Anusol suppositories

Anusol Suppositories are used to treat haemorrhoids or piles.

They contain zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, bismuth subgallate and balsam peru, while the Anusol cream contains just zinc oxide, bismuth oxide and balsam peru.

Anusol Suppositories are recommended for treating internal symptoms. The cream and ointments, however, can be used for both internal and external symptoms.

Before inserting suppositories, the cream and ointment may also be applied to make the process easier.

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are dilated veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Haemorrhoids can be internal, developing inside the rectum, or external, developing under the skin around the anus.

Haemorrhoids are common among adults and may happen from time to time.

The veins around your anus tend to expand under pressure or may also bulge or swell. Haemorrhoids can develop from raised pressure in the lower rectum because of certain activities or factors such as:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Having anal intercourse
• Eating a low-fibre diet
• Regular heavy lifting

As you grow older, your risk of haemorrhoids also increases. This is because the tissues supporting the veins in your rectum and anus may have been weakened and stretched. This can also happen during pregnancy because the baby’s weight puts pressure on the anal region.

Keeping your stools soft for easy elimination is one of the best ways to prevent haemorrhoids. Other tips for preventing haemorrhoids  and reducing its symptoms include the following:

• Increase intake of high-fibre foods. Consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will soften the stool and increase its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining during elimination. Slowly add fibre to your diet to avoid having stomach gas issues.
• Increase fluid intake. Drink as much as six to eight glasses of water and other liquids each day to help keep stools soft. This doesn’t include alcohol.
• Consider taking fibre supplements. To get enough of the recommended amount of fibre which is 20 to 30 grams a day, consider over-the-counter fibre supplements, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). This may help improve overall symptoms and bleeding from haemorrhoids.
  If you use fibre supplements, ensure to drink more fluids or at least eight glasses every day. Otherwise, the supplements can cause or worsen constipation.
• Avoid strain. Pushing too much and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool puts a lot of pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.
• Pass stool as soon as you feel the urge. Never hold a bowel movement, this may cause your stool to dry out and be harder to pass.
• Incorporate some exercise. Stay active to aid in hindering constipation and decreasing the pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help decrease the excess weight that might be contributing to your haemorrhoids.
• Avoid long periods of sitting. Staying seated for too long, especially on the toilet, can raise the pressure on the veins in the anus.

Anusol is used to help reduce the discomfort associated with minor anal and rectal conditions. It delivers the medication straight to where it is needed and helps:

• Shrink the piles or internal haemorrhoids
• Soothe the itching that comes with the condition
• Provide relief from the aches associated
• Alleviate other anorectal related issues

Anusol has mild antiseptic properties due to its active ingredients bismuth oxide, balsam Peru, zinc oxide and bismuth subgallate. Aside from that, it also has protective and astringent properties which means that it constricts blood vessels. Balsam Peru is also known to enhance the growth of new skin cells.