How To Alleviate The Presence And Pain Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are, unfortunately, very common among both women and men, and they tend to become more common with age. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says if youre over age 50, youve got about a 50% chance of developing these painful, enlarged veins.
With offices in White Plains, New York, and Manhattans Upper East Side, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, helps patients relieve the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids with treatment plans customized for their needs. If you have painful hemorrhoids, heres how he can help you find relief.
Where Can I Buy Lidocaine For Hemorrhoids
You can find lidocaine in topical creams, lotions, ointments, and gels for hemorrhoid treatment at superstores such as Walmart or Target.
Lidocaine topical treatments can also be purchased online via Google Shopping or Amazon and through other online store retailers.
Lidocaine can also be found at your local drugstores and pharmacies, like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and others.
As an ingredient in hemorrhoid formulas, lidocaine is not expensive, and these topical treatments average about $5-$10 per tube. Consumers favorably review the use of lidocaine for their hemorrhoids, indicating that its numbing properties aid in relieving the most painful of their hemorrhoid symptoms.
Best For External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment
Walmart
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Contains zinc for maximum skin healing and protection
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Can be used longer than ointments with hydrocortisone
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Prescription needed for a formulation with hydrocortisone
Getting your hands on a tube of Anusol Plus is worth every penny. Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, says Anusol is the best treatment for external hemorrhoids and the one he recommends to his patients.
Zinc oxide is a powerful mineral often used to treat diaper rash on babies. Zinc goes a long way when it comes to healing and protecting sensitive, damaged skin. Anusol Plus also includes pramoxine, an analgesic, to numb the pain. If you want the version that contains hydrocortisone , your doctor can usually prescribe it.
Active Ingredients: Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1%, Zinc Sulfate 0.5% | Dose: Apply to affected area up to 5 times per day | Uses: Preventing and treating hemorrhoids
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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.
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.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain unless they prolapse. Many people with internal hemorrhoids dont know they have them because they dont have symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in stool or the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
Signs of external hemorrhoids include:
- Rectal bleeding.
The Best Hemorrhoid Creams And Treatments
- Best Cooling:TruRemedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm
New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, agrees. “I prefer having patients do sitz baths daily, which involves having them take warm baths and soaking the area,” she says. Dr. Nazarian also backs over-the-counter products that contain witch hazel, since this ingredient is calming and anti-inflammatory. ” are available in pads and wipes that can be applied directly to the hemorrhoid to help with symptomatic relief.”
Sometimes, external hemorrhoids can shrink to the point that you don’t notice they’re there. But if you do experience bleeding from your rectum, it’s important to see your doctor, especially if you’ve never had hemorrhoids before. Your doctor can do an examination and perform other tests to rule out something more serious. There are also medical procedures to actually remove hemorrhoids in case they don’t disappear.
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to prevent constipation, which in turn will help ward off swollen veins. “Eat a diet high in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly,” says Dr. Rajapaksa. Examples of fiber-rich foods include beans, whole grains, corn, lentils, artichokes, and fresh fruits and veggies. “Taking a fiber supplement daily can help decrease straining,” she adds. While it may not affect hemorrhoids at a local level, it can soften stool and regulate bowel movements, Dr. Rajapaksa explains, therefore allowing hemorrhoids to shrink.
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How Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treated At Home
A bleeding hemorrhoid is usually a sign of irritation or damage to the wall of the hemorrhoid. This should resolve on its own over time, but there are several things you can do at home to speed up the process and soothe any discomfort.
However, if theres no clear source of bleeding or if the bleeding doesnt go away within a week, see your doctor.
Experts note that hemorrhoids are often self-diagnosed, which can be dangerous. Many medical conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease , can have similar symptoms. For this reason, its important to receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor.
If you have been diagnosed with a hemorrhoid thats itchy or painful, start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation. These strategies can help:
Next, try to soften your stools to keep your digestive system in good working order and reduce your risk of further irritation or damage to a bleeding hemorrhoid. Here are some tips:
If youre still noticing blood or a lot of discomfort after a week of home treatments, you may need to revisit your doctor for additional treatment.
If home treatments arent providing any relief, there are several surgical treatments that can help. Many of them can be done in the office and dont require general anesthesia.
These include:
If your bleeding hemorrhoids are larger or more severe, your doctor may recommend more advanced treatment, such as more extensive surgery.
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?
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How To Prevent Hemorrhoids
The most emphasized topic regarding hemorrhoids is its prevention . Its high prevalence worldwide has become a significant concern, and various guidelines have been made to prevent its occurrence.
Dietary improvement is the best preventive strategy for this condition. Eating fiber-rich foods such as beans, vegetables, and fruits help to soften the feces. Fiber supplements are also a great alternative. Another critical and often neglected point is not to restrain bowel movement. One should not delay an urge to defecate.
If you place a step stool in front of the toilet seat and prop your feet up a bit while defecating, it helps you pass stools with ease and with minimum straining. Also, drinking 6 to eight glasses of water daily is a solution to softening the stool.
Refrain from straining and holding breath during defecation as this creates an increased force in the veins of the lower rectal canal and increases the chance of hemorrhoidal changes. Exercising regularly helps to prevent constipation, and in turn, the chances of developing hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods is not healthy for overall body health and especially for hemorrhoids.
If you still develop constipation or suffer from long-standing constipation, take laxatives prescribed by your doctor, as constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoidal disease. It is noteworthy to know that hemorrhoids are not cancerous, and they will not progress into cancers.
A Range Of Treatments
In choosing the treatment for hemorrhoids, one should consider the disease grade and severity, its impact on the quality of life, the degree of pain it causes, the patientâs likelihood of adhering to treatment, and the patientâs personal preference.
Regardless of severity, treatment almost always starts with a high-fiber diet and other lifestyle modifications that include bowel movement behaviors. This requires practitioners to spend significant time on patient education regardless of the type or the severity of the disease.
Treatments can be grouped in 3 categories: conservative, office-based, and surgical. Practitioners should thoroughly discuss the options with the patient, emphasizing the pros and cons of each.
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Modern Homeopathic Treatments That Reduce The Pain Infection And Inflammation
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Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
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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.
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How Can You Prevent Constipation
To avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements, people are often advised to change their diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough exercise. High-fiber foods like fruits, cereals, vegetables and legumes are generally recommended to try to make stools softer.
Studies suggest that plant fibers such as psyllium husk can reduce the frequency of bleeding. Whether or not they relieve other symptoms too hasnt been well studied. People who use psyllium husk must make sure that they drink enough fluids. But fiber can also cause diarrhea, which in turn leads to hemorrhoids being irritated even more by frequent bowel movements.
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Best Prescription Suppository For Hemorrhoids
The best prescription suppository for hemorrhoids is a product called Anusol HC. The generic name is hydrocortisone acetate.
The medication works by depressing the release, formation, and activity of chemicals that cause and exacerbate swelling, itching, and pain.
Anusol HC contains a much stronger dose of corticosteroids. This is the main ingredient against irritating symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.
Anusol HC is known to provide longer lasting relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. Thats because the medication is released gradually for extended relief.
There is a recent study that shows that recombinant streptokinase is better than hydrocortisone suppositories for acute hemorrhoids .
How Do You Calm A Hemorrhoid Flare Up
A sitz bath may be useful, especially for external hemorrhoids. You can purchase one at a pharmacy. It offers a convenient way to soak a hemorrhoid and reduce sensitivity to pressure. If you dont have one of these, you can use warm water in your bathtub. You can also add Epsom salts to the water, which help constrict the hemorrhoid.
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What Is The Best Oral Prescription Medicine For Hemorrhoids
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help temporarily relieve hemorrhoids. While hemorrhoids usually go away on their own in a few days, a prescription medicine may be needed for severe hemorrhoids. Prescription medicines have a higher concentration of medication. The use of OTC pain relievers should be used only after consulting a doctor.
Hemorrhoids can be difficult to diagnose on your own. If youre suffering from painful swelling and loss of bowel control, you should seek medical attention. The best medicine for hemorrhoids is available through your primary care physician, though you may need a referral to a specialist if complications develop. Some over-the-counter remedies may be insufficient. You may want to try home remedies first before seeing a doctor.
A topical solution for external hemorrhoids is Anusol Plus, which works well on skin damage. It contains zinc oxide , a substance used to treat diaper rash on babies. The compound helps protect and heal sensitive skin, while pramoxine numbs pain. The cream also contains hydrocortisone and analgesic properties.
When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary
Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.
Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.
Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:
- You have large external hemorrhoids
- You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
- An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
- You have excessive bleeding
In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.
A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.
Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.
More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.
According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.
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Hemorrhoid Cream Vs Hemorrhoid Suppository
Many people wonder wether a hemorrhoid cream or suppository is better. Neither one is necessarily better overall, but will help more depending on the circumstance you are in.
If you have internal hemorrhoids, a suppository will be better for you. There are some hemorrhoid creams that are great and do have applicators.
If you have external hemorrhoids, a hemorrhoid cream will work better than a hemorrhoid suppository. Suppositories do work for external hemorrhoids but hemorrhoid cream is likely better.
You can use both at the same time for best results.
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Hydrocortisone Acetate Cream Suppositories And Foam
Hydrocortisone acetate comes in a rectal cream, foam, or suppository. This is a corticosteroid used to reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Delivery is a matter of personal taste.
All of the products are inserted into the rectum. The cream and foam can also be rubbed gently on the exterior hemorrhoids.
Most people tolerate hydrocortisone as well, but the steroid does enter the bloodstream. Rectal bleeding and signs of infection should be reported to a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Users of hydrocortisone acetate products say that hemorrhoidal relief did not last long or provided no relief at all. A few users have reported experiencing even more irritation from the product. One consistent report among users is that hydrocortisone stimulates more frequent bowel movements.
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