Signs and Symptoms

Internal hemorrhoids. You can't see or feel these hemorrhoids. But straining or irritation from passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid's delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually don't cause discomfort. However, you may experience a feeling of fullness in your rectum following a bowel movement. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids. These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus), causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed.

Sources

Hemorrhoids can develop from any increase in pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. Common sources of pressure include:

* Constipation and the accompanying extra straining

* Diarrhea and the continuous expulsion of loose stools

* Sitting or standing for a long time

* Obesity

* Heavy lifting

* Pregnancy and childbirth

As a general rule, see your doctor if your hemorrhoids don't improve with self-care, cause pain, or bleed frequently or excessively.The most common sign of internal hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. But because rectal bleeding can occur for other reasons, see your doctor to rule out more serious conditions or diseases. Other causes of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract include colorectal or anal cancer.If the onset of your hemorrhoids occurs along with a marked change in bowel habits or if you're passing black, tarry or maroon stools, consult your doctor without delay. These types of stools can signal more extensive bleeding elsewhere in your digestive tract.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent Hemorrhoids?

Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help lessen the straining that can cause hemorrhoids.

Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health, activity level and other factors.

Consider fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products such as Metamucil and Citrucel can help keep stools soft and regular. Check with your doctor about using stool softeners. If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, fiber supplements can cause constipation or make constipation worse. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.

Exercise. Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight.

Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. If you must sit for long periods, don't use an inflatable doughnut cushion to pad your chair. It can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus..

Don't strain. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum,and go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.

Incorporate dietary suppliments into your healthy eating regimen to encourage healthy bowel movements.

Relief

You can relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of most hemorrhoidal flare-ups with the following self-care measures:

Use topical treatments. Apply a hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing anti-inflammatory agents, or use pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent.

Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem. Gently drying the area with a hair dryer after bathing can minimize moisture, which can cause irritation.

Don't use dry toilet paper. Use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper after a bowel movement instead. Soak regularly in a warm bath. Do this several times daily. Use a sitz bath with warm water. A sitz bath fits over the toilet. You can get one at a medical supply store or some pharmacies.

Take oral medications.