With the huge uptick in traveling as the pandemic continues to recede, hemorrhoid sufferers do not need to worry about traveling with their condition. NA Hemorrhoids Clinic, which has been in business for over 15 years in Vancouver, can help relieve the discomfort and distress that hemorrhoids can bring and make your travels worry-free and more enjoyable!
The Clinic uses widely acclaimed traditional Chinese medicine methods, including a herbal ointment called “Ba Zhi San“, combined with modern naturopathic methods to treat hemorrhoids effectively.
So, read on and learn more about some great tips from NA Hemorrhoids Centre in Vancouver about traveling with hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen blood vessels located in and around the anus and lower rectum and an increasingly common ailment which tends to appear with age. Indeed, they are most prevalent amongst adults between the ages of 45-65 years old. Some estimates suggest that around 5% of all seniors suffer from hemorrhoids at one time or another. That being said, young people are also susceptible to hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are definitely not contagious, and usually, the symptoms are confined to discomfort and some pain in the affected areas. But, most importantly, yes, you can travel with hemorrhoids. Just follow our advice and tips for traveling with hemorrhoids!
Some items to take when traveling with piles or hemorrhoids
Advanced preparation is key to a successful trip, and there are several things to plan or prepare for in advance and some necessities to take with you when you travel. So, here are some ideas for self-help for hemorrhoids:
Stool softener
Many hemorrhoid sufferers take a stool softener regularly as this can help when passing motions. For those who do not, it’s a good idea to start taking such medication or at least buy and pack a stool softener in order to alleviate any potential discomfort of internal or external hemorrhoids. There are various types of a stool softeners are available without the need for a doctor’s prescription.
It’s well-known that the stress of traveling, possibly involving irregular sleep patterns when flying overseas or across the country, can affect people with even the most “regular” cycles. Then, there is also likely to be a change of diet to contend with.
Buy a good quality hemorrhoid cushion or pillow
Traveling involves a lot of sitting: waiting for or on a plane; sitting on a train or ferry or busβsomething not always appealing to those suffering from piles or hemorrhoids.
Buying a good-quality cushion to sit on can help ease the pressure on the hemorrhoids, thereby reducing pain and discomfort levels. Wherever possible or practical, hemorrhoid sufferers should also try to stand up and stroll up and down the aisle of a plane or along the deck of a boat at regular intervals to also help.
Hemorrhoids cream
There are a variety of proprietary hemorrhoid creams available on the market, and it’s wise to stock a tube or two in your suitcase. Such creams are one of the favoured hemorrhoid travel treatments and can help soften and soothe irritated skin around the anus and bring some relief to those with internal or external hemorrhoids.
No one wants to spend their valuable holiday time looking around for hemorrhoid creams, particularly if you have a favourite one, so it’s best to take stock with you.
Soft toilet paper
Similarly, many hemorrhoid sufferers have a preferred brand of soft tissue paper. Depending on where you are travelling, and especially if you are going overseas or “off the beaten track,” such soft tissue paper may not be available at your destination.
Prudence suggests that it’s well worthwhile adding a roll or two of soft tissue paper into your carry-on or other luggage.
Flushable Wet Wipes
These are often invaluable for a multitude of purposes. But for those suffering from hemorrhoids, flushable wet wipes are ideal for use after bowel movements. Their soothing effect can almost immediately be felt as they help relieve rectal pain or itching by removing any last traces of fecal material. And, of course, they are easy to dispose of after use.
Is my traveling likely to be restricted due to my condition?
Many people wonder where they can go or, more likely, where they can not travel when they have hemorrhoids. The answer is simple: your travel is just about unlimited, even when you are a hemorrhoid sufferer.
After all, it is not dangerous to travel with hemorrhoids, and, as mentioned earlier, having hemorrhoids is a very common condition.
Piles are certainly not contagious and cannot be caught by being in an unhygienic place or the like. Of course, for anyone traveling in more rural or remote areas, it may be more difficult to find suitable sanitary facilities, and it’s wise to try and mitigate such eventualities by suitable advanced preparation.
Plus, on any long drives or bus trips, see if you can arrange for frequent stops for bathroom breaks; if you are self-driving, make frequent stops as and when required.
Preventing problems with hemorrhoids whilst traveling
As much as planning the details of your trip is important, getting your body ready is also essential. Both before and during your trip, it’s best to:
- Make sure you get enough fibre by improving your diet and eating enough fruit or vegetable or grains, or even nuts; always ensure a higher intake of high-fibre foods such as vegetables and whole grains;
- Do not be sedentary; make sure you walk and do plenty of exercise. It’s been proven that those who follow a fibre diet and lead an inactive lifestyle are especially prone to piles. Undertake a regular exercise regime appropriate for your age and physical condition; this may include the Kegel Exercise, which involves exercises performed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, involving repetitions of both sustained and rapid voluntary contractions of the muscles;
- Avoid sitting too long in one position if on a journey, at least try to take a mini-break by standing up or stretching.
- Drink plenty of fluid, especially water, to help liquidate constipation and normalize bowel movements.
Other great ideas and tips
- You may be looking forward to a change of cuisine when you are traveling and, by all means, enjoy, but try not to eat spicy food. This is in order to prevent the chances of having diarrhea which can irritate your hemorrhoids and cause them to flare up;
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, ideally made from a lightweight material such as cotton for better comfort;
- Enjoy a “sitz bath,” a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum.
NA Hemorrhoids Clinic Can Help You With Your Hemorrhoids
No matter where you are planning to travel to, NA Hemorrhoids Clinic, which has been in business for over 15 years, can help relieve the discomfort and distress that traveling with hemorrhoids or piles can bring. We are located in Burnaby, close to Metrotown and have served many patients in Metro Vancouver.
If you want to learn more about the Hemorrhoids and anorectal treatments we offer, contact us by email or feel free to give us a call.
We look forward to hearing from you.
