Learn About Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.
Rectal lump; Piles; Lump in the rectum; Rectal bleeding - hemorrhoids; Blood in the stool - hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are very common. They result from increased pressure on the anus. This can occur during pregnancy or childbirth, and due to constipation. The pressure causes the normal anal veins and tissue to swell. This tissue can bleed, often during bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids may be caused by:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Constipation
- Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet
- Certain diseases, such as cirrhosis
Hemorrhoids may be inside or outside the body.
- Internal hemorrhoids occur just inside the anus, at the beginning of the rectum. When they are large, they may fall outside (prolapse). The most common problem with internal hemorrhoids is bleeding during bowel movements.
- External hemorrhoids occur outside the anus. They can result in difficulty cleaning the area after a bowel movement. If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it can be very painful (thrombosed external hemorrhoid).
Hemorrhoids are most often not painful, but if a blood clot forms, they can be very painful.
Common symptoms include:
- Painless bright red blood from the rectum
- Anal itching
- Anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard or tender lumps near the anus
Treatments for hemorrhoids include:
- Over-the-counter corticosteroid (for example, hydrocortisone) creams to help reduce pain and swelling
- Hemorrhoid creams with lidocaine or other anesthetic to help reduce pain
- Stool softeners to help reduce straining and constipation
Things you can do to reduce itching include:
- Apply witch hazel to the area with a cotton swab.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Avoid toilet tissue with perfumes or colors. Use baby wipes instead.
- Try not to scratch the area.
Sitz baths can help you to feel better. Sit in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.
If your hemorrhoids do not get better with home treatments, you may need some type of office treatment to shrink the hemorrhoids.
If office treatment is not enough, some type of surgery may be necessary, such as removal of the hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy). These procedures are generally used for people with severe bleeding or prolapse who have not responded to other therapy.
Proliance Eastside Surgical Specialists
Mitra Ehsan, MD, is board-certified in colon and rectal surgery and general surgery, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Ehsan is passionate about delivering the best possible colorectal surgical care to the residents of the Eastside. She has practiced medicine and surgery in the Bellevue community for over 20 years.Dedicated to helping her patients understand their disease, Dr. Ehsan encourages her patients to be active partners in their care. She regularly collaborates with other physicians and surgeons in the region to treat complex oncology (cancer) cases and pelvic floor reconstruction. She is committed to providing you with high-quality, cutting edge care in an environment of compassion and understanding.Dr. Ehsan is published and has presented her work for scientific and medical conferences, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Annual Scientific Conference Recorded Sessions, Seattle Surgical Society, and Northwest Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.She is trained in robotic colorectal surgery and has been awarded the Seattle Metropolitan Magazine's annual Top Doctor Award multiple times. Dr. Ehsan is also trained as a certified console surgeon on the da Vinci(R) Si and Xi surgical system. Dr. Ehsan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemorrhoids. Her top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Bowel Incontinence, Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis, Proctitis, and Hemorrhoidectomy.
Advocate Medical Group General Surgery
Katherine Kouvelis is a Colorectal Surgeon in Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Kouvelis is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemorrhoids. Her top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Proctitis, Hernia Surgery, and Ureteroscopy.
Gaetano Gallo practices in Milan, Italy. Mr. Gallo is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemorrhoids. His top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissure, Pilonidal Sinus Disease, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Endoscopy.
The blood in the hemorrhoid may form clots. This can cause tissue around it to die. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove hemorrhoids with clots.
Rarely, severe bleeding may also occur. Iron deficiency anemia can result from long-term blood loss.
Contact your provider if:
- Hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
- You have rectal bleeding. Your provider may want to check for other, more serious causes of the bleeding.
Get medical help right away if:
- You lose a lot of blood
- You are bleeding and feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
Constipation, straining during bowel movements, and sitting on the toilet too long raise your risk for hemorrhoids. To prevent constipation and hemorrhoids, you should:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat a high-fiber diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Consider using fiber supplements.
- Use stool softeners to prevent straining.
Summary: Hemorrhoids are vascular-elastic structures of the anal canal that contribute to continence. Their enlargement and descent lead to symptoms such as rectal bleeding and the sensation of anal swelling, known as hemorrhoidal syndrome. In advanced cases (Goligher Grade III-IV), surgery is the only effective treatment. Open excisional hemorrhoidectomy (OEH), based on the Milligan-Morgan technique, is t...
Summary: This study is being conducted at the Department of General Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan. The purpose of the trial is to compare the effectiveness of topical Lignocaine ointment versus topical Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) ointment in reducing postoperative pain following hemorrhoidectomy. Patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy will be randomly assigned to receive either Lign...
Published Date: September 09, 2023
Published By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bass LM, Wershil BK. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 98.
Cameron J. Anorectal. In: Cameron J, ed. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 5.
Zainea GG, Pfenninger JL. Office treatment of hemorrhoids. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.