What Are Hemorrhoids?
Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus (the very far end of the digestive tract where poop comes out). You may or may not be able to see hemorrhoids.
They may cause itching or bleeding, depending on the location. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can often help with swelling and effectively manage hemorrhoids. Surgery may sometimes be needed to remove the swollen blood vessels.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hemorrhoids.
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are divided into three types, depending on where they are located. They have similar causes and treatments and are:
Internal hemorrhoids: Occur inside the body at the lower point of the intestines (the veins bulge out of the lining of the rectum and anus)
External hemorrhoids: Occur in the skin surrounding the anus on the outside of the body
Thrombosed hemorrhoids: Can be external or internal and occur when a blood clot forms inside a hemorrhoid
Takeaway
Hemorrhoids are a common condition. About half of people 50 years and older will have hemorrhoids.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
In most cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on their type and location. Most people find the symptoms mild and can often be treated with home remedies.
External Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
Itching around the anus
One or more hard bumps under the skin around the anus
Pain or aching near the anus, often worse with sitting down
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are often not painful. Symptoms include blood when pooping, blood on your stool, or blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper when you wipe.
Another symptom is a prolapsed hemorrhoid that dangles from the intestines and falls out of the anal opening.
A healthcare provider should check any blood in your poop or when you have a bowel movement. While hemorrhoids are often common and mild, bleeding from your intestines can be serious and should not be ignored.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Healthcare providers do not understand why some people get hemorrhoids, and others do not. People get hemorrhoids due to increased pressure in the veins of the far end of the intestine (rectum or anus). However, there are some common behaviors and health conditions that may make you more likely to develop hemorrhoids, including:
Pushing or straining when you poop
Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Constipation, especially over time
Diarrhea, especially over time
A diet low in fiber
Getting older (the tissues in the rectum and anus get weaker)
Frequent heavy lifting (due to straining and pressure)
Being overweight or obese
How Do I Know If I Have Hemorrhoids?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose hemorrhoids. In most cases, they will:
Take a medical history
Physically examine your anus and the skin around it
Perform a digital rectal exam
Use an internal scope (if needed) to visualize the inside of the anus and rectum
How to Treat Hemorrhoids
If you think you have hemorrhoids, get a confirmation from your healthcare provider. Some other serious medical conditions have similar symptoms and require medical care.
In many cases, home remedies are enough to manage hemorrhoids. For some people, more invasive medical treatments are needed.
Home Remedies
If cleared by your provider, you can treat your hemorrhoids at home. Some possible ways to help hemorrhoids go away include:
Increasing the fiber in your diet
Taking a fiber supplement
Drinking more water or other fluids (not alcohol)
Avoiding pushing or straining while pooping
Sitting on the toilet for shorter periods
Sitting in warm water (sitz bath) several times a day for relief
Several OTC medications can help treat hemorrhoids. Always check with your provider to ensure these treatments are safe for you to use. Some people find the following helpful:
Pain relievers
Hemorrhoid creams or ointments
Hemorrhoid suppositories (inserted into the rectum)
Takeaway
Be sure to see a medical professional if you have bleeding or if your hemorrhoid symptoms last more than one week. You may also need to follow up with them if your home remedies cause new or worsening symptoms.
Medical Treatment
If your hemorrhoids do not improve with home remedies, or you have heavy bleeding or a blood clot, you may need medical treatment. A provider can often treat hemorrhoids at an outpatient center or hospital. Some common medical interventions for hemorrhoids include:
Ligation (banding): A small surgical rubber band is placed at the bottom of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to the tissue; after about a week, the hemorrhoid falls off, and a scar forms.
Injection: A needle is used to put a solution directly into the hemorrhoid to cause it to shrink.
Stapling and suturing: Staples and stitches are used to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is performed in an operating room under anesthesia.
Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids and their symptoms, your provider will discuss possible treatment options with you and review the risks and benefits of each.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy. It is estimated that up to half of pregnant people will have hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, hemorrhoids come from several causes, including increased blood volume, constipation, and pressure from the uterus on the rectum.
Check with a provider to ensure any treatments chosen are safe for you and the baby.
Complications and Outlook
Hemorrhoids are a common digestive system issue and are often easily managed with home remedies. There are a few complications that can be severe and require medical attention, including:
Blood clot in the hemorrhoid
Infection in an open area (sore or ulcer) of an external hemorrhoid
Strangulated hemorrhoid (loss of blood flow to a prolapsed hemorrhoid)
Bleeding and blood loss (anemia)
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids
Recommendations for preventing hemorrhoids are based on reducing or avoiding the things that cause them. Focus on:
Eating adequate fiber in your diet
Avoiding pushing or straining when pooping
Drinking plenty of fluids
Using OTC stool softeners if needed
Preventing diarrhea and constipation as much as possible
Spending less time sitting on the toilet
Tips for Managing Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically get better within a few days to a week, especially if you can reduce or avoid factors that increase the pressure in your rectum and anus. If your hemorrhoids are painful, OTC treatments may be helpful.
A sitz bath may help relieve discomfort in the anus and inflamed tissues. You may find three to four sitz baths daily help you manage your symptoms.
Avoid sitting too long, whether on the toilet or a chair. Walk around every hour or so. Increasing your physical activity can help improve your bowel motility. And consider changing positions when you have a bowel movement. Some people find a squatting position more comfortable than a traditional sitting position.
Related: Anal Cancer vs. Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference
Read the original article on Verywell Health.