Bleeding can be caused by something other than hemorrhoids and must be evaluated. Possible causes and risk factors include:. A visual examination of your anus may be enough to diagnose hemorrhoids. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may do a different examination to check for any abnormalities within the anus.
This check is known as a digital rectal exam. During this exam, your doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum. Depending on your risk factors for gastrointestinal disease, your doctor may order an additional test like an anoscopy , sigmoidoscopy , or colonoscopy. Each of these tests involves your doctor using a small camera to diagnose any abnormalities in your anus, rectum, or colon. An anoscopy examines the inside of your anus, a sigmoidoscopy examines the last 2 feet 50 centimeters of your colon, and a colonoscopy explores the entire colon.
With this test, your doctor gets a clear view of the inside of your rectum so that they can examine the hemorrhoid up close. You can find a primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, or other specialist near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.
To minimize pain, soak in a warm tub of water for at least 10 minutes every day. You can also sit on a warm water bottle to relieve the pain of external hemorrhoids. Find out how to make a warm compress at home. If the pain is unbearable, use an over-the-counter OTC medicated suppository , ointment, or cream to relieve the burning and itching. You can find hemorrhoid suppositories online or in stores. Two common supplements of this type are psyllium and methylcellulose. OTC topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone or hemorrhoid cream, can ease your discomfort from hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel pads can offer hemorrhoid relief as well. You can buy both hydrocortisone and hemorrhoid cream online. High-fiber foods include broccoli, beans, wheat and oat bran, whole-grain foods, and fresh fruit. Fiber supplements help decrease hemorrhoidal bleeding, inflammation, and enlargement. They may also reduce irritation from small bits of stool that are trapped around the blood vessels.
Some people find that boosting fiber causes bloating or gas. Start slowly, and gradually increase your intake to 25—30 grams of fiber per day. Also, increase your fluid intake. Moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking 20—30 minutes a day, can help stimulate bowel function.
Take time. When you feel the urge to defecate, go to the bathroom immediately; don't wait until a more convenient time. Stool can back up, leading to increased pressure and straining.
Also, schedule a set time each day, such as after a meal, to sit on the toilet for a few minutes. This can help you establish a regular bowel habit.
A sitz bath is a warm water bath for the buttocks and hips the name comes from the German "sitzen," meaning "to sit". It can relieve itching, irritation, and spasms of the sphincter muscle. Pharmacies sell small plastic tubs that fit over a toilet seat, or you can sit in a regular bathtub with a few inches of warm water.
Most experts recommend a minute sitz bath after each bowel movement and two or three times a day in addition. Take care to gently pat the anal area dry afterward; do not rub or wipe hard. You can also use a hair dryer to dry the area. Seek topical relief for hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams containing a local anesthetic can temporarily soothe pain.
Witch hazel wipes Tucks are soothing and have no harmful effects. A small ice pack placed against the anal area for a few minutes can also help reduce pain and swelling.
Finally, sitting on a cushion rather than a hard surface helps reduce the swelling of existing hemorrhoids and prevents the formation of new ones. Treat the clot. When an external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot, the pain can be excruciating. If pain is tolerable and the clot has been present for longer than two days, apply home treatments for the symptoms while waiting for it to go away on its own.
If the clot is more recent, the hemorrhoid can be surgically removed or the clot withdrawn from the vein in a minor office procedure performed by a surgeon. To perform a rubber band ligation, the clinician places a ligator over the hemorrhoid to position a rubber band around its base. Consider fiber supplements. Most people don't get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 30 grams a day — in their diet.
Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as psyllium Metamucil or methylcellulose Citrucel , improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids. If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day.
Otherwise, the supplements can cause or worsen constipation. Hemorrhoids care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Hemorrhoids Open pop-up dialog box Close. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your lower rectum. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry.
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed? To make a diagnosis, your health care provider Will ask about your medical history Will do a physical exam. Often providers can diagnose external hemorrhoids by looking at the area around your anus. Will do a digital rectal exam to check for internal hemorrhoids. For this, the provider will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything that is abnormal.
May do procedures such as an anoscopy to check for internal hemorrhoids What are the treatments for hemorrhoids? Can hemorrhoids be prevented? You can help prevent hemorrhoids by Eating foods that are high in fiber Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement Drinking enough fluids every day Not straining during bowel movements Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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