Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Hemorrhoids

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Rectal lump; Piles; Lump in the rectum


Treatment

Treatments for hemorrhoids include:

  • Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams to help reduce pain and swelling
  • Hemorrhoid creams with lidocaine to help reduce pain
  • Stool softeners help reduce straining and constipation

Witch hazel (applied with cotton swabs) can reduce itching. Other steps to reduce this itching include:

  • Wear cotton undergarments.
  • Avoid toilet tissue with perfumes or colors, use baby wipes instead.
  • Try not to scratch the area.

Sitz baths can help you to feel better. Sit in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If your hemorrhoids do not get better with home treatments, you may need a type of heat treatment to shrink the hemorrhoids. This is called infrared coagulation. This may help avoid surgery.

Surgery that may be done to treat hemorrhoids includes rubber band ligation or surgical hemorrhoidectomy. These procedures are generally used for patients with severe pain or bleeding who have not responded to other therapy.


Support Groups


Complications

The blood in the swollen vein may form clots, and the surrounding tissue can die. Surgery is often needed to remove hemorrhoids with clots.

Severe bleeding may also occur. Iron deficiency anemia can result from long-term blood loss. Significant bleeding from hemorrhoids is unusual, however.


Calling your health care provider

Call for your health care provider if hemorrhoid symptoms do not improve with home treatment. You should also be seen if you have rectal bleeding. Your provider may want to check for other, more serious causes of the bleeding.

Call 911 if you lose a lot of blood, or if you are bleeding and feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.


Review Date: 05/16/2011
Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology, Boca Raton, FL. Clinical Instructor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)