What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
How do you get hemorrhoids?
Anyone can get hemorrhoids, and they are quite common. Some of the causes are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Labor
- Being overweight
What are the symptoms??
- Rectal pain
- Itching
- Rectal bleeding – bright red blood
- Visible on stool
- Visible on toilet paper after wiping
- Visible in toilet bowel
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Hemorrhoids can be controlled by making simple changes to your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength creams that help with inflammation and itching can provide relief to some of the symptoms. If your hemorrhoids are very large and are causing you significant pain you may need surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
For more information about hemorrhoids:
- Read “Hemorrhoids – Everything you wanted to know (But were afraid to ask)” – a blog by Jason Row, MD, PPG – Family Medicine, Archbold, Ohio.
- Watch “Family Health Matters: Dr. Jason Row Addresses your questions about hemorrhoids” on Parkview Health’s YouTube channel.