FIBER
Place in Therapy
Place in therapy
Fiber has sufficient evidence to suggest its use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Fiber is an important treatment consideration to help relieve constipation and pruritus associated with hemorrhoids. One meta analysis looked at several randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of laxatives in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Outcomes such as persisting symptoms were reduced by 47% in patient groups receiving fiber. Bleeding also decreased by 50% in fiber treatment groups. Although the studies were small, and only 7 were analyzed in this meta-analysis, the authors still concluded that fiber is beneficial in the treatment of symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Increased fiber, whether dietary or supplemental may help alleviate constipation associated with hemorrhoids. It should be noted that patients should also drink plenty of fluids. Over the counter bulk forming laxatives that contain fiber can also be used. Psyllium should not be used if patients have a mechanical obstruction of their gastrointestinal tract. Psyllium should also not be used if a patient’s fluids are currently being restricted.
References
1. Alonso-Coello P et al. Fiber for the Treatment of Hemorrhoids Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101(1):181-8.
2. Bowles-Jordan J. Constipation. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.262-280). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
3. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.333-340). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
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Fiber has sufficient evidence to suggest its use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Fiber is an important treatment consideration to help relieve constipation and pruritus associated with hemorrhoids. One meta analysis looked at several randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of laxatives in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Outcomes such as persisting symptoms were reduced by 47% in patient groups receiving fiber. Bleeding also decreased by 50% in fiber treatment groups. Although the studies were small, and only 7 were analyzed in this meta-analysis, the authors still concluded that fiber is beneficial in the treatment of symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Increased fiber, whether dietary or supplemental may help alleviate constipation associated with hemorrhoids. It should be noted that patients should also drink plenty of fluids. Over the counter bulk forming laxatives that contain fiber can also be used. Psyllium should not be used if patients have a mechanical obstruction of their gastrointestinal tract. Psyllium should also not be used if a patient’s fluids are currently being restricted.
References
1. Alonso-Coello P et al. Fiber for the Treatment of Hemorrhoids Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101(1):181-8.
2. Bowles-Jordan J. Constipation. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.262-280). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
3. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.333-340). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
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