HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids
are dilated veins that are caused by increased pressure
in the rectum. This increased pressure can be caused by
constipation and hence straining to get stool out, pregnancy,
cirrhosis of the liver, some forms of cancer, or for no
good reason at all. They can occur towards the tail end
of the anus (external hemorrhoids) or towards the rectum
(internal hemorrhoids). If they are external, they may protrude
from the anus and you may be able to feel them with your
hand.
Sometimes
you can have hemorrhoids and not even know it, but the most
common symptoms are bright red blood (usually found on the
toilet paper), pain, and itching.
Your
doctor should examine you to make sure these symptoms are
not being caused by a more serious problem. Treatment usually
involves treatment for constipation: a high-fiber,
high-fluid diet with possible use of stool softeners.
Preparation H and other creams, including topical steroids,
may help stop the itching.
