Hemorrhoids - Hemorrhoidal disease

Very low urgency
Common-

 

Hemorrhoids are inflammation of the veins at the end of the digestive tract, the rectum and the anus. It is a disease that can occur in people over the age of 20, especially between the ages of 45 and 65. 


The main causes are straining to pass stool, constipation, obesity, pregnancy, aging, laxative abuse, diarrhea and occupational factors.


Symptoms include a burning sensation in the rectum, pain, slight bleeding with defecation, persistent anal moisture, and the sensation of something protruding from the anus.


Diagnosis is clinical, based on questioning and anal examination. If the diagnosis is internal, a camera examination may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.


It is treated with proper anal hygiene (without excessive rubbing), sitz baths, a high-fiber diet, and avoidance of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. In severe cases with pain or heavy bleeding, surgical treatment may be chosen. It is recommended to avoid certain foods: irritating foods, spices, onions, tomato sauce, coffee, chocolate, black tea and alcohol.

Bibliographic references
  1. Ronald Bleday, Elizabeth Breen. Hemorrhoids: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate Aug 15, 2016.
  2. Ronald Bleday, Elizabeth Breen. Treatment of hemorrhoids. UpToDate Jul 06, 2015.
  3. Rivadeneira DE, Steele SR, Ternent C, et al. Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids (revised 2010). Dis Colon Rectum 2011; 54:1059.
  4. Riss S, Weiser FA, Schwameis K, et al. The prevalence of hemorrhoids in adults. Int J Colorectal Dis 2012; 27:215.
  5. Mounsey AL, Halladay J, Sadiq TS. Hemorrhoids. Am Fam Physician 2011; 84:204.
  6. Rizwan Ahmed, Susan L Gearhart. Diverticulosis y trastornos anorrectales frecuentes. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 1976:1977.
  7. E Moreno-Osset, M Mínguez Pérez, A Benages Martínez. Enfermedades del recto y ano. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 12º edición. 197:198.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Stools with fresh blood


    Pain in anus


    Anal pain increases with defecation


    Purplish, hardened, painful area in anus


    Anal discomfort

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Bleeding
Inability to push the hemorrhoids back

Self-care

Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Perform sitz baths with a few inches of warm water 4 times a day for 3 to 4 days.
Use pads with witch hazel or local anesthetic.