Hemorrhoids are a common problem that impacts many people at some point in their lives. They occur when the veins within the anus and rectum develop into swollen and inflamed, causing pain, itching, and bleeding. If you’re affected by hemorrhoids, chances are you’ll be wondering what your treatment options are. In this article, we will provide a complete guide to effective hemorrhoid treatment options.
Over-the-counter treatments
The first line of treatment for hemorrhoids is often over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These medicines can provide aid from pain and itching and assist to shrink the hemorrhoids. There are several types of OTC deal withments available, together with creams, ointments, and suppositories.
Lotions and ointments are utilized directly to the affected space and can provide quick aid from itching and pain. They include ingredients comparable to hydrocortisone, which reduces irritation, and lidocaine, which numbs the area. Suppositories are inserted into the rectum and may also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Prescription medicines
If OTC medications do not provide aid, your physician could prescribe stronger medications. These could embrace topical lotions or ointments that include higher doses of hydrocortisone or other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
In some cases, your physician may prescribe oral drugs, equivalent to pain relievers or stool softeners, to help alleviate symptoms. These medications are usually only used for a short time period and should have side effects, so it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Non-surgical deal withments
There are several non-surgical deal withments that may be efficient for hemorrhoids. These include:
Sitz baths: A sitz bathtub is a warm, shallow bath that’s used to assuage the anal area. It may assist to reduce inflammation and promote healing. You can purchase a sitz bathtub from a pharmacy or use a tub at home.
Ice packs: Applying an ice pack to the affected area will help to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap a small pack of ice in a towel and apply it to the anus for 10-quarter-hour at a time.
High-fiber diet: Eating a weight loss plan that’s high in fiber will help to soften stools and reduce constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber embrace fruits, vegetables, complete grains, and beans.
Elevated water intake: Drinking loads of water can assist to soften stools and make them easier to pass, which can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
Exercise: Regular train might help to improve circulation and prevent constipation, which can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
Surgical deal withments
If non-surgical treatments do not provide aid, or you probably have extreme hemorrhoids, your doctor could recommend surgery. There are a number of surgical options available, together with:
Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure that includes removing the hemorrhoids. It’s normally performed under common anesthesia and requires a period of recovery time.
Hemorrhoid stapling: This is a less invasive surgical procedure that entails stapling the hemorrhoids in place to stop them from prolapsing (or protruding) from the anus. It might be less painful than a hemorrhoidectomy, but it just isn’t always efficient in the long term.
Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation: This is a newer surgical method that makes use of ultrasound to locate and tie off the blood vessels that provide the hemorrhoids. It’s less invasive than a hemorrhoidectomy and has a shorter recovery time.
In conclusion, hemorrhoids could be a painful and uncomfortable condition, however there are a lot of effective deal withment options available. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, chances are you’ll be able to seek out relief with OTC drugs, non-surgical deal withments, or surgical procedures.