What Is Best For Hemorrhoids

How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis And Treatments

Most individuals who have hemorrhoids discover them by either

• feeling the lump of an external hemorrhoid when they wipe themselves after a bowel movement,
• noting drops of blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper, or
• feeling a prolapsing hemorrhoid after bowel movements.

With a history of symptoms, a physician can begin diagnosis on the basis of a careful examination of the anus and anal area. Although the physician should try his or her best to identify the hemorrhoids, it is perhaps more important to exclude other causes of hemorrhoid-like symptoms that require different treatment such as

• anal fissures,

This is true whether or not hemorrhoids are found during anoscopy.

What Not To Eat

Foods with little fiber can cause or make constipation worse, so it’s best to limit how much you eat of them.

• White bread and bagels

HealWithFood.org: “The Anti-Hemorrhoid Diet Plan for Curing Hemorrhoids.”

U.S. News and World Report: “A Tale of Two Fibers.”

IBS Treatment Center: “Fiber.”

Harvard Health Publications: “Hemorrhoids and what to do about them” and “Foods that fight inflammation.”

UCSF Medical Center: “Increasing Fiber Intake.”

Tufts Open Courseware, PPM 121 Nutrition and Medicine, Fall 2006: “Fiber.”

Oncology Nutrition: “Constipation, Diarrhea and Fiber.”

Mount Sinai: “Bowel Function and Dietary Fiber.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Hemorrhoids.”

Mayo Clinic: “Nutrition and healthy eating: Chart of high-fiber foods ” “Anal itching: Lifestyle and home remedies ” and “Hemorrhoids.”

USDA National Nutrient Database: “11212, Edamame, frozen, prepared.”

Thomas’ Breads: “Thomas’ Plain Bagels.”

Quaker Oats: “Quaker Instant Oatmeal.”

World’s Healthiest Foods: “Flavonoids,” “Fiber.”

Misra, M.C. British Journal of Surgery, July 2000.

OSU Linus Pauling Institute: “Flavonoids.”

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: “Hydrating Through Fruits and Veggies.”

KidsHealth: “Constipation.”

Are There Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are one of the most common problems in the general population. It is estimated that hemorrhoids will affect 75% of American adults at some point in their lifetime. They represent swollen veins in the area of the anus and rectum and can develop inside the rectum or below the skin of the anus . Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may include pain/discomfort, itching/irritation, rectal bleeding, and a swelling or lump near the anus. Embarrassment, fear of pain, and long recovery times are all common worries that prevent many individuals from seeking the treatment they need. As a result, many people with hemorrhoids opt for self-treatment with home remedies. Though the below remedies can help treat hemorrhoids, if you are suffering from this condition it is always better to first make an appointment with your physician!

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Taking A Sitz Bath In The Bathtub

If youre taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.

A plastic sitz bath kit fits over the toilet. Rinse the bath kit with clean water before using it. Then, add very warm but not hot water along with any medications or solutions recommended by your doctor.

What Is The Best Hemorrhoid Medication

With so many medications available to treat hemorrhoids, you may be wondering which option is the best. Like most prescriptions, that can only be determined by your healthcare provider on a case by case basis. The best option will depend on your medical history, the severity of your hemorrhoids, and if youre taking any other medications that may negatively interact with hemorrhoid medication.

To make things easier to understand, weve broken down some of the different prescription medications available to treat hemorrhoids:

Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.

Again, the best option available for you will be determined by having an open conversation with your healthcare providers. Theyll take all the variables into account, such as your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and if youre taking any other medications that may interact with treatment.

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What If A Hemorrhoid Won’t Go Away

Most people will get relief from at-home treatments. However, sometimes these remedies do not work, or don’t work well enough. In that case, there are treatments that the doctor can provide. These can range from pills to prescription creams to minimally invasive procedures, and even to hemorrhoid removal surgery.

How Do Hemorrhoid Ointments Work

Hemorrhoid ointments and creams should always be used exactly as prescribed. Always talk to your physician before using any over-the-counter medication.

Most hemorrhoid ointments are used up to four times a day.

Here are directions on how to use a hemorrhoid ointment:

• Clean your rectum with a moist cloth or wipe before applying ointment.
• Blot the area dry.
• Do not place cream or ointment inside the rectum.
• Use on the area around or just outside the rectum.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.
• Hemorrhoid ointments should not be used longer than seven days. If symptoms do not improve after this time, speak with your physician.

There are many ointments available on the market.

Some have been specifically designed to treat certain symptoms, such as itching, pain, or burning.

Many hemorrhoid ointments contain phenylephrine.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels.

Since hemorrhoids are caused by dilated blood vessels, ointments with phenylephrine are effective in treating hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of pain, itching, and discomfort are generally caused by inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels.

Ointments relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation.

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When To Seek Medical Help

Soak It Off In A Sitz Bath

A sitz bath comes from the German word sitzen, meaning sit, and it refers to a 10 to 15 minute soak in warm water that comes just up to your bottom and hips. Sitz baths can relieve irritation and itching as well as spasm of your anal sphincter muscles, says Dr. Thomas. Take a shallow soak in your bathtub or buy a small plastic tub from your pharmacy to give yourself a portable sitz bath two to three times a day.

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Best For Pain Relief: Wiseways Herbals Witch Hazel Salve

According to Dr. Nazarian, witch hazel can be very calming and anti-inflammatory, which is perfect for treating painful hemorrhoids. Its the main ingredient in this salve from WiseWays, where it works with other soothing ingredients such as yarrow, arnica, calendula, and chamomile to provide relief from itching, burning, and discomfort.

Im eight months pregnant and suffer from painful hemorrhoids, says one reviewer, who calls the salve a must-have. After weeks of pain and trying over the counter medicines, I saw the reviews for this and decided to try. And in just days, it reduced my hemorrhoids and pain.

Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment

Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.

Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.

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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:

• Dairy products

Related Resources For Hemorrhoids

* Prescription savings vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and may reach up to 80% off cash price.

Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

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How To Use Hemorrhoid Cream

Below is a detailed explanation of how to apply or use the cream on hemorrhoids.

For Internal Application:

• Before internal application of hemorrhoid cream, we recommend trying to have a bowel movement.
• Now, attach the application to the hemorrhoidal cream tube.
• Gently squeeze the hemorrhoidal cream tube so that it fills the applicator.
• Using petroleum jelly or other lubricant, lubricate the tip of the applicator.
• Now, gently insert the hemorrhoid applicator into the rectum.
• Squeeze the tube so that the cream moves into the rectum.
• Gently remove the applicator from the rectum.
• Wash the applicator with warm water and soap. And also wash your hands too.

Note: Make sure you dont have a bowel movement for a couple of hours.

For External Application:

• Squeeze out a small amount of cream on your finger.
• Apply the cream around the outer opening of your anus.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each application.

Keeping Yourself Comfortable During The Day

Though hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on the location and type, if you have external hemorrhoids, a thrombosed hemorrhoid , or a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid , simple things like sitting at your desk at work can cause extreme discomfort. For immediate pain relief, we recommend oral pain relievers or topical treatments such as an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or witch hazel. We may also prescribe a numbing cream to ease your pain.

To reduce irritation, you should wear clean, cotton underwear and loose-fitted clothing to help keep the area dry. Moisture may lead to itching and irritation. If you find it too difficult to sit in your office chair, you may want to invest in a donut cushion to ease the pressure on your backside.

At home, soak in a warm sitz bath for 1015 minutes a few times a day to relieve itching, muscle spasms, and pain. You can find a sitz bath tub at your local pharmacy that fits over your toilet to make the process easier.

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Best Treatment During Pregnancy: Motherlove Rhoid Balm

Featuring a blend of witch hazel and yarrow, the Motherlove Rhoid Balm can reduce itchiness and swelling and decrease pain in pregnancy- and childbirth-induced hemorrhoidal tissues. Other key ingredients include calendula flower, plantain leaf, olive oil, and beeswax, which come together to provide additional soothing hydration and relief.

Third trimester hemorrhoids savior, dubs the ointment balm. Definitely a must try if you’re in discomfort and better ingredients than other products. I had instant relief once I applied the cream on. Took away my irritation and burning sensation right away and in three days hemorrhoids began to decrease in size.

What Are The Causes Of External Hemorrhoids

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area.

Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the pressure that the uterus places on these veins.

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How Do I Shrink Hemorrhoids

Let’s talk about how you can shrink hemorrhoids. Most people go for a few common home remedies that seem to work fairly well.

Let’s take a look at some of the home remedies for shrinking hemorrhoids and see if they sound like something you might want to try.

What Can You Do For Relief

If you have hemorrhoids, lifestyle changes may help them heal faster. One cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. Adding more high-fiber foods to your diet, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, can help soften your stool and make it easier to pass.

You should also drink plenty of water to help relieve constipation and reduce straining during bowel movements.

Here are some additional things that may help relieve symptoms:

• Minimize the time you sit on the toilet.
• When you feel the urge to move your bowels, go as soon as possible.
• Put your feet on a small stool during bowel movements to change the position of your rectum.
• If youre pregnant, sleep on your side. This will help relieve some of the pressure around your anus.
• Ask your doctor about taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement, such as psyllium or methylcellulose . A tablespoon of mineral oil added to food can also help soften stools.
• Keep the anal area clean. Take regular showers, and use moist wipes to clean the area around your anus after you pass a bowel movement.
• Use a sitz bath or sit in a warm tub for a few minutes to bathe the anal area.

You may also try using over-the-counter topical medications to ease discomfort, such as phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel . These products are used if the hemorrhoids are bulging and inflamed.

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