HEMORRHOIDS

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms vary and commonly include:

• Blood mixed into and coating the stool
• Itchy anus (pruritus)
• Pain and/or swelling around the anus
• Pain during bowel movements
• Pink, blue, or purple bumps that protrude around the anus

Who is at Risk For Hemorrhoids?

Several factors may cause hemorrhoids, which include:

• Aging
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Family history of hemorrhoids
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Standing or sitting for extended periods
• Chronic straining during bowel movements
• Straining too hard

How Are Hemorrhoids treated?

Treatment of Hemorrhoids may mean lifestyle modifications, medical/surgical intervention, or both. Treatments to prevent hemorrhoids include:

• A high-fiber diet to keep stool soft and avoid straining
• Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
• Bathe in warm water
• Laxatives to treat underlying constipation
• Draining a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
• Ice packs to reduce anal swelling
• Maintaining a clean anal region
• Topical creams such as hydrocortisone, preparation H, witch hazel, etc
• Surgical interventions can include hemorrhoid banding (placing a rubber band around the hemorrhoid) or hemorrhoidectomy (removal of the entire vein)