What Are Hemorrhoids?

While some may find hemorrhoids an embarrassing subject, it's a pretty common condition. Studies show that around half of all adults will experience hemorrhoids by age 50.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus or lower rectum that can cause discomfort, pain and bleeding.

Although they can be uncomfortable, hemorrhoids are treatable and often preventable with lifestyle changes. In this article, we will explore what hemorrhoids are, their causes, symptoms, prevention and available treatment options to help you better understand and manage this condition.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around your anus or in your lower rectum. These groups of vessels are at the end of your GI tract.

"If those vessels experience some dilation, inflammation or irritation, then it can bring a variety of unpleasantries associated with it," said Paul E. Broderick, DO, FAOCPr, a board-certified proctologist at Franciscan Physician Network Proctology in Martinsville, Carmel and Mooresville and a Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Proctology.

What Are The Types Of Hemorrhoids?

There are two types of hemorrhoids, and the symptoms will vary depending on the type.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus and are, therefore, visible. Because there are more sensitive nerves in this part of the body, external hemorrhoids are normally more painful. Straining when passing a stool may cause them to bleed. If you have external hemorrhoids, you may experience the following:

• Anal itching
• One or more hard, tender lumps near your anus
• Anal ache or pain, especially when sitting

Too much straining, rubbing, or cleaning around your anus may make your symptoms worse. Still, for many people, the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can go away within a few days.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are deep inside the rectum and not visible from the outside. They are normally painless. Often, the first sign that internal hemorrhoids are present is rectal bleeding. If you have internal hemorrhoids, you may have:

• Bleeding from your rectum - bright red blood on the stool, toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• A hemorrhoid that has fallen through your anal opening, called prolapse

"Whether a patient is deal with external or internal hemorrhoids, if somebody should have a variety of symptoms such as anything from hygiene challenges to a series of discomfort and bleeding, it's crucial to have an appropriate evaluation," Dr. Broderick said.

What Are The Signs Of Hemorrhoids?

Signs of hemorrhoids include:

• Bleeding during bowel movements.
• Itching or irritation in the anal region.
• Pain or discomfort.
• Anal swelling.
• A hard, sore lump near the anus.

Many people make lifestyle changes or try home treatments to get relief from symptoms.

Am I At Risk For Hemorrhoids?

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons says common risk factors for hemorrhoids include:

• Having chronic constipation or diarrhea, or pushing too hard during bowel movements.
• Being pregnant. Hemorrhoids often happen in the third trimester.
• Having family members who have had hemorrhoids.
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods.
• Overusing enemas or laxatives, which can trigger problems with bowel function.

Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids From Developing?

You can take these steps to help prevent hemorrhoids from forming:

• Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. High-fiber foods can make stools softer and easier to pass.
• Drinking water and other liquids, such as fruit juices and clear soups. Staying hydrated can help the fiber in your diet work better.
• Take fiber supplements.
• Staying active, which is good for the GI tract.
• Avoiding spending a lot of time on the toilet, if possible.
• Don't strain while you're trying to pass a stool.
• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.
• Stay active and avoid long periods of sitting.

How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home?

"The hemorrhoids conditions itself may not go away, but the swelling, inflammation and other related symptoms may fade with some effort," Dr. Broderick said.

Several methods can help treat hemorrhoids at home.

When Should I See A Doctor About Hemorrhoids?

"There are several methods that can help prevent and even treat a hemorrhoids condition, but I recommend people start by reaching out to their primary care physician," Dr. Broderick said. "There are symptoms related to hemorrhoids that can also relate to more concerning health conditions, after all.

"While hemorrhoids are benign veins which cannot transform into something harmful, there are other health concerns that can occur in that area, including types of cancer. It's crucial to confirm that your condition is actually hemorrhoids."

If your symptoms do not relieve after one week after using over-the-counter products, you should see your physician.

The good news is there are several ways to treat hemorrhoids and ease the pain, itching or other symptoms they may cause. There are non-surgical and surgical options for treating hemorrhoids.

In general, most doctors try not to exercise surgical options for hemorrhoids until they've extinguished the non-surgical options or if a patient has a hemorrhoid so advanced that surgery is the only option.

Do I Need Surgery For Hemorrhoids?

"There's a pretty broad spectrum of people that may benefit from a non-surgical procedure," Dr. Broderick said. "There are two more common non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, but the one that's been around the longest is called hemorrhoid banding or hemorrhoid ligation."

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding, or hemorrhoid litigation, is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.

"While the procedure sounds scary, professionals are able to perform it very successfully," Dr. Broderick said. "I see people from a couple hours away and they drive back home afterwards, they're fine. It's an option that's been around for many decades, and that's because it works."

Infrared Photocoagulation

"There's another common technique called infrared photocoagulation," Dr. Broderick said.

During an infrared photocoagulation procedure, a doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.

"This procedure is not an excision," Dr. Broderick said. "It's not a long procedure at all, and the patient should be able to drive themselves home after it's done."

If you are experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, it's essential to seek medical advice to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.