A: Hemorrhoids are veins that are swollen. Often called vericose veins of the rectum, hemorrhoids can be caused by pregnancy, or straining while making a bowel movement.
Q: What types of hemorrhoids are there?
A: Internal, inside the anus or external outside of the anus. Thrombosed, a blood clot has formed in an anal vein. Prolapsed, a hemorrhoid that has fallen through the anal opening.
Q: What are the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids?
A: Bleeding when making a bowel movement, bright red blood. If this occurs, please make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, to make certain it is just hemorrhoids, not something more serious such as colon cancer. Itching and irritation can occur as well.
Q: What can one do to avoid hemorrhoids?
A; Eat a high fiber diet. Eat foods such as bran, granola, and shredded wheat. Keep hydrated as well. This will help make your bowel movement more regular, thus one won’t be constiptaed, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Doctors recommend that people drink 6 glasses of water a day. Doctors may also recommend that hemorrhoid sufferers take a fiber powder supplement, to help become more regular, such as Fiber One.
Q: When one has hemorrhoids, what can one do to treat it?
A: Take over the counter medication, such as Preparation H. This will address the itching and burning. Use soft wipes, instead of bathroom tissue, when making a bowel movement. This will prevent irritation. Other medications one can use is Avatrol or Clearmed.
Q: If hemorrhoids are severe, how can they be treated?
A: Severe cases can be treated by surgery or rubber band ligation. Ligation actually places a band on the swollen area until it shrinks away. Most hemorrhoid cases can be treated without surgery.
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