According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, hemorrhoids are a common problem. Hemorrhoids are usually not serious but can cause anal swelling, pain, bleeding or itching. A study published in the April 2004 issue of Gastroenterology suggests that hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with home remedies.
The Study
The study, "American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids," analyzed randomized controlled trials concerning hemorrhoids. The researchers found that most people with hemorrhoids can benefit from home treatments including dietary fiber, over-the-counter medications, supplements and cold therapy (cryotherapy). Surgery is occasionally performed on patients who have hemorrhoids that are extensive and painful.
Dietary Fiber
Hemorrhoids are often due to a diet low in fiber and high in refined foods. Insufficient stool bulk can cause constipation, straining during bowel movements and hemorrhoid formation. Adding high-fiber, unrefined foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to the diet can help prevent constipation and straining. Natural plant fibers such as psyllium (Plantago ovata) and methylcellulose also help treat and prevent hemorrhoids. Plant fiber products including Metamucil (psyllium) or Cifruitstrucel (methylcellulose) can increase stool bulk and promote regularity.
OTC Medications
OTC ointments, suppositories, sprays and wipes can help treat and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Skin protectants such as zinc oxide, petroleum, light mineral oil, lanolin and glycerin provide a protective barrier over hemorrhoids while healing. Local anesthetics such as dibucaine and benzocaine temporarily numb the area and relieve the pain, discomfort and itchiness of hemorrhoid tissue. Topical corticosteroids such as 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment can relieve skin inflammation and itching. However, it should not be used for more than two weeks because it can thin the skin. Phenylphrine HCL products (such as Preparation H) temporarily decrease the swelling, inflammation, itchiness and pain of hemorrhoids.
Supplements
Flavonoids such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) and hydroxyethylrutosides (Troxerutin) have been shown to improve venous strength, reduce inflammation and treat hemorrhoidal symptoms. MPFF, also known as Daflon, contains the flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin. A review of hemorrhoid treatments published in the Alternative Medicine Review found that supplementing with herbs such as horse chestnut, butcher's broom, gotu kola and witch hazel can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.
Cold Therapy
Cold Therapy (also known as cryotherapy) may help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Application of a cryotherapy device to hemorrhoids can relieve itching, pain and swelling. A cryotherapy device contains a gel that can be frozen in the freezer. Alternatively, the application of ice followed by a warm compress on the hemorrhoid area may relieve pain and itching.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
- Madoff RD and Flexhman JW. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology Apr 2004 126(5): 1463--1473.
- Meshikhes AW. Daflon for haemorrhoids: a prospective, multi-centre observational study. Surgeon. 2004 Dec;2(6):335-8, 361.
