Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. Sometimes, the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when
you poop. Hemorrhoids are also called piles. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding. They often go away on their own. Treatments can also help. Internal
hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids are so far inside your rectum that you can't usually see or feel them. They don't generally hurt because you have few pain-sensing nerves there. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include: External hemorrhoidsWhat Are Hemorrhoids?
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are under the skin around your anus, where there are many more pain-sensing nerves. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Swelling
Thrombosed hemorrhoids
A blood clot can turn an external hemorrhoid purple or blue. This is called a thrombosis or a thrombosed hemorrhoid. You may notice symptoms like:
- Severe pain
- Itching
- Bleeding
When to call your doctor
Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. If the symptoms don’t go away in a week or if you have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure you don’t have a more serious condition.
You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your
parents, had them. Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from: People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at
greater risk, too. You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesn't clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll probably need to do one or both of these examinations: To diagnose internal hemorrhoids or rule out other conditions, you might need a more thorough test, including:Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids Diagnosis
- Anoscopy. Your doctor uses a short plastic tube called an anoscope to look into your anal canal.
- Sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor looks into your lower colon with a flexible lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. They can also use the tube to take a bit of tissue for tests.
- Colonoscopy. Your doctor looks at all of your large intestine with a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. They can also take tissue samples or treat other problems they find.
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Hemorrhoid symptoms usually go away on their own. Your doctor’s treatment plan will depend on how severe your symptoms are.
- Home remedies. Simple lifestyle changes can often relieve mild hemorrhoid symptoms within 2 to 7 days. Add fiber to your diet with over-the counter supplements and foods like fruit, vegetables, and grains. Try not to strain during bowel movements; drinking more water can make it easier to go. Warm sitz baths for 20 minutes several times a day may also make you feel better. Ice packs can ease pain and swelling.
- Nonsurgical treatments. Over-the-counter creams and other medications ease pain, swelling, and itching.
- Surgical treatments. If you have large hemorrhoids, or if other treatments haven’t helped, you might need surgery. Your doctor can use chemicals, lasers, infrared light, or tiny rubber bands to get rid of them. If they’re especially large or keep coming back, your doctor might need to remove them with a sharp tool called a scalpel.
Rarely, hemorrhoids could lead to problems such as: To prevent hemorrhoid flare-ups, try these steps:Hemorrhoids
Complications
Hemorrhoids Prevention