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Hemorrhiod Resources


HEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT OPTIONS

Most hemorrhoids can be treated with simple adjustments to the diet and bowel habits. A high-fiber diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the most important component in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Increasing fiber and fluids in the diet helps relieve constipation and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining.

A sitz bath or other forms of moist heat, suppositories, stool softeners or fiber supplements may help ease symptoms. When taking a sitz bath, the buttocks and hips are submerged in warm water several times a day. Stool softeners and fiber supplements result in softer, bulkier stools, making bowel movements easier with less straining. Topical corticosteroids, local anesthetics, skin protectants, phenylphrine HCL, witch hazel and other nonprescription medications may be used to treat swelling, itching, and pain.

Hemorrhoids may require nonsurgical or surgical procedures if they are extensive and painful. Nonsurgical procedures, called fixative procedures, reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This shrinks the hemorrhoid and prevents the development of more hemorrhoids.

Fixative Procedures

http://www.progressivehealth.com/images/fp.jpg 1. Rubber Band Ligation. A rubber band is tied around the internal hemorrhoid. This cuts off circulation and shrinks the hemorrhoid.

 

2. Sclerotherapy. The hemorrhoid is injected with a chemical solution causing the blood vessels to shrink.

 

3. Infrared Coagulation. A heat, laser, or electric current device is used to remove hemorrhoidal tissue and create scar tissue.

 

 

Hemorrhoidectomy

Surgical removal of hemorrhoids, known as hemorrhoidectomy, may be necessary for severe, persistent hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoidectomy can provide better long-term results than fixative procedures, it is used less frequently. Hemorrhoidectomy can require longer recovery times, has a greater risk of complications and is a more expensive treatment option.

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HEMORRHOIDS MEDICATIONS AND PRODUCTS

Nonprescription ointments, creams, suppositories, gels, pads, sprays, and wipes can help treat and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.

However, they do not stop hemorrhoids from returning. Some common hemorrhoid medications and products include:

1. Skin Protectants. Skin protectants such as zinc oxide, petrolatum, light mineral oil, lanolin, glycerin and shark oil provide a protective barrier over hemorrhoids while healing. This prevents further injury, soothes inflamed skin and reduces itching. 

2. Phenylphrine HCL. Hemorrhoid products containing phenylphrine HCL (such as Preparation H products) temporarily decrease the swelling, inflammation, itchiness and pain of hemorrhoids. Phenylephrine HCL is a vasoconstrictor (sympathomimetic amines) drug that reduces the swelling of blood vessels. Phenylephrine can help shrink internal and external hemorrhoids and relieve anorectal discomfort. Rare but serious side effects include fast/irregular heartbeat, headache, nervousness, tremor and insomnia. 

3. Local Anesthetic. Hemorrhoid products containing local anesthetics such as pramoxine hydrochloride, dibucaine, and benzocaine temporarily relieve the pain, discomfort and itchiness of hemorrhoid tissue. Local anesthetics interfere with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain. This effect numbs the area so that pain is no longer felt. Some people may develop allergic reactions to local anesthetics. 

4. Topical Corticosteroids. 1% hydrocortisone ointment or cream is an OTC (over the counter) steroid medication (corticosteroid) that can relieve skin inflammation and itching. It should not be used for more than 2 weeks because it can thin the skin. 

5. Witch Hazel. Hemorrhoid products containing witch hazel (such as Tucks Hemorrhoid Pads) may be applied to external hemorrhoids to relieve the itching, burning and irritation of hemorrhoid tissue. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that contains tannins and volatile oils. This can help reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.  

6. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nonprescription NSAIDs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve hemorrhoidal pain and inflammation.

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HEMORRHOIDS NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

A review of hemorrhoid treatment options published in Alternative Medicine Review found that nutritional supplementation helps treat and prevent many complications of hemorrhoids.

The review recommended natural botanicals such as Butchers Broom, Horse Chestnut, Gotu Kola, witch hazel and bioflavonoids as an effective addition to hemorrhoid treatment. Nutritional supplements specifically formulated with these healing nutrients, such as Progressive Health’s Avatrol, help provide hemorrhoid relief.

 

BUTCHERS BROOM

Butcher’s broom extract, or Ruscus aculeatus, contains ruscogenins that

have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor effects. Supplementation with Butcher’s Broom helps tighten and strengthen veins.  Butcher’s broom has traditionally been used to treat venous problems including hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

HORSE CHESTNUT

Horse chestnut extract, or Aesculus hippocastanum, contains a saponin known as aescin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces swelling. It promotes circulation through the veins and can strengthen the walls of the veins. Clinical studies suggest that oral horse chestnut can reduce hemorrhoidal swelling and pain.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

Citrus bioflavonoids, such as rutin and hydroxyethylrutosides (HER), have been shown to improve venous strength and function. Numerous studies in patients with hemorrhoids, including pregnant women, have found that HER supplementation significantly improved hemorrhoidal symptoms.

BILBERRY

Bilberry extract, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is an anthocyanoside bioflavonoid. Supplementation with this potent flavonoid protects and maintains venous strength and function.

MPFF

MPFF (micronized purified flavonoid fraction) also known as Daflon, contains the flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin. It has been shown to improve venous strength and function, reduce inflammation and treat hemorrhoidal symptoms.

GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS (GAG)

GAGs are structural components naturally present in the blood vessels. They are essential for protecting and maintaining arterial and venous strength, function, structure, and integrity. Studies suggest that GAGs help relieve hemorrhoidal symptoms by improving the blood flow, strength, and function of the affected veins.

GOTU KOLA

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), contains triterpenic acids that enhance connective tissue structure and improve blood flow. Gotu kola has been traditionally used to improve and support venous function, and may be helpful in the overall treatment of hemorrhoids.

WITCH HAZEL

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a natural astringent traditionally used in herbal medicine to strengthen veins. It can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.

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HEMORRHOIDS HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy is a non-toxic system of medicine practiced by qualified practitioners worldwide including the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural plants and minerals and prescribed on the principal that 'like cures like', in a tiny dilution. They stimulate the body’s natural healing response to relieve symptoms.

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (HORSE CHESTNUT)

Promotes circulation through the veins and can strengthen the walls of the veins. It contains a saponin known as aescin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces swelling (edema).

Signs and Symptoms: Shooting pains in the rectum. Purplish hemorrhoids that burn and itch.

Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C.

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL)

Strengthens veins and is anti-inflammatory.

Signs and Symptoms: Rectal soreness. Bleeding hemorrhoids. Lower back pain. Worse from warmth and any contact.

Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C

PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM (MAYAPPLE)

Used to treat digestive problems; acting on the intestines, liver and rectum.

Signs and Symptoms: Hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. Hemorrhoids feel better lying on the stomach. Hemorrhoids feel worse in the morning. Alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C

SULPHUR

Relieves hemorrhoidal pain and burning.

Signs and Symptoms: Hemorrhoids that burn and itch. Hemorrhoids feel worse at night. Constipation.

Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C

CARDUUS MARIANUS (ST. MARY’S THISTLE)

Enhances the liver’s natural ability to eliminate toxins and harmful free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells). Contains a flavolignan complex called silymarin, a potent antioxidant that blocks damaging free-radical activity in the liver.

Signs and Symptoms: Constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins.

Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C

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HEMORRHOIDS ALTERNATIVE SUPPORT

CRYOTHERAPY (COLD THERAPY)

Cryotherapy (cold therapy) is used as an alternative treatment to hemorrhoid surgery. It can treat external and internal hemorrhoids within the rectal cavity as well as anal fissures (a tear in the anus skin). This procedure can be recommended for first and second stage hemorrhoids. For more severe third and fourth stages hemorrhoids, surgical treatment is usually recommended.

The typical cryotherapy device contains a gel which can be frozen in the freezer. It is placed in the freezer for at least two hours. Direct application of the cold device externally or internally in the rectum can relieve hemorrhoidal itching, pain and swelling.

One study, published in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, describes cryotherapy as a nonoperative hemorrhoid treatment. "Cryotherapy of hemorrhoids is most effective and has the least side effects when directed at the internal hemorrhoids only, at a high level, and in stages, each application being for a period of one minute only," the study author writes.

AROMATHERAPY/ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy is an ancient art and science which uses the essential oils of flowers and plants to enhance and balance mental, spiritual and physical health. Essential oils are derived from flowers, plants, leaves, branches and roots through the process of steam distillation or cold pressing. The topical application of essential oils can help alleviate, soothe and prevent hemorrhoidal discomfort and pain. Therapeutic grade essential oils are blended in a base carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, vasoconstrictor, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties.

GERANIUM (PELARGONIUM ODORANTISSIMUM)

Helps heal and repair skin wounds and stops bleeding.

CYPRESS (CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS)

Has astringent and vasoconstrictor properties. This effect allows it to contract blood vessels and reduce swelling.

NIAOULI (MELALEUCA VIRIDIFLORA)

Acts as an analgesic and reduces pain. It also heals and repairs skin wounds.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE (MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA)

Acts as an antiseptic and can treat skin problems.

JOJOBA OIL (SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS)

Contains myristic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Since jojoba has a similar composition to the skin’s own oils, it is quickly absorbed and acts as a carrier for the other ingredients.

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HEMORRHOIDS FOOD OPTIONS

Hemorrhoids are often associated with a low-fiber Western diet.

A diet low in fiber and high in refined foods can cause constipation from insufficient fecal bulk. This causes straining during bowel movements, since the smaller and harder stools are more difficult to pass. 

Hemorrhoids form when intra-abdominal pressure increases from straining during defecation.  

A high-fiber diet rich in unrefined foods is an important component in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber are fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These high-fiber foods promote peristalsis and result in soft, bulky feces that help reduce constipation and make emptying the bowels easier. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily will also help form softer, bulkier stools. This prevents straining, reduces the pressure from hemorrhoids, and prevents hemorrhoids from forming. 

High fiber foods such as buckwheat, apples, and citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids like rutin and hydroxyethylrutosides (HER). Bioflavonoids have been shown  to be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Studies suggest that rutin and HER supplementation can significantly improved symptoms in patients with hemorrhoids, including pregnant women.

A high-fiber diet that includes the use of natural plant fibers such as pectin (fruit fiber) and psyllium (Plantago ovata) can be an effective treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Commonly found in over-the-counter laxative products like Metamucil or Citrucel, natural plant fibers are used to improve stool consistency and promote regularity in people with constipation and hemorrhoids.

Studies report that supplementation with plant fibers can decrease pain and bleeding in patients with hemorrhoids. One study found that symptomatic hemorrhoids treated with a fiber and water diet before ligation surgery had an increased success rate.

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