Page 119 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS 117

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in or around the anus. They mainly affect people who are
constipated, who frequently strain when having a bowel movement, or have repeated episodes of diarrhea.
The most common symptom is bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Opening your bowels
may be painful and it may feel as if they have not emptied completely. Sitting down may be uncomfortable.
The skin around your anus may be itchy and irritated. Hemorrhoids can also protrude outside the anus and
form a painful swelling. The condition is more common in pregnant women and overweight people.
See also Constipation, p.115; Diarrhea, opposite page; Itchy anus, p.118.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have bleeding from your anus and/or Analgesics Taking acetaminophen (see p.177)
or ibuprofen (see p.185) can help relieve the
a lump inside or near the anus
discomfort of hemorrhoids. If the pain persists for
more than a few days, however, stop taking the
analgesics and consult your doctor.
What you can do yourself Hemorrhoid preparations (see
p.184) are available as creams, ointments, pads, and
Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but there are
suppositories. They soothe painful hemorrhoids and
measures that you can take to help relieve them
make it easier to have bowel movements. They may
and support any treatment from your doctor.
contain phenylephrine, which shrinks swollen tissue,
● Treat constipation promptly to avoid triggering witch hazel to relieve itching and irritation, or
or aggravating hemorrhoids. Small hemorrhoids hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation. Don’t use
often subside once constipation is relieved. hemorrhoid preparations for longer than 6 days since
you may develop a reaction to the ingredients.
● Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the
need. Don’t strain or hold your breath when having
a bowel movement, and don’t rush. Even if it feels
as if you have not emptied your bowels, resist the
urge to strain at the end of a bowel movement.
● Clean your anal area after each bowel movement Creams and suppositories
with a moist cloth or unscented, moist toilet tissue. Use an applicator to apply the cream;
insert suppositories into the anus.
● If possible, sit in a shallow, warm bath for about
15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. Don’t use soap to
wash your anal area. Pat the area dry afterward.
● Take an analgesic to reduce the discomfort (see Seek further medical advice
DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● If you have a painful, protruding hemorrhoid, rest
● The bleeding gets worse
in bed for a day. Apply an ice pack (a bag of crushed
● Bleeding, irritation, or pain does not subside
ice or frozen vegetables, wrapped in a wet towel) to
after a few days of treatment
the anus for 15–20 minutes up to 4 times a day.
● Try an over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparation
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right).