Treatment
Hemorrhoids that respond to self-treatment are usually mild and self-limiting and should heal without medication. There are numerous nonpharmacological ways to manage hemorrhoids. All patients are encouraged to sit in warm water or sitz baths for 15 minutes, three to four times a day, and to cleanse the anorectal area with mild, unscented soap and water after bowel movements to decrease symptoms.4,6 Serious cases of hemorrhoids (third and fourth degree) may require hemorrhoidectomy, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, cryotherapy, bipolar diathermy or laser therapy.
The most important aspect of hemorrhoid management is prevention. The following measures not only will help prevent hemorrhoids but may also cause shrinking of less severe cases:
* Avoid constipation by not postponing the urge to defecate;
* Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet;
* Drink plenty of water, fluids;
* Exercise; and
* Avoid excessive pressure and straining during defecation.6,7
Relief of Hemorrhoidal Discomfort
*Prevent or correct constipation. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods including bran, fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Also, psyllium-containing products and stool softeners may be helpful. Include exercise in your daily routine.
*Avoid straining during defecation or sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time.
*If hemorrhoids extend outside the anal canal, ice compresses may ease the swelling.
*Sitting in warm water for approximately 15 minutes at a time may ease the symptoms. Adding Epsom salt to the water helps relieve the inflammation. Sitz baths taken several times a day will also provide a soothing effect.
*Prior to administering any medication, the anal area should be cleansed gently with warm water by dabbing—not wiping—the area. Avoid scented and colored tissue. The use of moistened cleansing tissues is recommended.
*Do not sit for prolong periods of time. Take short walks or stand and stretch periodically.
*Avoid any activities that require heavy lifting of objects.
*Avoid foods and drinks that may make hemorrhoids worse, including spicy food, nuts, coffee and alcohol.
*Contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve after seven days of self-treatment. Also, notify your physician promptly if bleeding, seepage or severe pain occurs.
*Do not use over-the-counter products that contain a vasoconstrictor (e.g., ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine HCI) if you have any of the following: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, difficulty in urination, or if you are taking an antidepressant medication.
Safe and Effective OTC Hemorrhoidal Products 5,6
Protectants
Aluminum hydroxide gel Calamine
Cocoa butter Cod liver oil Glycerin
Shark liver oil
White petrolatum
Hard fat
Kaolin
Lanolin
Mineral oil
Petrolatum
Topical starch
Keratolytics
Alcloxa
Resorcinol
Astringents
Calamine
Hamamelis water (witch hazel)
Zinc oxide
Local Anesthetics
Benzocaine
Benzyl alcohol
Dibucaine
Dyclonine
Lidocaine
Pramoxine
Tetracaine
Vasoconstrictors
Ephedrine sulfate
Epinephrine
Phenylephrine HCl
2006-10-21 09:43:05
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answer #1
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answered by ^crash_&_burn^ 3
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You really need to increase fiber and drink more fluids. You can use anti-inflammatory creams like prep H suppostories for the discomfort. They can go away on their own. Don't strain the bowel in any way.
The only other cure is surgery which I hear is nasty.....
2006-10-17 10:08:53
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answer #2
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answered by ? 4
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I had mine banded. It did not hurt and they were gone within a few days.
2006-10-17 10:40:23
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answer #4
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answered by Tara662 7
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