Common Treatments for Hemorrhoids in Adults

By | January 31, 2018

Hemorrhoids in adults can lead to a lot of complications. A lot of people are aware of hemorrhoids, but are unfamiliar with a lot of its symptoms and how to treat them. Treating hemorrhoids actually depends largely on what kind of hemorrhoids a person has. The treatment for an internal hemorrhoid is different from the approach given to an external hemorrhoid.

Symptoms

The three most apparent symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal pain, rectal bleeding, and itching. In addition, discharge of mucous and involuntary excretion and leaking are common as well. The hemorrhoid that causes the most pain is the external, while the internal hemorrhoids are only painful once it has become necrotic or thrombosed.

Hemorrhoids in adults must be taken seriously. There are other anorectal problems that produce symptoms similar to hemorrhoids. It is highly recommended that anyone experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids should immediately consult with a doctor to determine the true cause.

Below is a small discussion on some of the best over-the-counter remedies for relieving symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Medications

Creams, ointments and pads

Most doctors will recommend an over-the-counter cream, ointment, or pads to relieve mild discomfort. It must be noted that no one should ever use these over-the-counter remedies for more than a week, unless explicitly instructed by a doctor. All of these remedies have hazel or hydrocortisone as their active ingredients, which temporarily relieve pain and itching.

Use suppositories to help with bowel movement

Suppositories such as the ones produced by Preparation H or Tucks may also be used to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. Use these for around seven to ten days. The suppository will help with the symptoms of hemorrhoids by relieving irritation and lubricating the anal canal. Like other over-the-counter remedies it is highly advised to not use this for more than the recommended period. Suppositories contain ingredients that can be harmful to anal tissues upon prolonged exposure.

Consider using local anesthetics

It’s also possible to use products that numb certain areas of the body. Local anesthetics are very useful in relieving the pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Products that can serve as local anesthetics have ingredients that are often suffixed with the word “-caine” at the end.

It must be noted that local anesthetics are not helpful for everyone. Yes, local anesthetics can relieve symptoms in some people; however some people can also be allergic to the ingredients of these remedies. It is always important to ask for a doctor’s opinion on whether or not using a local anesthetic is feasible.

Using pain relievers to aid with pain and inflammation

Nonprescription pain relievers are also very helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is one of the best pain relievers to use. Basically any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIA), will be helpful in relieving symptoms caused by hemorrhoids. Examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug are aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. There are a lot of non-prescription over-the-counter medications that can be used to help ameliorate the effects of hemorrhoids in adults.