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
- cause side effects such dry skin around your anus or a rash
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
When Should You Go To The Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
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Over The Counter Hemorrhoidal Remedies
There are a number of over-the-counter hemorrhoids medications that help provide near-instant relief from the Hemorrhoids Symptoms. How do hemorrhoids medications work? These products work on hemorrhoidal tissue using anesthetic agents and other active ingredients that help ease pain and discomfort associated with inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues. Using over-the-counter medicine for hemorrhoids is a good way to go. Alternatively, try Hemorrhoids Cures to find long-term solutions.
External and internal hemorrhoids have corresponding medications that can work to treat your condition by directly working on the hemorrhoidal tissue itself. Over-the-counter hemorrhoids medications are designed for temporary use, so be sure to check out other available hemorrhoids remedies for chronic conditions. The following list is an overview of the over-the-counter hemorrhoids medications that you can access right away. Most hemorrhoidal symptoms should either disappear or become significantly reduced within a week or so after you begin treatment. If the symptoms persist longer than a week, you should consult your doctor or check out other available Hemorrhoids Relief products that can be used for an extended period of time.
Vasoconstrictors
Astringents
Keratolytics
Local Anesthetics
Antipruritics
Protectants
Cream Options For Hemorrhoid Relief
Many topical hemorrhoid treatments exist, from creams you can buy at a store to DIY solutions you can make at home. Before you select one of those options, its recommended you speak to your doctor and receive a diagnosis, especially if youre experiencing bleeding, severe pain or persistent hemorrhoids. Your doctor can rule out other potentially more serious health issues, recommend a more long-term solution to hemorrhoids, and explain your treatment options.
With that said, the following treatments may provide the immediate relief you need to go about your day.
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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, 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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Preparation H Medicated Wipes
- TUCKS Medicated Pads
- Combination Products
Some otc hemorrhoid treatments contain different medications that work together effectively to reduce the pain, irritation, itching, burning, and swelling of hemorrhoids and ease the process of stool passing. Some over the counter combination products include:
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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.
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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 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.
- Don’t push too hard or strain while passing a bowel movement.
- Clean your anus after each bowel movement by gently patting with moistened pads, such as baby wipes. Using hard, dry toilet paper, which may contain fragrance, can cause further irritation.
- 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.
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What Are Common Side Effects Of Hemorrhoid Medicine
Hemorrhoid medications are generally considered safe drugs, however, as with all medications, there is the potential for side effects. If you decide to use a treatment that contains steroids, it is not advised to continue its use for more than one week as it can lead to skin damage.
Here are some side effects to look out for when using hemorrhoid medications, including creams and gels:
- Skin irritation at the site of application
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe irritation inside or around the rectum
- Allergic reaction, including rash, hives, or swelling of the lips
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache, dizziness, and nausea
Although side effects with these medications are rare, and this is not a comprehensive list, please speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of a negative reaction.
Review Of Herbal Medicine For Hemorrhoids
There are many herbal remedies available to treat hemorrhoids. The choice of the herbal remedy depends on what type of hemorrhoid you have and what symptoms you are looking to treat. Hemorrhoid supplements are a great herbal solution for hemorrhoids. Be sure to take a look at this post for reviews of the best hemorrhoid supplements available.
Butchers broom is a popular herbal supplement used to treat hemorrhoids. Butchers broom works to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.
Pycnogenol is another herbal medication that works to manage acute hemorrhoidal attacks.
Horse chestnut is commonly used to help with poor blood flow and swelling. It can improve circulation and vascular tone.
Witch hazel is another herbal medicine that is popular in treating hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be found in many medicated wipes. Its astringent and antioxidant properties help to sooth hemorrhoids and reduce the inflammation and pain cause by their presence.
Psylliium husk is a natural source of fiber that comes in a powder form. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of bleeding from hemorrhoids and help you avoid constipation and straining.
Since constipation is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids, this is often an extremely effective herbal treatment for hemorrhoids.
There are also some essential oils available to treat hemorrhoids. Talk to a doctor or test a patch of skin before you move forward with treatment through essential oils.
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What Medicine Is Best For Hemorrhoids
Oral medications might also enhance your comfort by decreasing pain and inflammation. Although, therere lots of orally taken medicines available for hemorrhoid inflammation, pain and swelling, but these are the best among them:
Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
- Limit the number of pills you take, drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can sometimes make hemorrhoids bleed more.
Hemovel
- Hemovel is an over-the-counter pill that helps reduce the severity and duration of hemorrhoids.
- The pill is discreet and easy to use.
- The active ingredients are diosmin, which are anti-inflammatory and has venotonic properties
- Unique formulation relieves symptoms, pain, swelling, and bleeding.
- Simple and convenient dosing, 1 pill three times a day for 4 days, then 1 pill twice a day for 3 days.
Daflon 500 mg
- Daflon has seen to be a help for hemorrhoids sufferers according to numerous studies.
- Dosing for Daflon is, 2 pills three times a day for 4 days and after that 2 pills two times a day for three days.
- If hemorrhoids have not been relieved after 15 days you should consult a doctor.
What About Medicine For External Hemorrhoids
Medicine for external hemorrhoids includes both oral medication and medication that is applied topically to the hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoids are often very symptomatic. The most common symptoms include pain, itching, burning, and bleeding.
Medications to treat external hemorrhoids include ointments, creams, wipes, suppositories, and oral pain medications. These are over-the-counter forms of these medications.
OTC External Hemorrhoid Medication Options:
The best hemorrhoid wipes often contain witch hazel to reduce the inflammation and irritation associated with hemorrhoids.
Creams, ointments, and suppositories are used to treat itching, pain, and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications are available to treat pain and inflammation.
If all over-the-counter medications do not seem to work to relieve the symptoms of external hemorrhoids, prescription medications may be given to you by your doctor. These include stronger versions of ointments, creams, and suppositories.
Over-the-counter pain medications may be increased to prescription ones when surgery or a medical procedure is used to treat external hemorrhoids.
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How Do You Use Hemorrhoid Cream
How you apply hemorrhoid cream depends on the type of product you choose. Some hemorrhoid creams can be applied inside the anal area, while others are made only for external use. For example, Preparation H anti-itch cream is for external use only. You can apply this cream to the affected area three to four times a day. If symptoms do not subside after seven days or clear up then reappear, its recommended to stop using the cream and meet with a doctor.
Regardless of the cream you choose, make sure to carefully read its directions to prevent harmful side effects and get the most relief from the product. And remember to speak with your doctor before choosing a cream option to select one thats right for you.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
If youd prefer to avoid medication, or youd like to complement your treatment with at-home remedies, here are some ways you can alleviate your hemorrhoids at home:
- Sitz baths: A regular sitz bath can relieve itching and irritation. Fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel afterwards. For an extra soothing effect, try adding Epsom salts to the bath.
- Fiber supplements: These reduce hemorrhoid bleeding, inflammation, and enlargement by drawing water into your stool to make it easier to pass. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or a generic equivalent, is a good choice, although psyllium may cause gas or bloating. In that case, try a supplement containing wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
- Cold compress: Applying ice packs to the anus for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling and reduce discomfort. To avoid ice burns always place ice in a cloth or paper towel, and never apply it directly to the skin.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has been used in many cultures for centuries to treat hemorrhoids due to its believed anti-inflammatory properties. Given the sensitivity of the area, only use pure aloe vera to treat hemorrhoids, and perform a patch test 24-48 hours on your inner wrist prior to application to check there is no allergic reaction.
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Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids don’t go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
If you visit your doctor with painful external hemorrhoids those located around the outside of the anus that are visible from the outside your doctor may offer to excise them during the office visit. You will be given a shot with a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure.
Doctor’s office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
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What Ingredients Make The Strongest Hemorrhoid Medicine
Hemorrhoid medications contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone and lidocaine. They work to temporarily relieve hemorrhoid itching and burning.
While medications are effective in helping alleviate most of the irritating symptoms of hemorrhoids, they are not a permanent fix.
When prescription medications do not work, medical treatment or surgery may be necessary, especially for large hemorrhoids .
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Ayurvedic And Natural Medicines For Piles
Ayurvedic or natural medicines are sometimes quite effective for hemorrhoids. Ayurveda says that a human body is free from disease until his three doshas are balanced. Any imbalance in any one of these doshas can lead to health problems. For example, an imbalance in Pitta dosha can create digestive disorders which in turn lead to vata dosha & causes inflammation of haemorrhoidal venous cushions.
Haemorrhoidal venous cushions are normal structures of anorectal region. They are highly sensitive and rich in vascular supply. Any type of pressure or stress can make these cushions inflamed. This condition is known as piles or hemorrhoids. Ayurvedic medicines which help in the treatment of hemorrhoids are given below:
Some medicines are specially designed with ayurvedic formulation that can cure bleeding piles along with non-bleeding internal & external piles lumps also. The basic mechanism of such medicines is to cure the varicose veins inflammation in anorectal region. This helps the venous cushions to regain their normal state and thus cure hemorrhoids. They help in many ways:
- Creates venous sufficiency.
- Normalises the swelling of varicose veins.
- Acts as a cooling agent on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Acts as an anti-infective agent.
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Acts as a digestive aid.
- Acts as a stool softener.
Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
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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
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.
It can also be done with a spinal anesthetic block while you are awake , or with a combination of relaxing and sedating drugs given intravenously and a local anesthetic injected around the anus.
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.
There are many options for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Its best to discuss the benefits and risks of each of these with your doctor in order to come up with the treatment plan that is best for your particular case.