Dealing with Hemorrhoids
Tips on ways to alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are commonly defined as severe swelling in your rectum or anus. The type of hemorrhoid you have depends on where it occurs. For example, internal hemorrhoids occur inside the veins of your rectum and they may lead to painless bleeding. Prolapsed hemorrhoids, on the other hand, bulge outside your anus and may go back inside your rectum on its own. External hemorrhoids are outside the anus and lead to itchiness, pain, cracking, and bleeding. Some signs you may have hemorrhoids include getting a tender lump on the edge of your anus, or finding blood in the toilet paper or toilet after a bowel movement.
Causes of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by pressure in the veins of your anus or rectum. You may get hemorrhoids through straining while having a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by obesity, heavy lifting, or other activities that cause you to strain. You may also experience hemorrhoids through constipation, diarrhea, or sitting at the toilet for too long.

People whose parents had hemorrhoids are more likely to get them. Pregnant women also often get hemorrhoids from giving birth. Being overweight or standing too much can also make hemorrhoids worse.
Consulting a doctor
If you notice bleeding, you should see a doctor to make sure the cause is hemorrhoids and not some other problem. Bleeding from your rectum or anus or bloody stools may be a sign of something more serious, like cancer, so it’s important to rule that out.
Avoiding hemorrhoids
Prevent constipation by including more fiber in your diet. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals are good sources of fiber. Also, drink plenty of fluids (except alcohol). Eight glasses of water a day is ideal. You can also exercise regularly. Avoiding laxatives, except bulk-forming laxatives such as Fiberall, Metamucil, etc, is a good idea. Don't wait too long to use the bathroom when you feel the need to have a bowel movement.
Relieving hemorrhoids
Take warm baths, and clean your anus after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads such as baby wipes. You can also use ice packs to relieve swelling. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin) or aspirin to help relieve pain. Finally, apply a cream that contains witch hazel to the area or use a numbing ointment. Creams that contain hydrocortisone can be used for itching or pain.
Surgery for hemorrhoids
If your hemorrhoids persist after one to two weeks, consult a doctor. You can use rubber band ligation to treat internal hemorrhoids—this involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This stops the flow of blood to the area and the hemorrhoid withers away.