Hemorrhoids:
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins that are located in or near the rectum. Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places because there are two sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus. They can be internal, which means inside the anus. Or, they may be external, which means they are found outside the anus.
- The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt.
- The external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.
Causes of hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids are related to dilated blood vessels, but the exact cause is not always clear. While some types of hemorrhoids run in families, other factors that increase a patient’s risk for hemorrhoids may include:
- Alcoholism
- Anal intercourse
- Chronic diarrhea
- Cancer of the rectum or colon
- A low fiber diet
- Frequent coughing and sneezing
- Liver disease
- Loss of muscle in the rectum due to aging or rectal surgery
- Obesity
- Jobs that require standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Pregnancy
- Straining due to constipation
Symptoms of hemorrhoids:
A patient may have hemorrhoids for years without any symptoms or health problems. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may include:
- A lump around the anus
- A mucus-like discharge from the rectum
- Rectal bleeding
- Rectal pain and itching
Prevention methods:
One of the best ways to avoid hemorrhoids is to prevent the pressure and straining that come from constipation. To lessen the impact of hemorrhoids, many physicians suggest patients follow these suggestions:
- Avoid sitting in one place for long periods of time
- Drink six to eight glasses of fluid each day
- Eat a diet high in fiber
- Exercise regularly
- Limit the time you spend on the toilet
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Do not drink alcohol
Treatment options:
Many times, hemorrhoids resolve without any type of treatment. Physicians often suggest that patients make certain lifestyle changes in order to ease their pain, decrease swelling, and regulate their bowel movements:
- Use hemorrhoid creams, lotions, or suppositories to relieve pain
- Apply ice packs to reduce the swelling
- Take stool softeners or laxatives to prevent constipation
- Sit in a warm tub three to four times a day
If hemorrhoids are severe or treatment is not effective, the doctor may recommend hemorrhoid surgery. A variety of procedures can be used to remove hemorrhoids or reduce their size.
Related information:
- Anatomy of the rectum & anus
- National Digestive Disease Information
- Mayo Clinic
- eMedicine.Com
- Treatment options for hemorrhoids from WebMD.Com
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
