Hemorrhoids

Nearly 75% of Americans develop hemorrhoids, also known as piles, at some point during their lifetime. They may cause itching, burning, or bleeding. They may be felt as a lump or mass

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in your lower rectum and anus. They can develop inside your body, or they may appear on the outside of your anus. If you have hemorrhoids, you may have pain or itchiness around your anus. You may also experience:

• Small amounts of bright red blood during a bowel movement
• Swelling around your anus
• A sensitive or painful lump near your anus

Internal hemorrhoids may cause discomfort or bleeding when you have a bowel movement, but you won’t necessarily see or feel them at other times. External hemorrhoids cause irritation and itchiness, as well as a little bit of blood during a bowel movement.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid develops when the blood in the hemorrhoid clots. Thrombosed hemorrhoids often cause severe pain, swelling, and a lump near your anus.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins. Weakness in your veins disrupts the regular flow of blood and allows blood to flow backward and get trapped in the weakened section of the vein. Many factors contribute to hemorrhoids, including:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Straining during a bowel movement
• Spending a lot of time sitting on the toilet
• A low-fiber diet
• Anal sexual intercourse

Your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you age since the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus are more likely to weaken and stretch.

When should I talk to a doctor about hemorrhoids?

Blood during a bowel movement should always be a cause for concern. Additionally, if you have pain and your hemorrhoids don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments we can provide customized treatment.