Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Treatment options for piles include over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies:
- OTC creams and ointments: OTC creams and ointments, such as Preparation H, can help relieve itching, burning, and pain associated with piles.
- Stool softeners: Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace), can help prevent constipation and reduce the pressure on piles.
- Fiber supplements: Fiber supplements, such as psyllium (Metamucil), can help improve bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Pain relievers: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can help relieve pain associated with piles.
- Warm baths: Warm baths can help relieve discomfort and itching associated with piles.
- Topical witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe itching, burning, and discomfort associated with piles.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera can help soothe skin and reduce inflammation associated with piles.
In addition to these remedies, it’s important to maintain good hygiene, avoid straining during bowel movements, and keep the area clean and dry. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience bleeding, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the piles.
Best medicine for cough:
Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including colds, flu, sinus infections, and allergies. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve cough symptoms:
Dextromethorphan (DXM): Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by reducing the cough reflex in the brain. It is widely available in OTC cough medicines, such as Robitussin.
Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen mucus and make coughing more productive. It is available in OTC cough medicines, such as Mucinex.
Combination cough medicines: Combination cough medicines, such as NyQuil, contain both a cough suppressant and an expectorant, as well as other ingredients to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Decongestants: Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can help relieve cough symptoms by reducing nasal congestion.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and not exceed the recommended dose. Some OTC cough medicines can cause side effects, and some may interact with other medications, so it’s advisable to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC cough medicine. If a cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or high fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. Additionally, it’s recommended to drink plenty of fluids and avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to help relieve cough symptoms and promote healing.
Best medicine for fever:
Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses and is generally a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce fever and relieve other symptoms:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are substances in the body that cause pain and fever.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), are also effective for reducing fever and relieving pain and inflammation.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the label and not exceed the recommended dose. Some OTC fever-reducing medications can cause side effects, and some may interact with other medications, so it’s advisable to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC fever-reducing medication. Additionally, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
If a fever persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe headache, stiff neck, skin rash, or persistent coughing, it’s important to seek medical attention. Additionally, it’s important to seek medical attention if a child under three months of age has a fever, as this can be a sign of a serious infection.
Best medicine for cold and cough:
Colds and coughs are common illnesses that are often caused by viruses. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve cold and cough symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying illness:
Decongestants: Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can help relieve nasal congestion and make it easier to breathe.
Dextromethorphan (DXM): Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by reducing the cough reflex in the brain. It is widely available in OTC cough medicines, such as Robitussin.
- Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen mucus and make coughing more productive. It is available in OTC cough medicines, such as Mucinex.
- Combination cough medicines: Combination cough medicines, such as NyQuil, contain both a cough suppressant and an expectorant, as well as other ingredients to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): These pain relievers and fever reducers can help relieve headaches, body aches, and fever associated with colds and coughs.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and not exceed the recommended dose. Some OTC cold and cough medications can cause side effects, and some may interact with other medications, so it’s advisable to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC cold and cough medication. If symptoms persist for more than a week or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe headache, high fever, or persistent coughing, it’s important to seek medical attention. Additionally, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to help relieve cold and cough symptoms and promote healing.
