Blood pressure is known to cause hemorrhoids, as the blood vessels get narrowed. But people will be surprised to learn that blood pressure medication can also cause hemorrhoids. Before you get worked up and discard your blood pressure medication, get to know the facts.
Blood Pressure Medications and Hemorrhoids
The medications used to treat elevated blood pressure work as diuretics. These medications remove excess salt through urination. People taking these medications tend to get dehydrated. When this happens, the body reabsorbs water from the stools, making them hard. So if a person does not compensate for the loss of water that occurs via urination, the person becomes chronically constipated.
Chronic constipation is one of the most common reasons for hemorrhoids, as the person strains while going to the toilet. So the side effect of blood pressure medications is responsible for hemorrhoids and not the medications themselves.
However, it is important to note that besides blood pressure medications, other factors can also result in hemorrhoids, such as eating a lot of meats, fried foods, lifting heavy items, weakening of the veins with age and not consuming sufficient fiber.
What to Do With Your Blood Pressure Medication
Make sure that you find out from your doctor what are the side effects of the medication. If constipation is one of them, you can begin by consuming a fiber-rich diet and drinking lots of water. See if the constipation persists.
If you are suffering from chronic constipation after starting your blood pressure medication, you may want to consult your doctor. Ask the doctor to change the medication. Alternatively you can request the doctor to prescribe a laxative to help you pass stools comfortably. This will help to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.
At times, there may not be an alternative blood pressure medication for you. In which case, it is best to find out from the doctor what steps you should take to avoid hemorrhoids. If you have already developed hemorrhoids, it is time to start looking at ways to treat them to alleviate the pain, itching and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids Due to Blood Pressure Medications
It is a must to treat hemorrhoids that develop due to blood pressure medications. Take medicated baths to facilitate healing and reduce the discomfort. Use the prescription hemorrhoid cream that your doctor has prescribed. Make sure that you use the cream as directed and for the duration prescribed. Avoid red meats and fatty foods. Instead begin consuming lots of fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Also drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. This should ease the constipation and help to heal the hemorrhoids. If hemorrhoids do not get better, consult the doctor for alternative treatment measures.
More A