Hemorrhoids
(also known as piles) are swollen veins around the anus. Hemorrhoids form when
an increased pressure in the veins of the anus causes them to swell.
Symptoms of
hemorrhoids
- Bright
red blood on stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel
movement
- Anal
pain or itching
- Pain
during bowel movements
- One
or more lumps near the anus, which may be painful
Symptoms
usually go away within a few days, and some people with hemorrhoids do not have
any symptoms.
Hemorrhoids may be caused by
- Straining
during bowel movements
- Sitting
on the toilet for a long time
- Constipation
- Lack
of fiber in the diet
- Being
overweight
- Pregnancy
- Aging
What you can do
- To
relieve symptoms
- Keep
the anal area clean. Use mild unscented soap. Bathe daily and gently dry the
area after bathing.
- Avoid
using dry toilet paper. Instead, use wet toilet paper or wet wipes that do not
contain perfume or alcohol.
- Avoid
scratching or scrubbing the affected area.
- Use
sitz baths. Sit in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes a few times a day.
- Avoid
lifting heavy objects
To
help soften your stools and prevent constipation
- Eat
more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Drink
six to eight glasses of water a day
- Try
an over-the-counter fiber supplement or stool softener
You can prevent
hemorrhoids
- Exercise
to prevent constipation. Exercise also helps to lose the extra weight that
causes the hemorrhoids
- Avoid
standing or sitting too long
- Try
to soften your stools and prevent constipation
- Avoid
straining during bowel movements
- When you feel the
urge to go to the toilet, go as soon as you can.
When to see a
doctor
See
a doctor if you have the following
- Hemorrhoid
symptoms that do not improve after a week of self-treatment
- Huge
changes in bowel habits
- Very
bad pain or bleeding
- Having
a lot of bleeding which causes dizziness or lightheadedness
- Black,
tarry stools, blood clots or blood mixed in the stool
- Leaking
of stool
- Children
less than 12 years old
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