Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or anus that become swollen and painful. Sometimes they go away by themselves, but in other cases they can cause lingering pain, itching, and bleeding. There are two types of hemorrhoids: those that are just inside the anus or lower rectum (internal) and those that are outside the opening to the anus (external). You can have both at the same time. Internal hemorrhoids usually do not cause pain or discomfort, while external hemorrhoids often do. However, internal hemorrhoids can protrude outside the anus (prolapsed hemorrhoid) and become painful. In some cases, a blot clot (thrombosis) may form in the vein, making the hemorrhoid more painful. In severe cases, these hemorrhoids require surgery.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that tends to occur as we get older; about 75% of Americans have hemorrhoids at some point. Being constipated or passing large, hard stools may contribute to developing hemorrhoids. In many cases, however, there is no obvious cause. The increased pressure during pregnancy may also cause hemorrhoids. Contributing factors include the following:
Your doctor can often diagnose external hemorrhoids with a physical exam. For internal hemorrhoids, your doctor may do a rectal examination (inserting a gloved finger in the rectum). Your doctor may also use an anoscope or sigmoidoscope to look inside the anal canal.
It's important to avoid being constipated so that you don't strain when having a bowel movement, so adding more fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet can be helpful. You may want to consider fiber supplements. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 glasses per day, and exercise regularly.
Medications can ease pain and discomfort while hemorrhoids heal. In addition, certain lifestyle measures can help you feel better and even prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids.
Try the following approaches to reduce the pain and itching from hemorrhoids:
There are also dietary and other lifestyle steps you can take to prevent or treat constipation, which will help you avoid hemorrhoids.
For cases that do not respond to home treatments, your doctor may recommend other procedures:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care provider.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), applied topically or used as a sitz bath, may temporarily shrink hemorrhoids and relive symptoms. Many "pads" used to treat hemorrhoids contain witch hazel.
Other herbs that are often suggested for hemorrhoids include:
Scientific evidence to support the use of these herbs is lacking, but professional herbalists may prescribe them in appropriate circumstances.
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes their physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual. A homeopath might select the following remedies to treat someone with hemorrhoids.
Most treatments for hemorrhoids are very effective. Talk with your health care provider if the hemorrhoids are still a problem after 1 to 2 weeks. To prevent hemorrhoids from coming back, eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. This is especially important if you get hemorrhoids often.
The blood in the enlarged veins may form clots, and the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoids can die. Hemorrhoids with clots generally require surgical removal.
Severe bleeding may also occur, although it is unusual.
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Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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