What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. Sometimes the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when you poop.
Swollen hemorrhoids are also called piles.
Hemorrhoids don't always cause symptoms, so you may not realize you have them. Most commonly, you could:
Feel discomfort, itching, or pain around your anus
See blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl when you go to the bathroom
Get moist, pink bumps around the edge of or bulging out from your anus (These may look purple or blue, too.)
Hemorrhoids often get better without surgery or even procedures your doctor can do in the office. Start with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes. (If you're pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before you try any medicine or change your diet.)
Soothe Pain and Itching
Warm (but not hot) "sitz baths" are a time-honored therapy: Sit in about 3 inches of warm water for 15 minutes or so, several times a day. This helps reduce swelling in the area and relaxes your clenching sphincter muscle. It's especially good after pooping.
Put a little petroleum jelly just inside your anus to make pooping hurt less. Don't force it!
Dab witch hazel on irritated hemorrhoids, or use over-the-counter creams or ointments made for hemorrhoid symptoms. A 1% hydrocortisone cream on the skin outside the anus (not inside) can relieve itching, too. But don't use it for longer than a week unless your doctor says it's OK.
Or try putting a simple cold pack on the tender area for a few minutes to numb it and bring down the swelling.
High-Fiber Diet
It's the best thing for hemorrhoids: A diet rich in high-fiber foods and with few processed foods. Eat mostly vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains to avoid constipation.
If you can't get enough fiber from food, your doctor may want you to take a fiber supplement or stool softener. Don't take laxatives, because they can cause diarrhea that could irritate hemorrhoids.
Drink seven to eight glasses of water each day, at least a half-gallon total. If you're very active or you live in a hot climate, you may need even more.
Even if your doctor prescribes medication or suggests surgery, you'll probably need to change your diet. Introduce new foods slowly to avoid gas.
Medical Procedures
If your symptoms are severe or aren't getting better after a couple of weeks, your doctor may want do a procedure to shrink or remove the hemorrhoids. Many can be performed in his office.
Injection. Your doctor can inject an internal hemorrhoid with a solution to create a scar and close off the hemorrhoid. The shot hurts only a little.
