It is estimated that three out of four adults will experience hemorrhoids, but this is usually a temporary condition. The blood vessels inside the rectum and near the anus can become swollen, resulting in pain or discomfort. There are many home remedies, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications that can relieve mild to moderate hemorrhoid symptoms, but some cases may be more severe.
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins near your anus. They can be internal, within the rectum, or external, under the skin around the anus. Most hemorrhoids are caused by strain or pressure on the vessels around the anus. This can be caused by a variety of factors include:.
When you have hemorrhoids, you may notice swelling or lumps around your anus. You may experience pain and itching around the anus, and it is common for bright red blood to appear during bowel movements.
Darker blood in feces is not usually from hemorrhoids and should be checked out by your doctor β it could be an internal bleeding issue. If you have chronic hemorrhoids that do not go away or keep recurring, you may need medical treatment. While complications from hemorrhoids are rare, they can cause extreme pain and anemia if you have a chronic condition.
Hemorrhoid treatment can include topical medications, but strangulated or severe hemorrhoids may need to be removed. Lifestyle changes are recommended as part of a treatment plan to avoid future occurrences if diet, weight or other factors are contributing to frequent hemorrhoids.
