Hemarroids, Hemaroids, Haemorroids

People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them.

Hemorrhoids are an embarrassing, frequently-avoided topic, but they are perhaps the most common medical problem seen by health care professionals around the world. Chances are that if you have not yet experienced the discomfort and inconvenience of hemorrhoids, you will develop them sooner or later. While bleeding hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, and the appearance of blood on your stools may be alarming, they are not dangerous and can be treated.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on which type you have. Internal hemorrhoids cannot normally be seen, and you may not even be aware that you have them unless they bleed - in this case, you may notice some blood on your stools or toilet tissue.

Internal hemorrhoids that swell and protrude from the rectum are called prolapsed hemorrhoids, and these can be quite painful, especially when passing a stool or trying to clean the area.

External hemorrhoids can be easily seen outside the rectum. They appear as small clusters of dark red or purple lumps; if they bleed and clot, they can harden and cause severe discomfort.

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids from a description of your symptoms and a brief physical exam. Internal hemorrhoids may be felt, or your doctor can see them using a short, lighted scope.

If your doctor is concerned that there may be a more serious cause for your symptoms, he or she will order additional tests.

Treating Hemorrhoids at Home

You can soothe the pain of hemorrhoids using one of these home remedies:

• Apply witch hazel using a cotton ball or soft cloth to soothe the pain and burning;
• Take a warm bath several times per day to ease the itching sensation and discomfort;
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to ensure that bowel movements are easy to pass.

While these techniques can help to soothe the pain and prevent further irritation, they do not speed healing or provide a cure.