Hemorrhoids are a common, uncomfortable health issue that plagues both men and women and can range from a minor nuisance to a significantly painful condition requiring surgical intervention. Home hemorrhoid treatment methods are highly effective for most minor cases of hemorrhoids; however, in some instances hemorrhoid sufferers must seek medical attention to alleviate painful symptoms and be able to participate in normal, everyday activities. It is important to note that some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as rectal bleeding, can also be caused by other serious health issues or diseases; therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms should consult with a physician to confirm that the symptoms are caused by hemorrhoids prior to attempting to treat hemorrhoids at home.
There are a range of suppositories, oitments and tablets available, although a cream such as Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment can provide soothing relieve while it treats the problem.
In many cases, hemorrhoids home treatment is entirely possible and involves making simple lifestyle changes and taking steps to decrease discomfort while hemorrhoids are present. Promoting healthy, regular bowl movements without straining is an important part of treating and preventing hemorrhoids; therefore, many home treatment methods are centered on making dietary and lifestyle changes to this end. For example, increasing fiber and water intake and limiting foods and beverages that can cause constipation, such as ice cream, cheeses, caffeinated drinks, red meat and alcohol is an important step that should be taken by those who are treating hemorrhoids at home, as well as those who are seeking surgical intervention and would like to avoid future episodes.
Other treatment for hemorrhoids can include using stool softeners and over the counter medications to alleviate pain or itching, switching to soaps and body washes that do not have dyes or perfumes, applying ice packs and warm compresses throughout the day, taking sitz baths, and wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation, pressure on the area and the build up of moisture.
Sometimes these lifestyle changes and comfort measures are enough to treat current hemorrhoids and prevent future cases; however, medical intervention is necessary in some instances. People who have large internal or external hemorrhoids, prolapsed hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids that that have not responded well to home treatments, may find that more advanced hemorrhoid treatments are necessary. In these cases, there are a number of hemorrhoid treatment options available, ranging from minimally-invasive injections to surgical hemorrhoidectomies.
Medical treatment options for hemorrhoids include injections to shrink the hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation to cut off blood supply, cryotherapy, laser removal, coagulation using laser or infrared light or heat, stapling or surgical removal through a hemorrhoidectomy. When medical interventions are used for hemorrhoid treatment, it is important that the patient also makes dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent future hemorrhoids from occurring.
