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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Updated in Nov 2018
