Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Medical Treatments for Hemorrhoids

There are various medications and simple medical treatments that are claimed to help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Most are available over-the-counter.

Always consult your doctor before considering the use of any such preparation.
Ointments like calamine, zinc oxide, or petroleum jelly which are among the most popular non-prescription treatments for hemorrhoids  These astringents coagulate proteins in your surface skin cells. This leaves a thin protective barrier over the hemorrhoids and is claimed to reduce the itching sensation by decreasing the effect of mucous and other irrational secretions.
Overtime, it is claimed to relieve you of all hemorrhoidal symptoms.
Some people use up to six applications each day.
Some people claim that astringents like witch hazel may provide temporary relief from itching, burning, discomfort and irritation.
Various suppositories like Anusol lubricate the anal canal during bowel movements. This relieves irritation and itching.
Some of these suppositories might harm anal tissues if used too often. So, consult your doctor before purchasing them and follow directions with care.
Suppositories may decrease straining associated with defecation. However, there can be factors which require professional advice before using them.
Protectants reduce irritation around the anus during bowel movements as these medications form a barrier in the perianal area. These medications are intended to prevent contact of the irritated skin with aggravating liquid or stool from the rectum. This is claimed to reduce pain, burning, itching and irritation.
Common protectants include Cocoa butter,Cod-liver oil, Glycerin, Aluminum hydroxide gel, Calamine, Shark liver oil, Topical starch, Mineral oil and Kaolin.

Special steroidal medications containing just 1% to 2.5% hydrocortisone are claimed to provide some relief from hemorrhoidal inflammation, pain and itching. Hemorrhoid creams with lidocaine are also claimed to reduce pain.
Hydrocortisone is claimed to have anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, lysosomal membrane stabilization and vasoconstrictive properties that may prove beneficial in relieving some of the irritation of hemorrhoids.
You should only ever consider using these products after getting advice from your doctor first.Also, you should not use them beyond a fortnight as it could thin your skin around the anus and cause allergies and irritation. You should obtain these medications only as a prescription medication.
There are certain anesthetics with a numbing effect. These products are claimed to provide help for those with painful external hemorrhoids.
However, you may develop allergies due to use of these medications.It is always best to consult your doctor before deciding whether to get this type of preparation.
Some doctors may advise laxatives or stool softeners for particular patients to cause the stool to bulk and make it softer. This allows the stool to pass out more easily.
One or more of the following techniques might be recommended to particular individuals by their medical practitioner for improvement in the condition of their hemorrhoids:

  • Sitz baths or sitting in warm water for fifteen minutes.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Increasing fiber in the diet.
  • Doing more simple exercises.

Vasoconstrictors contain chemicals that are similar to the natural substance, epinephrine. Some doctors may suggest (for particular patients) local application of the cream around the anus. This may cause the blood vessels to become smaller and reducing swelling,itching and pain. Local application of the prescribed version of this type of ointment might cause milder side effects than if you use vasoconstrictors ininjectable or oral formulations.
Antipruritics are said to be similar medications to analgesics and anesthetics. These medications stimulate the cold receptors and suppress cutaneous sensory receptors in the perianal area. They are claimed to reduce the disturbing symptoms of hemorrhoids  Antipruritics include menthol, juniper tar, and camphor. But, doctors are divided over the effectiveness of these medications so check with your doctor for his advice and the most current information before considering whether to get any of them.
Anal dilation is claimed to be an effective treatment for hemorrhoids  This technique involves stretching of the anal sphincter muscle to reduce increasing pressure on rectal veins due to hemorrhoids. This stretching
reduces straining required for passing of stools.
Side effects include fecal incontinence and anal leakage. This technique is obviously not suitable for elderly patients and those with weak sphincter muscles.

Dosage and Selection of Medications


Pharmacists play an important role in deciding the specific medication for treatment of hemorrhoidal symptoms and suggesting the most suitable dosage. Your medical practitioner should determine the specific type of hemorrhoid before prescribing medication based on their knowledge of the medical history of the patient.
They must consider if you are allergic to specific medications or if you already have other existing diseases like hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or urinary infections, or whether suffer from depression.
If the application of any specific ointment causes existing symptoms to aggravate,stop application immediately and consult your physician who can advise about your future course of treatment.

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