Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and rectum. The anus is the opening at the end of the rectum. Bowel movements pass through the anus. Hemorrhoids can be annoying. They can be itchy and painful, or may crack and bleed. Even though hemorrhoids can be quite uncomfortable, they are not a serious problem.

Common causes of hemorrhoids are:

• chronic constipation or diarrhea
• sitting for a long while
• pregnancy and childbirth
• anal intercourse and
• heredity when parents or other family members have had hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the anus. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red bleeding. There may be bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet. An internal hemorrhoid may become pushed out of the anus while having a bowel movement. This will usually go back by itself. If it happens often, it may be necessary to push it back. After a long time of this happening, it can come out, and stay out. When this happens, there may be a constant dull ache and itching or bleeding.

External hemorrhoids are outside the anus. They may be very painful. Sometimes a hard lump forms near the anus called a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It is very painful. Often the healthcare provider can make a small cut in the hemorrhoid, and drain it. This can be done in the office. Once this is done, the pain goes away.

• Self-care for relief of symptoms may include:
• frequent warm tub baths
• cleaning the anus after each bowel movement with a wet pad, or wet toilet paper
• using hemorrhoidal creams (There are several over-the-counter creams that can be used.) and
• applying a cloth-covered ice pack for 10 minutes, 4 times a day will help relieve swelling

The best way to take care of hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Some prevention measures are:

• avoid straining during a bowel movement
• increasing fluid intake-at least 8 glasses a day or more
• increasing the amount of fiber in diet
• exercising on a regular basis and
• not putting off going to the toilet when the urge comes

Good sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, beans and other legumes. Bulk stool softeners like psyllium are also readily available.

If hemorrhoids cause a constant problem, there are several procedures that the provider can do. Some of them can be done in the provider's office, and some can be done as an outpatient in a surgery center. These procedures are:

• tying off the hemorrhoid, also called rubber band ligation
• sclerotherapy
• infrared coagulation
• laser
• freezing
• electric current and
• hemorrhoidectomy

There are many causes of rectal bleeding including cancer. Anytime a person has rectal bleeding, or blood in the stool, a provider needs to be seen. The provider will do some tests to find the cause of the bleeding.

Treating the symptoms along with a daily effort to eat more fiber and drink more liquids works in almost all cases. If such a program does not give relief, contact a healthcare provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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