Piles and Travel: How Frequent Travelers Can Stay Comfortable

Traveling, especially over long distances, can be difficult for people with piles (hemorrhoids) as the pressure and discomfort from protracted sitting, time zone changes, and general travel stresses can make things worse. Piles are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, and they can be painful, itchy, and uncomfortable particularly if you have to sit for so long. For those who travel frequently, both for business and for fun, the goal is to enjoy the trip without letting piles get in the way. Here are some tips on how to travel with your condition and still be comfortable.

Understanding the Perspective Travel Has on Piles

Prolonged sitting, which is often a consequence of travel, can make piles infinitely worse. Whether taking a long-haul flight, going on a road trip, or just sitting for long periods in an automobile or train, the sustained pressure on the lower rectum can impact your symptoms of piles. As well, changes in diet and dehydration, and stress (common when traveling) can impact the condition as well. Travel can cause veins in the rectal area to swell and can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. Because of this, it is vitally important to understand that travel can have an impact on your piles and consider the steps to make the trip more comfortable.

Tips to Maintain Comfort While Traveling with Piles

• Stay Hydrated and Consume a Fiber-Rich Diet

  Arguably the most important thing you can do to manage piles while traveling is to maintain hydration and eat a diet rich in fiber.Being dehydrated is a normal challenge during travel, especially when flying or in hot weather, and dehydration can lead to constipation, a significant factor in piles. Drinking sufficient water during your trip will reduce constipation and maintain regular bowel movements. Bring along k  snacks high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, or whole grains, that will help soften the stool and avoid straining during bowel movements.

• Frequent Rest Stops on Long Trips

  If you are traveling by car or train, be sure to pull over every hour to get up, stretch, and walk around. This allows some time to relieve the pressure on your lower rectum, decreasing possible discomfort of extended sitting. While flying, use opportunities you can to get up and walk around the cabin or offer some gentle stretches within the confines of your seat. Movement will get blood circulating, relieve some pressure on the anal region, and provide some comfort.

• Use Over-the-Counter Products for Immediate Relief

  Firmly believe in carrying a tube of over-the-counter creams/ointments to provide symptomatic relief from piles. Most over-the-counter ointments for piles have hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or other soothing topical properties, which provide some relief from pain, itching, and swelling. Pack some moist wipes instead of tissues, or toilet paper, and use those instead for gentle clean-up instead. If using wipes, choose alcohol-free options in order to avoid further irritation.Don't Strain When Having a Bowel Movement

   Straining during bowel movements is a primary contributor to flare-ups of piles. If you're traveling, try to preserve your routine bowel habits and to avoid holding it. If you're in an unfamiliar place, then try to carry a small and portable stool that can be used to elevate your feet a little when using public toilets. Elevating your feet can help relax the muscles surrounding the rectum and help ease the bowels. If constipation is a worry, then take a mild stool softener several hours before your trip to avoid straining your bowels. 

• Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing 

  When you're on the move or traveling, try to wear loose fitting clothing that "breathes" to avoid putting pressure on your rectal area. Tight clothing, or clothing with tight areas (the waist and/or thighs), can increase discomfort for piles. To mitigate discomfort, wear cotton underwear, and loose pants, as they offer more space and airflow to promote less irritation around the anal area. 

• Control Stress and Relax in Your Body

  Traveling, especially long trips, can sometimes be stressful. Stress can tighten your body, and contribute to constipation which can worsen piles.  Try to find relaxation strategies that involve deep breathing, meditative thinking, or stretching to relieve stress. Thoughtfully relaxing can also bring down some of the overall tension that your body may have, in addition to the localized tension around the piles.Think about Travel Accessories that are Piles-Friendly 

There are some travel accessories that can help make your trip more comfortable if you have piles. For example, you could use a portable cushion or seat pad with a hole in the middle of it (also known as a doughnut cushion) to alleviate pressure when seated for prolonged periods of time. Many pharmacies sell cushions like this, and they can be a worthwhile purchase for anyone suffering from piles. 

Hygiene Prioritization 

Managing hygiene is important when you are traveling with piles. After you have a bowel movement, be sure to clean yourself using a non-abrasive moist wipe or a soft towel. Avoid using toilet paper that could aggravate the area. You may want to use an antiseptic solution to assist with cleaning the area well so that infection can be avoided. 

When to Get Help 

While these tips may ease symptoms of piles while you are traveling, chronic or severe cases of piles require medical attention. If your bleeding is continuous, if you are experiencing extreme pain, or, if your symptoms do not resolve using over-the-counter solutions, be sure to seek assistance from a professional. Some cases of piles will require treatment by a medical professional and some may require surgery, and a doctor will help guide you in your decisions. 

Get Help at Gem Hospital 

Traveling frequently is not uncomfortable when you have piles, but it requires some planning and awareness. Staying hydrated, taking breaks, using over-the-counter aids, and altering your lifestyle all help to manage your condition and allow you to carry on with your travels. If your piles are bothering you and affecting your daily life, it is important to seek help from a physician. Gem Hospital has excellent diagnostic and treatments for piles and other digestive conditions. We invite you to make an appointment today to speak with someone who can assess your particular situation and help devise a plan to address and manage your piles. Make your appointment today and confront your health!