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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Hemorrhoids: Brief Version
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus or inside the
rectum. The anus is the opening where the bowel movement
passes out of the body. The rectum is the end of the
intestine just inside the anus.
Hemorrhoids can happen in 2 places:
- in the veins found inside the rectum (about 1 inch up)
- under the skin around the anus.
If you have hemorrhoids inside the rectum, they don't hurt.
But sometimes they cause a lot of bleeding. The veins
inside can stretch and even fall down through the anus.
Then the veins can be painful.
It is easy to see and feel the hemorrhoids around the anus.
If the swollen veins get scratched or broken by straining or
rubbing, they bleed.
What is the cause?
If there is too much pressure on the veins, you may get
hemorrhoids. This can happen when you:
- Strain during bowel movements because you are
constipated.
- Hold back or wait a long time before you have a bowel
movement.
- Have diarrhea.
- Sit for a long time on the toilet.
You are more likely to get hemorrhoids when you:
- Are pregnant or give birth.
- Are overweight.
- Cough or sneeze a lot.
- Sit for a long time.
You may also get hemorrhoids when you:
- Have liver disease.
- Are under stress.
- Drink alcohol too much.
What are the symptoms?
You may:
- Itch or bleed from the anus.
- Feel a mild burning.
- Have swelling and pain during bowel movements.
- Feel painful lumps around the anus (the lumps may be as
small as a pea or as big as a walnut).
How are they diagnosed?
Your health care provider will check your rectum and anus.
He or she may use a tool with a light to look inside the
rectum.
How are they treated?
Here are things you can do that usually stop the
hemorrhoids from bothering you:
- Eat foods high in fiber. Good sources of fiber are:
- Fresh fruit.
- Raw or cooked vegetables. Asparagus, cabbage,
carrots, corn, and broccoli are especially high in
fiber.
- Whole-grain cereals with bran. Try shredded wheat or
bran flakes.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or juice a day.
- Sit in lukewarm water 2 or 3 times a day for 15 minutes.
- Put cold packs on the anus to relieve pain.
- Try creams or ointments. Ask your health care provider
what would be best for you.
You may need other kinds of treatment. If your hemorrhoids
stick out from the inside of your rectum, you may need
a procedure called hemorrhoid banding:
- Your health care provider may put a tight band around the
enlarged vein.
- He or she will then cut the hemorrhoid open and take out
the blood clot.
- The vein will heal. The hemorrhoid will fall off.
There are other ways to take away or shrink hemorrhoids.
Your health care provider could:
- Freeze the hemorrhoid.
- Use electrical or laser heat.
- Use infrared light.
- Give a shot around the vein.
If you have really bad hemorrhoids, you may need surgery to
remove the hemorrhoids.
How long will it take to get better?
Most of the time, hemorrhoids are not a big problem. They
go away in a few days. In the worst cases, it may take a
few weeks.
How can I take care of myself?
Always tell your health care provider if you bleed from the
anus. Serious illnesses may also cause the bleeding. It's
best to make sure.
Here's what you can do to prevent hemorrhoids:
- Do not strain during bowel movements.
- Eat high-fiber food and drink plenty of water.
- Take a stool softener if your health provider recommends
it.
- Don't use too many laxatives. Diarrhea can also cause
hemorrhoids.
- Get enough exercise, which can help prevent constipation.
If you have hemorrhoids, here are some things to remember:
- Ask your health care provider what you should buy to help
with pain and itching.
- Wipe gently after a bowel movement. Wipe with soft,
moist toilet paper. If you need to, shower instead of
wiping. Dry the anus gently.
- Don't lift heavy objects.
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