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By Hemorrhoid.com | July 16, 2024
About 10% of adults have hemorrhoids, but only a few need surgery12. This shows how vital it is to know about treatments that avoid surgery. For those with hemorrhoids, starting with self-care and then moving to over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs is key.
Doctors check for internal hemorrhoids using an examination or tools like an anoscope1. They suggest managing symptoms with diet changes, warm baths, and OTC pain relievers2. For slight discomfort, products with hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or lidocaine work well3. For example, Preparation H has a cream with 1% hydrocortisone for quick relief2.
If the pain is bad, a procedure called external hemorrhoid thrombectomy can help by removing a painful blood clot1. Another option, rubber band ligation, blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoid, making it fall off in a week13.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that can cause a lot of discomfort. It’s key to understand these conditions to manage and ease symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids might cause painless bleeding during bathroom visits and can sometimes stick out4. External hemorrhoids bring itching, pain, and swelling at the anus, along with bleeding4. Severe cases may see thrombosed hemorrhoids, leading to intense pain and a hard lump near the anus4.
These symptoms affect 1 in 20 people in the U.S., hitting over half of those over 505. Luckily, mild cases often improve within a week with some lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies5.
Hemorrhoids develop from straining during bowel movements, long toilet sits, and chronic diarrhea or constipation4. Other factors include obesity, pregnancy, anal intercourse, a low-fiber diet, and heavy lifting4. Genetics can also increase the risk if your family has a history5. Older people and pregnant ones are more at risk, with weakened tissues or added pressure playing roles56.
Age and pregnancy further raise the chances due to less support for veins4. To prevent, keep stools soft with a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, avoid straining, exercise regularly, and don’t sit for too long, especially on the toilet5. Early symptom recognition and these steps are recommended by Hemorrhoid.com and doctors for relief.
Understanding hemorrhoid symptoms and causes is key for management and prevention. Symptoms like rectal discomfort and anal itching can be eased with proper medication and lifestyle changes. Using treatments such as Revivol-XR, or over-the-counter options, are important after understanding the root causes for lasting relief.
Home remedies can really help with hemorrhoids, offering relief with natural methods. There’s no need for prescription drugs.
Eating lots of fiber helps keep things moving smoothly. You should eat fruits, veggies, and grains to avoid constipation7. Experts suggest 20-35 grams of fiber every day to make stools softer. This reduces the strain when you go to the bathroom, easing hemorrhoid symptoms7.
Adding fiber supplements, like psyllium, can also help your digestive system. And, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It keeps your stools soft, making them easier to pass7.
A warm bath soothes the anal region, offering instant relief. Sitz baths are especially good for calming itching and irritation. If you soak for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, it can really help with the pain and discomfort from hemorrhoids.
Cold packs also bring quick relief by easing pain and reducing swelling. Just apply a small ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes a few times daily. It’s really effective for external hemorrhoids that are causing discomfort around the anus7.
Medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can ease the pain from hemorrhoids. They make everyday activities easier by reducing discomfort. Always stick to the recommended dose and talk to a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away.
| Method | Benefit | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| High-Fiber Diet & Fiber Supplements | Softens stools, prevents constipation | Daily |
| Sitz Baths | Reduces irritation and itching | 15-20 minutes, several times daily |
| Cold Compresses | Relieves pain and swelling | 5-10 minutes, several times daily |
| Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers | Alleviates pain | As directed |
Many options exist for hemorrhoid relief, such as creams, ointments, and suppositories. They help reduce swelling and calm irritated skin.
Hydrocortisone creams offer a quick solution for swelling and inflammation from hemorrhoids. It’s best to use these creams for a short while because using them too long can lead to skin issues. Some well-known brands are Preparation H and Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment8.
Witch hazel pads are natural and help stop itching and swelling. TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads and Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray use witch hazel for fast relief8. They are very helpful in managing hemorrhoid discomfort.
OTC hemorrhoid creams and suppositories work well for mild to moderate symptoms. They contain ingredients like phenylephrine and lidocaine that help with pain and itching8. Suppositories are used two to four times daily for a week and can provide relief longer than other forms9.
If you still have symptoms after a week, it’s a good idea to see a doctor9.
Rectal creams target the problem area with medication, offering relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. They often have numbing agents to ease discomfort like itching. Active ingredients, including lidocaine and hydrocortisone, make these creams effective10. Always use these creams as your doctor says, especially if pregnant or sensitive to skin products10.
| Product | Price | Active Ingredients | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motherlove Rhoid Balm | $13 | All-Natural Ingredients | Quick Relief |
| Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream | $19 | Lidocaine, Phenylephrine HCl | Prompt Comfort |
| Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment | $30 | Lidocaine, Phenylephrine HCl | Anal Fissures & Hemorrhoids |
| Boiron HemCalm Ointment | $8 | Aesculus hippocastanum | Soothe Inflamed Veins |
| Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel | $8 | Witch Hazel, Aloe | Instant Cooling |
If you’re facing more than slight discomfort from hemorrhoids, doctors might suggest prescription meds. These can be oral or topical treatments that target the tough symptoms. Options like Revivol-XR, Analpram, and Pramasone work to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation11. You can find these medications in forms such as creams, ointments, and suppositories. This lets people choose what works best for them12
Prescription drugs offer strong formulas for those in serious pain. They include local anesthetics to quickly manage pain. Brands like Proctocream HC, Anusol-AC, and Rectiv are made to handle severe symptoms, stronger than what you get over the counter11. Over-the-counter meds can work, but sometimes you need something stronger. Medications like Revivol-XR use advanced formulas for long-term relief from tough symptoms2 kk>.
The way these prescriptions are used is designed to get the most benefit. Creams and suppositories target the pain right where it is12. People often find these treatments easy to use and very effective, giving them high ratings for relief from severe symptoms13.
“Consulting a healthcare professional for prescription medications is critical when over-the-counter solutions fail to provide adequate relief,” advises Hemorrhoid.com.
Apart from the well-known meds, it’s good to know about their safety and effectiveness. Many are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. This shows they are safe to use but also highlights the need to follow doctor’s orders closely13. Following these recommendations can really make a difference, quickly easing symptoms and improving life quality for those suffering.
When hemorrhoids get worse and don’t go away, some simple procedures can help a lot. They are less painful, help you recover faster, and let you get back to work sooner14. We will talk about three common ones: Rubber Band Ligation, Sclerotherapy, and Coagulation Techniques.
Rubber band ligation is a known way to treat internal hemorrhoids. It involves putting tight rubber bands around the hemorrhoid’s base. This stops the blood flow, making it shrink and fall off. It’s done in a doctor’s office and might need a few visits to work fully14.
Studies show it can be as good as surgery but with fewer problems15. Still, there are risks like bleeding. Very rarely, it can lead to serious issues like sepsis and rectal ulcers15.
Sclerotherapy treats hemorrhoids by injecting a chemical that makes them shrink. It’s especially good for grade III hemorrhoids15. Research shows it works better than other non-surgery ways, with less chance of bleeding or infection15. Using different chemicals has been successful in easing symptoms and is a trusted method for internal hemorrhoids15.
Coagulation techniques use laser, infrared light, or heat to treat severe hemorrhoids. They make the hemorrhoidal tissue hard and small. These treatments are done in a doctor’s office. Patients usually can do their normal activities the next day14. Infrared coagulation is as effective as rubber band ligation and is another good option14.
Even though they work well, talking to a certified proctologist is key to avoid any problems14.
A study across multiple centers found that coagulation techniques are safe and work well for grades III-IV hemorrhoids15. Those who choose these methods have much less pain after the procedure and heal quicker than with surgery14. Infrared coagulation is not just less harsh but also safer14.
For those with severe hemorrhoid symptoms that don’t respond to simpler treatments, surgical options like hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy can help.
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery to remove hemorrhoids. It’s mainly for people with grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoids that haven’t improved with other treatments16. This procedure is generally safe and works well. But, there can be issues like pain, bleeding, or infections17. The chance of hemorrhoids coming back within a year is about 3%16.
Hemorrhoidopexy uses a stapler-like device to cut blood flow to hemorrhoids, making them shrink. It’s good for grade 3 hemorrhoids16. This method leads to less pain after surgery and a faster recovery than traditional surgery18. Yet, there’s a slightly higher chance of hemorrhoids returning, with about 9% of people seeing them come back within a year16.
Recovery times from hemorrhoid surgeries differ. After a hemorrhoidectomy, it takes about 2 to 6 weeks to get back to normal activities17. With stapled hemorrhoidopexy, you can return to work and your usual routine quicker. It also has fewer problems than the traditional method18.
Taking care of yourself after surgery is key. You’ll need to manage pain, avoid infections, and look after your wounds well. This helps ensure a smooth recovery.
When comparing these surgical options, each has its own benefits and possible downsides. Making sure you get the right after-surgery care is essential for the best recovery.
Many people look for alternative and herbal cures for hemorrhoids, besides the usual treatments. These natural methods can help a lot or even take the place of regular hemorrhoid medicines.
Herbal creams are key in calming and lowering the swelling that comes with hemorrhoids. Ingredients like horse chestnut and aloe vera are famous for fighting inflammation. Aloe vera helps with swelling but hasn’t been specifically studied for hemorrhoids19.
Also, soaking in warm water for 15 minutes many times a day is something experts suggest. This is especially good to do after going to the bathroom19.
Herbal supplements, like bilberry and butcher’s broom, can help make blood vessel walls stronger. This gives a possible way to ease hemorrhoid pain. Probiotics such as lactobacillus and bifidus might also prevent and treat hemorrhoids20. Natural aids used on the surface can work well for those trying out herbal options.
Psyllium husk supplements are good because they up fiber intake, make stools softer, and lead to more regular bowel movements. This helps with hemorrhoid issues19. However, tea tree oil’s ability to lessen swelling and itching from hemorrhoids isn’t fully proven. Experts don’t recommend its use19.
Making changes to what you eat is key in lessening the discomfort from hemorrhoids. More dietary flavonoids and micronutrients can really help with vascular health. Eating around 25 grams of fiber each day for women and 38 grams for men is critical for preventing and treating hemorrhoids19.
Psyllium and flaxseed supplements are great fiber sources. They can make stools softer and lower hemorrhoid pain21. It’s smart to drink two glasses of water when you wake up. Then gradually add foods high in fiber like whole grains, beans, fruits, and veggies to your meals21. Revivol-XR is a dietary supplement that could help, but ask your doctor before trying it.
Using natural remedies like witch hazel on the skin or in a sitz bath can shrink hemorrhoids and ease symptoms temporarily20. Looking into these alternative treatments could offer long-term benefits.
In conclusion, handling hemorrhoids effectively includes a range of options. These range from simple home solutions like eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water, to advanced measures like medication and surgery. It’s been found that a good number of adults experience hemorrhoids, with some studies noting their occurrence as 27 out of every 215-220 people22. Adding fiber to the diet helps a lot in easing hemorrhoids, as many studies have shown22. For those looking for natural ways to feel better, there are also herbal remedies to consider.
Less invasive treatments, such as rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy, have been effective for many22. Also, cutting-edge procedures like the Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and surgeries like hemorrhoidectomy offer hope for lasting relief23. It’s important to adjust your lifestyle to control and prevent symptoms. Seeing a doctor ensures you get advice and treatments that fit your specific needs.
To really manage hemorrhoids in the long run, it’s key to mix prevention, lifestyle tweaks, and medical treatments when needed. Products like Revivol-XR and resources like Hemorrhoid.com offer help. By using these approaches, people can enjoy a comfortable and better quality of life.
Hemorrhoids symptoms include itching and discomfort. Also, you might notice bleeding during bowel movements. Swelling and irritation around the anal area are common.
Straining during bowel movements can cause them. So can chronic constipation or diarrhea, and pregnancy. These situations increase pressure in the anus and rectum veins, leading to hemorrhoids.
Eating lots of fiber and drinking plenty of water helps. Warm baths and cold compresses are good too. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease the pain.
For relief, try hydrocortisone creams or witch hazel pads. You can also use suppositories with lidocaine or phenylephrine. These treatments reduce inflammation and relieve itching and pain.
If over-the-counter treatments don’t help, see your healthcare provider. They may give you stronger medications. These can better handle severe symptoms.
There are treatments like rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy. Also, coagulation techniques with laser or infrared light work. These can shrink hemorrhoids and lessen discomfort.
For serious cases, surgery might be needed. Hemorrhoidectomy removes excess tissue. Hemorrhoidopexy uses a stapler to stop blood flow to hemorrhoids. Each has its benefits and risks.
Yes, herbal treatments like ointments with horse chestnut or aloe vera help. So do supplements with bilberry. Adding flavonoids and micronutrients to your diet may improve vascular health and reduce symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Eat more fiber and drink lots of water. Avoid sitting or straining too long during bowel movements. Regular exercise helps, and so does keeping the anal area clean and gently washed.
