Can degongestants cause hemmrohoids - Bowel Disorders Message Board

hp8 · 05-10-2006, 09:33 PM

Which is more likely to make hemmorhoids worst, antibiotics or decongestants such as sudafed.

elmhar · 05-11-2006, 12:23 PM

IME decongestants can cause dry, hard stools, and that can make hems worse. If you need an decongestant, try adding some Metamucil or psyllium fiber & LOTS of water. Or, a little mineral oil.

If you are taking an antibiotic that is causing diarrhea, that (and frequent wiping) can also aggravate hems. Add a probiotic (like yogurt w/active cultures, or a supplement), and use a warm, damp tissue wad to wipe. That's less irritating than dry, scratchy TP. Some people swear by tissue wipes, but I find the chemicals in the wipes irritate my hems.

With any luck, if you need to take both a decongestant & an antibiotic, they would cancel each other out

Best wishes.

hp8 · 05-12-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmhar

IME decongestants can cause dry, hard stools, and that can make hems worse. If you need an decongestant, try adding some Metamucil or psyllium fiber & LOTS of water. Or, a little mineral oil.

If you are taking an antibiotic that is causing diarrhea, that (and frequent wiping) can also aggravate hems. Add a probiotic (like yogurt w/active cultures, or a supplement), and use a warm, damp tissue wad to wipe. That's less irritating than dry, scratchy TP. Some people swear by tissue wipes, but I find the chemicals in the wipes irritate my hems.

With any luck, if you need to take both a decongestant & an antibiotic, they would cancel each other out

Best wishes.

I took a strong antibiotic for 2 days. Had to stop. It made me sick, vomitting all day. I've taken a lot before, never had his happen. Also it flared up some hemmorhroids, my doc says most likely caused by the antibiotics and not the sudafed.

I really wonder sometimes for those people with strenuous jobs, or sitting/on their feet all day and have constant hemm problems, how do they cope.
Like my friend who had 2 surgeries and he end up with new hemms, you can't just go and have surgery every year. Whats better for treatment, warm water baths or cold water.

elmhar · 05-15-2006, 10:15 AM

IME usually warm baths are recommended. This is because often spasms accompany painful BMs when there are hems, and the warmth relieves the spasms. sometimes meds or herbs (aloe vera, ***** hazel, or horse chestnut) are added to the water. Some people purchase special sitz bath devices, so that they can soak their bottoms several times per day without having to run a full tub of water.

Docs may recommend ice packs for acutely inflamed hems.

Have you asked your doc for prescription hem cream? It is usually steroid-based & can work wonders within a few days.

Best wishes.

hp8 · 05-15-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmhar

Have you asked your doc for prescription hem cream? It is usually steroid-based & can work wonders within a few days.

Best wishes.

My doc is useless sometimes. I mentioned the hemms. Didn't recommend anything. Its a killer trying to get work done when every step you take, feels
like getting rubbed with sandpaper.