Q: I am a 69-year-old male and suffer on and off from hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter treatments have never worked for me. What has worked is the prescription Anucort-HC suppositories. I have never experienced such quick relief.
My doctor – a colon and rectal surgeon – examined me and gave me this prescription. Your readers should know this. Thank you.
A: Hemorrhoids are rather common and result from increased pressure in veins around the anus. The most common cause for the condition results from straining during a bowel movement; however, other causes include sitting for extended periods of time, constipation, anal infections, and diseases such as cirrhosis.
When a hemorrhoid is inside the body, it is known as an internal hemorrhoid. Those on the outside of the anal opening are known as external. Symptoms of either form can cause pain during evacuation, pain or an anal itch, bright red blood on toilet tissue or in the bowl, and hard lumps in the vicinity of the anus.
Diagnosis is often made via visual examination. When any question occurs, other testing might include sigmoidoscopy of anoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy is performed to view the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, while anoscopy is a method by which a physician can view the anus, its canal and the lower rectum. This procedure might be used if the physician questions whether the individual has hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, infection, polyps, or other condition.
Treatment can include a stool softener that should make evacuation easier, specific over-the-counter corticosteroid creams or hemorrhoid creams that contain lidocaine, witch hazel applied to the area with a gauze pad to reduce the itch, or a sitz bath. The latter is simply approximately three inches of rather warm water in the bottom of a tub. The individual squats in the tub for five minutes or so, allowing the water to shrink any external hemorrhoids and lessen the unwanted side effects. This should be repeated two or three times each day. When these suggestions fail, a physician might prescribe Anucort HC, or another comparable item in its place. Anucort is a steroid that reduces inflammation. It is often used to treat hemorrhoids, as well as other conditions of the rectum or anus. Side effects are uncommon but can include irritation of the skin and hair follicles around the rectum, itching, burning and dryness. Serious reactions are rare. Should any reactions occur, however, the prescribing physician should be advised. Surgery, while simple, is generally a last resort. It may be accomplished through rubber band ligation or through hemorrhoidectomy.
Prevention can begin by modifying a person’s diet to include fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drinking at least eight glasses of water each day, and increasing fiber intake.
It is through readers’ questions, answers and experiences that we can help others by sharing information – both positive and negative. As they say, forewarned is forearmed and we are sure you have helped others who are bothered with hemorrhoid problems. Thank you for sharing your success story with us.
Readers who would like information on treating hemorrhoids and other conditions can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Gott’s Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print out an order form from our website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
