhoids, having to deal with the months of hotter, more humid weather can be particularly uncomfortable. 

Whether it is just too much moisture, dehydration or sweating, the result will likely make itching, swelling, and inflammation around the anal area worse and will interfere with day-to-day life. Awareness and care can help tremendously for comfort and healing.

Whether you are seeking information about hemorrhoid care in the heat and humidity, how humidity affects a person suffering from hemorrhoids, what tips to include in a lifestyle to diminish symptoms or other forms of support for behaviors that may warrant seeking the support of a healthcare professional, this article will put you on your way.

Understanding Hemorrhoids and How They Can Worsen In Humid Weather

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or anus due to increased pressure caused by straining to have a bowel movement, prolonged sitting, or pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).

In periods of humidity, people tend to sweat more and moisture gets trapped around sensitive areas. This can lead to skin irritation, potential bacteria growth, and inflammation, making hemorrhoid symptoms worse. On top of this, dehydration from sweating contributes to constipation, which puts excess strain on the veins in the rectum further exacerbating flare-ups.

In addition to each of the factors listed, poor hygiene, tight fitting clothes, or lack of air circulation around the pelvic area, may add to the increased discomfort and pain.

How Humidity Affects the Body's Digestive Balance

Humid weather alters your body's metabolism. The process of digestion slows which can lead to bloating and or constipation—both of which can increase the chances for a person to experience a hemorrhoid flare-up.Excess sweating can also compromise electrolyte and fluid balance, resulting in dry stools and pain with defecation. In tropical climates, many people erroneously think they are “hydrated” because of the humidity and lessen their intake of water. Humidity actually contributes to dehydration. Additionally, hydration is actually a contributing factor of hemorrhoid pain and bleeding. The combination of heat, sweating, and dehydration contributes to the risk of developing hemorrhoids or worsening existing hemorrhoids at this time of year, for anyone afflicted with piles. 

Strategies for managing hemorrhoids during humid weather

It is necessary to manage hemorrhoids during humid months, by way of hygiene, dietary, and lifestyle adaptations. Here are a few very practical ways to reduce discomfort: 

1. Stay Hydrated Daily 

  Two-and-a-half to three liters of water should be consumed every day. The more hydrated you are, the greater the softening of your stools and lessening of your straining. You can also maintain electrolyte balance and soothe your digestive tract with coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices. 

2. Make it a Priority to Eat High Fiber Foods 

Foods that are rich in fiber help regulate your bowel movements. This includes whole grains, leafy vegetables, fruits, oats, lentils, etc. Refrain from consuming refined foods, white bread, and deep fried snacks that may cause constipation! Remember for the best results when increasing fiber to take in enough water to lessen bloating. 

3. Maintain Good Anal Hygiene 

After each bowel movement, carefully clean the area with mild soap and water, or unscented wipes. Try to avoid rubbing or using dry tissue as it can agitate the irritation. Keeping the area clean from stuck feces as well as dry will help from bacterial contamination and fungal growth due to humidity. 

4.Utilize Soothing Sitz Baths 

Sitz baths, defined as soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes, help facilitate circulation and decrease symptoms associated with itching or swelling. If the weather is especially humid, using lukewarm water is ideal instead of hot water because heat encourages inflammation. 

• Avoid Tight Fitting Clothing - Choose looser fitting 100% cotton underwear and clothing and do not wear synthetic clothing. Tight fitting clothes trap heat and moisture providing the perfect environment for irritation and baterial infections to occur. 
• Engage in Regular, Gentle Exercise - Gentle movements, such as walking, yoga or pelvic floor strengthening are helpful in improving circulation and decreasing pressure on the rectal veins. Avoid any heavy lifting or more aggressive exercise if you risk aggravating the pelvic area. 
• Reduce Spicy and Processed Foods - Hot, spicy or oily foods can exacerbate itching and discomfort if it is extremely humid. Foods that cool the body include cucumber, yogurt or melon. Also advise limiting caffeine and alcohol as both tend to dehydrate the body. 
• Don’t Sit for Long Periods of Time - If you have a job that requires wiping out the day, take short breaks every 30 minutes to stand up or walk around. Sitting for long periods can restrict blood flow, thus worsening symptoms of hemorrhoids.
• Limit Current Sweat Issues - Use a clothed powder and/or moisture absorbing pad to assist with current sweating around the anus. Avoid any products that have a strong or fragrant scent that could irritate the affected area.
• Reduce Stress - Stress can limit digestion and put you at higher risk for additional constipation. For neurological relaxation purposes, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation that will keep your mind and digestive system on the same page.

When to Call A Doctor

Mild hemorrhoid symptoms can most often be managed at home. However, it's important to know when to call your doctor. Call the doctor for your hemorrhoids if you have:

• Persistent bleeding or intense pain
• Swelling or lumps that don’t truly go down
• Pain that interferes with sitting or having a bowel movement
• Signs or symptoms of infection (fever, pus, or excess discharge)

If you ignore the severe symptoms of hemorrhoids, complications can ensue. One of the common complications of a severe hemorrhoid is a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a clot that forms in a swollen vein and may be very painful. With some hemorrhoid conditions, early diagnosis will result in a faster and safer treatment.

Options to treat these symptoms may include your doctor recommending common treatments based on severity:

• Through the skin ointments, creams, or suppositories that relieve pain and inflammation
• Non-surgical treatments, such as rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation, for smaller hemorrhoids
• Surgical removal of larger or persistent hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy.)
• Laser hemorrhoid treatment is a more modern and least invasive method (time with less recovery and pain.)

What you want to be sure is that you will appropriately evaluate and select the right treatment.

Lifestyle Practices for Long-Lasting Prevention 

Once symptoms are resolved or managed, employ healthy practices to avoid painful expansion/reoccurrence. These small practices can be a regular daily behavior for you:

• Digestive system daily safety or norm "toileting routine."
• Add fiber to your diet at a slow pace and volume, i.e.; daily  - 20g fiber per day.
• Do not sit on the toilet too long. 
• Do exercise every day to assist in the digestion process.
• Maintain adequate diet, and body composition is generally healthy.

These small or decent practices will provide long-lasting relief and the risk of flare-ups will be kept to a minimum during humid conditions.

Managing your hemorrhoids symptoms during humid weather conditions can sound complicated, but with careful health, hygiene, and nutrition, you can stop painful flare-ups and have a daily comfortable life. Just do remember to self-care and proper treatments in timely respects.

At GEM Hospital Our specialists have specialized advances in personalized care for all sorts of anorectal conditions including hemorrhoids.  If you require either preventive or more invasive or more specialty advanced care, our specialty behavior providers (proctology) will guarantee that you have safe and effective care with little to no downtime.

Make your Appointment today at GEM Hospital and take your first step towards comfortable and confident living, no matter what the weather.