What are hemorrhoids?

Veins: Dilated veins in the annus.

Swollen rectal veins: Great question. There is a lot of confusion regarding hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. Sometimes referred to as "piles". All the same thing. The rectum and anus are the very end of the colon (see image). These swollen veins can bleed and cause considerable pain. Additionally, they can become infected. Medicine and surgery is effective.

Hemorrhoids : Hemorrhoids are blood clots in a vein or veins in the rectum. They are a very common human condition and can worsen with constipation or trauma. If they do not quickly go away there are creams or other medications to help them shrink and to not be so painful or itchy.

Hemmorhoids: It is a very common problem, not to worry. Can be related to either constipation or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids should be evaluated by a colo-rectal or general surgeon you will require dietary, bathroom habit modifications and sometimes office based procedures if medical management is ineffective.

Many things: Warm sitz baths, sitting in a warm tub for 20 minutes, two or three times a day may be helpful. Over-the-counter medications may be helpful such as stool softeners, otc creams or suppositories, rx creams or suppositories, injections to scar the hemorrhoid, banding to shrivel it up, or surgery. See your doctor.

Hemorrhoid: A hemorrhoid is a dilated vein that pops out about the anus and rectum. We tend to get hemorrhoids from straining at stool, which in turn results from inadequate water and fiber intake. Any increase in intra-abdominal pressure actually, from medical conditions to trauma to heavy lifting to pregnancy, can lead to hemorrhoids as well.

To treat hemorrhoids: ingest 20 to 30 g of insoluble fiber per day and drink plenty of water (1.5 to 2 liters per day). Both are necessary to produce regular, soft stools, which reduce straining at defecation. It could take six weeks to fully realize the beneficial effect of fiber. Also ensure that you are exercising sufficiently and not sitting too much. Don’t linger on the toilet and eliminate fatty foods.

Home remedies/Exam: Mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids generally responds to home remedies which includes eating a high fiber diet, topical over the counter hemorrhoid cream, warm baths or sitz baths, & oral pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil. If the discomfort continues or is severe you should have a medical exam at which time other treatments may be suggested. I wish you well with your health!