What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure; similar to varicose veins in the legs.

The increased pressure and swelling may result from straining to move the bowel, pregnancy, heredity, aging, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus(internal) or under the skin around the anus(external).

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include itching, painful swelling, or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching , which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool lasts more than a couple of days. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

What is the treatment?

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids initially is aimed at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:

• Warm tub of sitz baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes.
• Ice packs to help reduce swelling.
• Application of hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.

Treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed at changing conditions associated with the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Elimination of straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement.

In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue and are performed under anesthesia by a cob-rectal surgeon or a general surgeon.

How are hemorrhoids prevented?

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass. In addition, a person should not sit on the toilet for a long period of time.