What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins normally found around the anus and lower rectum. "Hemorrhoidal disease" refers to when they become swollen and cause symptoms. There are internal hemorrhoids, inside the rectum, and external hemorrhoids, under the skin around the anus.
What are the symptoms?
- Bright red bleeding during or just after a bowel movement, on the toilet paper or in the bowl
- Discomfort, itching or a feeling of heaviness around the anus
- A lump that comes out when straining (prolapse), which goes back on its own or has to be pushed back
- Sharp pain with a small, hard, bluish lump: this is a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which requires a prompt consultation
What makes them more likely?
Constipation and straining, repeated diarrhea, spending a long time on the toilet, pregnancy and childbirth, and prolonged sitting all make flare-ups more likely.
Anal bleeding: always see a doctor
Anal bleeding is often caused by hemorrhoids, but you should never assume so. Other conditions can bleed, such as an anal fissure, a polyp or colorectal cancer. The doctor performs a proctological examination and, depending on your age, history and symptoms, may recommend a colonoscopy.
How are hemorrhoids relieved and treated?
In daily life, simple measures are the foundation of treatment:
- eat more fiber (vegetables, fruit, whole grains) and drink enough water
- do not strain or spend a long time on the toilet
- treat constipation or diarrhea
- stay physically active
Medical treatments (creams or suppositories, medication to regulate bowel movements, pain relief) ease a flare-up. They should be prescribed after an examination.
When symptoms persist, the proctologist may suggest an office procedure such as rubber band ligation or, for more advanced forms, surgery. The choice depends on the type and severity of the hemorrhoids.
To learn more, see our Proctology page and our dietary advice for constipation.