Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins under the rectum or around the anus that are dilated or swollen. 

Signs & Symptoms

• Rectal bleeding.

• Rectal tenderness and/or itching.

• Uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining.

• A lump can be felt at the anus.

• Mucus passes from the anus.

Causes

Hemorrhoids are usually caused by repeated pressure in the rectal or anal veins. Often this is due to repeated straining to pass stool.

The risk for getting hemorrhoids increases with:

• Constipation.

• A low dietary fiber intake.

• Obesity.

Treatment

Hemorrhoids are common. They are not likely to be a serious health problem. Most people have some bleeding from them once in a while.

Don’t assume that rectal bleeding is “just hemorrhoids.” See your doctor to find out the cause.

If symptoms of hemorrhoids are not relieved with self-care or with time, medical care may be needed. This includes:

• A chemical is injected into an internal hemorrhoid. This shrinks it.

• Cryosurgery. This freezes the affected tissue.

• Laser heat or infrared light. This gets rid of the hemorrhoids.

• Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off blood supply. The hemorrhoid whithers away in a few days.

• Surgery.

Do you have severe rectal bleeding that is nonstop or are you weak or dizzy because of it?

Do you have any of these problems?

• Rectal bleeding occurs with or without bowel movements and you don’t know why.

• A hard lump is felt where a hemorrhoid used to be.

• Rectal pain is severe or lasts longer than a week.

• The bleeding from a hemorrhoid lasts longer than 2 weeks despite using self-care.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Drink at least 1¹/₂ to 2 quarts of fluid per day.

• Eat foods with good sources of dietary fiber, such as whole grain and bran cereals and breads, vegetables, and fruits.

• Add bran to your foods. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons per day.

• Eat prunes. Drink prune juice.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Get regular exercise.

• Pass stool as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry. This makes it harder to pass.

• Don’t strain to pass stool.

• Don’t hold your breath when trying to pass stool.

• Keep the anal area clean. Use moist towelettes or wet (not dry) toilet paper after you pass stool.

• Don’t sit too much. This can restrict blood flow around the anal area. Don’t sit too long on the toilet. Don’t read while on the toilet.

• For itching or pain, put a cold compress on the anus for 10 minutes at a time. Do this up to 4 times a day.

• Take warm baths.

• Use a sitz bath with hot water. A sitz bath is a basin that fits over the toilet. Get one at a medical supply or drug store.

• Check with your doctor about using over-the-counter products, such as:  Stool Softeners, Zinc oxide preparations, such as Preparation H, Suppositories.

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