Hemorrhoids

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To reduce pain and swelling, apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid medicine. Follow the directions on the label.
• Sit in a tub of comfortably hot water for 20 minutes, 3 times a day.
• If a hemorrhoid is very painful and swollen, apply an ice pack to the anal area.
• Clean the anal area gently with soft, moist toilet paper after each bowel movement.
• You may do normal activities if you are not in pain. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If the hemorrhoid is painful, lie down as much as possible.
• You may use a stool softener to make your bowel movements easier to pass. Don't try to hurry bowel movements and don't strain.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Eat a high-fiber diet. Good choices are fruits and vegetables, oat and bran cereal, whole-grain bread, and brown rice. Drink plenty of liquids, at least 6 to 8 glasses (soda-can sized) every day.
• Exercise regularly.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your hemorrhoids cause severe pain that is not relieved by the above steps.
• You have rectal bleeding that is more than a trace or streak on the toilet paper or in the stool.
• You notice a hard lump in the location of the hemorrhoid.