Hemorrhoids
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum or anus. They are a normal part of anatomy and only require treatment when they become problematic or painful.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids don’t always cause symptoms, and many people may not realize that they have them. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
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Discomfort, itching, or pain around your anus
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Blood found on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl following a bowel movement
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
Hemorrhoids can usually be diagnosed through a health history and through doing a physical exam. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as colon or rectal cancer, or other gastrointestinal disease. Because of this your surgeon may wish to do a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
How are hemorrhoids treated/prevented?
Prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids consist of lifestyle changes, primarily to your diet and fluid consumption.
Attached is a printable sheet with instructions on how to prevent and treat hemorrhoids.