What’s best treatment for hemorrhoids?
Ask the Doctor
Peter
Gott
Q Should hemorrhoids be surgically removed? Can they cause anal cancer?
A Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in and around the anus.
There are a number of reasons for a person to develop hemorrhoids. Obesity, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, a family history and chronic diarrhea or constipation are a few of the more common causes.
Symptoms include bleeding during a bowel movement, itching or irritation of the anal area, a protrusion from the anus (with external hemorrhoids) and pain. As a general rule, internal hemorrhoids don’t cause discomfort and can’t be seen or felt.
Hemorrhoids can often be treated with lifestyle modifications. Try a sitz bath with a unit that fits over your toilet, or place a couple of inches of warm water in your bathtub and squat or sit in the tub two or three times each day until the swelling diminishes.
Use an ice pack over the area to relieve swelling. Take acetaminophen or aspirin for pain relief. Topical hemorrhoid creams, hydrocortisone suppositories or pads that contain witch hazel are available over the counter and will provide relief of symptoms.
There are several procedures a physician can assist with in his or her office or through an outpatient setting, beginning with rubber-band ligation, clot removal through a simple incision, injection to shrink the hemorrhoid, or laser or infrared light or heat.
When all else fails, hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that is extremely effective but carries possible complications. Speak with your physician regarding which options might be best for you.
Write to Peter Gott, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10016
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Tags: acetaminophen, bleeding, constipation and hemorrhoids, hemorrhoid symptoms, Hemorrhoid Natural Cures, Herbs, Oils and Treatments, hemorrhoid pain relief, hemorrhoids, hemorroids, itching, obesity, piles, rubber-band ligation, w
[...] While hemorrhoids may appear as a serious condition, most cases are not serious enough to require surgery. In fact, there are natural remedies to help treat or prevent hemorrhoids. [...]
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