One Of The Most Embarrassing Conditions Also Can Be One Of The Easiest To Treat And Manage
Hemorrhoids are without doubt among the most unpleasant of health topics. But if you have suffered from them, you may find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
More than 75% of people ages 45 and older have had hemorrhoids, with symptoms like rectal pain, itching, and bleeding after a bowel movement.
“Hemorrhoids can be painful and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help and over-the-counter remedies,” says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Apply A Hemorrhoid Cream
Hemorrhoid creams are used very frequently to treat hemorrhoids, because they have vasoconstriction, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These types of cream need to be prescribed by a doctor and applied directly on the hemorrhoids, with a soft massage 2 – 3 times a day, while treatment lasts.
How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain
Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products
- do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
Also Check: What Is The Best Otc Medication For Hemorrhoids
Avoid Rubber Ring Cushions
A doughnut shaped cushion is a preferable option for elevating the buttocks when sitting.
A towel roll or foam wedge strip placed length ways under each buttock/upper thigh will elevate the buttocks and avoid loading the pelvic floor. Foam wedges can be readily made from foam cut offs.
Read Also: What Good To Treat Hemorrhoids
Consumer Information Use And Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. ©2020 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved.
Read Also: What To Do About Swollen Hemorrhoids
Gradually Increase Your Fiber Intake
Most of us dont get in enough fiber everyday, but adding more high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit to your diet can help you avoid constipation and stay regular. This in turn reduces the chances that youll find yourself straining and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, and consider taking a fiber supplement that contains psyllium or methylcellulose to help you hit your daily goal. If youre typically low on fiber-rich foods, though, take your timesuddenly upping your intake may make you gassy.
What The Experts Say
Most people come to doctors after seeing blood in the toilet. Dont try to treat it. If you have this bleeding going on you should see your doctor to make sure its not something more serious. When I hear about a patient with rectal bleeding, I wonder about what it could be. Especially as were seeing younger and younger people diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer.Henry Govekar M.D., a Colon and Rectal Surgeon at Rush University Medical Group
You May Like: What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like On The Outside
How Long Does It Take For A Hemorrhoid To Shrink
While hemorrhoids are a common condition, they can be painful and uncomfortable, and are generally self-resolving. Untreated hemorrhoids can cause health problems and disrupt your daily routine. A good home remedy for hemorrhoids is to drink plenty of water. This will help ease constipation and improve digestion. Avoid spending a lot of time on the toilet, as this can cause blood to pool and put unnecessary pressure on veins. Although hemorrhoids are not usually severe conditions, they can be very bothersome, and a variety of over-the-counter medications are available to treat them. Prevention is key, as lifestyle changes and healthy habits can greatly reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids in the first place.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids include over-the-counter and prescription medications. Infrared laser treatment, which involves cutting off the blood supply to hemorrhoids, is another option. Surgery is another option. A doctor can perform a hemorrhoidectomy, which involves anesthesia. In addition to over-the-counter remedies, hemorrhoids can also be treated with surgery. This procedure can be painful, require a hospital stay, and take two weeks to recover from.
Personal Stories About Treating Hemorrhoids
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I have had hemorrhoids for many years, but they have never bothered me much. Once in a while they hurt or bleed, and I know that it’s time to pay more attention to my diet and drink some extra water. My new doctor and I talked about them during my last visit. She asked if I had ever considered having them treated, and we talked about the pros and cons of my options. I decided that since they don’t bother me very much, and because I know what to do if they flare up, I will just keep managing them as I have been. I can always have treatment later if they get worse.
John, age 40
Because I sit all day at work, my hemorrhoids can be a big inconvenience. I get plenty of fibre and water in my diet, but they are still bothering me. My doctor and I agreed that it would be reasonable for me to try the rubber band treatment. I will still have to watch what I eat and drink to keep my stools soft, but I hope that the treatment will take care of most of the pain so I can be more comfortable at work.
Genevieve, age 50
Ricardo, age 38
Barbara, age 47
Don’t Miss: How Do I Stop My Hemorrhoids From Leaking
Best Wipes: Preparation H Flushable Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes
Formulated with witch hazelper Dr. Nazarian’s recommendationand aloe, these medicated wipes cool, soothe, and comfort regions where hemorrhoids occur, which is why they’ve received 4,200 five-star Amazon ratings. The pouches are convenient to use and travel-friendly, so you can easily pop them in your purse or carry-on. Bonus: They’re septic-safe for easy disposal.
“I had a really bad flare of hemorrhoid pain and bleeding after a series of drives down a dirt road, and the bouncing by ruts and severe dips,” . “After using these wipes, and the Preparation H extra strength cream, I found immediate relief. After about a week, not only was the inflammation gone, but also noticed a diminished size of the sore itself.”
Hydrocortisone Rectal Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Hydrocortisone rectal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
-
severe rectal pain or burning, bleeding from your rectum
-
new or worsening rectal irritation
-
fever or other signs of infection or
-
severe headaches, ringing in your ears, pain behind your eyes.
Common side effects of hydrocortisone rectal may include:
-
rectal itching, burning, or other irritation or
-
dryness or skin changes around the rectum.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read Also: Does Metamucil Help With Hemorrhoids
What Are The Risks Of Taking Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is relatively safe.
Side effects. Stomach upset may result from taking witch hazel by mouth. When you apply it to skin, it may, rarely, cause inflammation . But even children tend to tolerate it well on the skin.
Risks. If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. But if you take high doses by mouth, it may cause kidney or liver damage.
Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there’s likely no need for concern unless you regularly use high concentrations. The amounts are very small.
Because studies are limited, avoid using witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions. There aren’t any known interactions with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. They can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.
Show Sources
Best Practice For Using A Suppository
Its possible to insert a suppository on your own. You may also ask a family member for help until you get used to doing it.
To start, you will need the suppository and the applicator that comes with it, if one is available. Youll also want to have soap and a sink nearby. Some people prefer to use a lubricating jelly to make inserting the medicine easier.
First, check that the suppository is firm. If the medicine is too warm, you may want to chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before inserting it. The cooling effect will also provide relief.
Empty your bowels if you can. The longer the medicine remains in place without being pushed out, the better.
Read Also: Hemorrhoid Cream For Internal Hemorrhoids
Why Wont My Hemorrhoid Go Away
There are several causes of a hemorrhoid, including a faulty diet, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity. These less obvious factors also increase your risk of hemorrhoids. While a healthy diet is important, a diet low in fiber can cause constipation, and should only be used after consulting a doctor. Other less obvious causes of hemorrhoids include obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and spinal cord injury. Although these causes are not common, they do increase your risk of developing a hemorrhoid.
A simple, yet highly effective method is to visit a doctor, who can diagnose your condition and provide you with a treatment plan. Hemorrhoids are painful and embarrassing, but you should always seek medical care when youre concerned. Hemorrhoids are a common gastrointestinal problem and one in twenty people will experience them at some point in their lives. However, if your hemorrhoid is too severe to treat with over-the-counter remedies, proactive treatment may be necessary.
Who Is At Risk For External Hemorrhoids
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
If youre not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.
Dont Miss: What To Get For Hemorrhoids
You May Like: How Do I Stop My Hemorrhoids From Bleeding
Hemorrhoid Remedies You Can Try On Your Own At Home
There are several steps you can take at home to ease the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids:
- Take a sitz bath two to three times daily for 15 to 20 minutes. Sit in warm water, covering just your hips and buttocks. This can help reduce itching and irritation. You can take a sitz bath in a few inches of warm water in a regular tub, but small tubs that fit over toilet seats are also available for this purpose at pharmacies. Following a sitz bath, gently pat the area dry to avoid further irritation.
- Use ice packs on the area to relieve swelling and pain.
- Dont push too hard or strain while passing a bowel movement.
- Keep the area clean by bathing or showering daily with warm water. After bathing, gently pat the area dry. You can even use a hair dryer to dry the area.
- Sit on cushions rather than hard surfaces to help lessen the swelling of hemorrhoids and keep new ones from forming.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin as needed.
RELATED: 6 Easy Ways to Prevent Hemorrhoids
What Oral Medication Is Best For Hemorrhoids
If you have been suffering from hemorrhoids, the great news is that there are plenty of treatment options available. These include home treatments, like over-the-counter medications, dietary changes, and Sitz Baths, but can also expand to prescription medication or oral medication, even a surgical process in some serious circumstances.
The best oral medication for hemorrhoids is Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen. Hemovel and Daflon 500 mg. are also proven to help hemorrhoid sufferers a great deal.
Instead of using medication for your hemorrhoids, I can recommend this 5-step method that could permanently treat your hemorrhoids and stop your pain. This is how it will help you.
If you also struggling with constipation this will definitely help you get rid of hard stool and hemorrhoids. Just adding this flavorless nutrient to your morning coffee or tea can help empty your bowels every morning effortlessly. See how it will improve your life and how easy it is to use.
You might also like
Don’t Miss: How To Prevent Hemorrhoids From Coming Back
Best Cooling: Truremedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm
This cooling balm gets to work fast to reduce hemorrhoid-causing burning, swelling, and itchiness with its essential oil-fortified formula, which includes tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary in addition to witch hazel, arnica, and yarrow. Additionally, it helps eliminate bacteria and prevents future flare-ups by keeping the affected area soothed and balanced.
“You can put it in the refrigerator so it’s extra cooling,” . “I actually noticed immediate relief when I put it on, and the next morning everything calmed down. I feel like it goes a long way too, and those other creams I feel like I use so much in the tubes never last.”
How Are Hemorrhoids Issues Tested And Diagnosed
SIGMOIDOSCOPY, which looks at your lower colon, or sigmoid and colonoscopy that determines the complete colon. And both use flexible, lighted viewing tube that goes into the rectum.
Barium X-Ray can also show the outer of the complete inside of your colon. First, you will get a barium enema, and then an expert will take x-rays of your lower part gastrointestinal tract.
A few questions your doctor might ask during medication for oral Hemorrhoids treatments include:
Have you experienced hemorrhoids before?
When did your Hemorrhoid symptoms start?
Are you taking any sort of medication?
Does anything look to trigger your discomfort?
You might also want to ask your doctor some questions such as:
Do I have got a Hemorrhoids problem?
What are my Hemorrhoid treatment options?
Will there be a bodily examination?
What caused this problem?
How long will it take to cure?
Read Also: Will Preparation H Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
From Salt Soaks To Topical Creams We’ve Rounded Up The Most Effective Over
Susan Brickell is a senior e-commerce editor at Meredith, covering products in the form of reviews, roundups, and gift guides. She’s been a market editor and writer for nearly a decade with her finger on the pulse of the latest activewear, outdoor gear, skincare, home decor, and more. When she’s not putting a pair of leggings or new eye cream to the test, you can find her hiking U.S. national parks, planning her next surf trip, or curled up with her dog, Ollie.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
When it comes to our butts, down-there problems can be embarrassing or sensitive topics. Even hemorrhoids, as common as they are, can be difficult to understand and talk about. If you’ve gotten a hemorrhoid diagnosis from your doctor, don’t fret: Hemorrhoids affect about one in 20 Americans , and half of adults above age 50 have them, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
“We all have blood vessels in that area, but when they become enlarged, that is a hemorrhoid,” explains Health contributing medical editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD. Constipation, straining to push out a bowel movement, pregnancy, and even prolonged sitting or cycling can put pressure on veins and cause hemorrhoids to develop, she tells us.
Other Ways To Shrink Hemorrhoids
Some of the true and tested techniques for shrinking hemorrhoids include:
There are some foods that you should refrain from eating once you have an onset of hemorrhoids as well.
A list of those foods which should be avoided includes the following:
Read Also: Is Tucks Good For Hemorrhoids