Hemorrhoids, painful and swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus, are very common. They result from increased pressure in the anus veins when straining during bowel movements, during pregnancy or childbirth.
The pressure causes the veins to swell, making it especially painful when sitting. You may also notice itching, bright red blood on toilet tissue, one or more hard tender lumps near anus, or pain during a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids may be inside or outside the body.
Home remedies, such as over-the-counter creams or sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes can help reduce pain and swelling. Stool softeners can reduce straining during bowel movements.
If home remedies don’t work, you may need a type of heat treatment to shrink the hemorrhoids. This is called infrared coagulation. This may help avoid surgery.
Surgery that may be done to treat hemorrhoids includes rubber band ligation or surgical hemorrhoidectomy. These procedures are generally used for patients with severe pain or bleeding who have not responded to other therapy.
If you notice rectal bleeding, call your health care provider immediately.