By Candice Coleman

Special to The North Jefferson News



You don’t have to be embarrassed to talk about hemorrhoids — they are more common than you think.

Half of people over age 50 have had them at some time in their life. The risk increases for everyone at least 30 years of age.

Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. Too much pressure in the pelvic or rectal area causes these vessels to swell and bulge. Some things causing excessive pressure include constipation, pregnancy, bicycling or being overweight.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anal canal, but are especially painful once they bulge out of the anus and are squeezed by anal muscles. External hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the opening of the anus. You can actually have both at the same time.

You may have hemorrhoids if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding during bowel movement

• Red streaks on toilet paper

• Rectal Itching

• Rectal pain

• Mucus drainage in the bowel movement

Some symptoms are so important that they can indicate more serious diseases, so don’t ignore them. Talking about this problem may help you rule out conditions such as colon and rectal cancer. It is especially important to see a doctor if you also have any of the following symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding not associated with bowel movement

• Fever along with bloody stool

• Lump or bulge at the anal opening that is NOT tender and does not go away

• Pain or swelling that is severe

• Mild to moderate symptoms of hemorrhoids that don’t resolve after a week of treatment

If you are over age 50 with a family history of colon cancer, it is always a good idea to call the doctor with new onset of rectal bleeding, changes in your bowel habit or rectal pain.

Candidates for self-treatment may choose from a variety of options without a prescription.

Stool softeners are taken orally and prevent constipation. Ointments are applied to the rectal area and form a protective barrier that prevents further injury and reduces irritation. Some ointments contain a steroid, such as 1 percent hydrocortisone, that effectively relieves the inflammation and itching.

Suppositories lubricate the anal canal during bowel movement and relieve irritation. Topical pain relievers numb the rectal area. These ingredients have “-aine” in the name, so check the label.

Always read the directions on whatever product you select for proper application and duration of use.

Here are a few more tips for preventing or relieving discomfort:

• Avoid using ring “doughnut” cushions

• Avoid lifting heavy objects

• Take a “sitz bath,” soaking in warm water for 15 minutes

• Apply moist heat to the rectal area with a warm, damp towel

• Blot with a moistened tissue after bowel movements

• Try witch hazel, baby wipes or Tucks for moist tissue relief

• Wear loose clothing to reduce pressure on the rectal area

• Wear cotton underwear

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen (use acetaminophen if necessary)

• Avoid soaps with perfumes or dyes

Hemorrhoids can be prevented with healthy diet and exercise. Eat lots of fiber, such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains. You may even want to add a fiber supplement.

Drink plenty of water (64 ounces daily, or eight 8-ounce glasses of water) and get regular daily exercise.

If your hemorrhoids just won’t go away, there are a few things your doctor can do. “Fixative procedures” are performed to reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoids so they shrink or go away.

The doctor may inject a chemical or use a laser in this procedure. Surgical removal or “hemorrhoidectomy” is a last resort. This is reserved for internal hemorrhoids causing severe bleeding and pain.

Discuss the matter with your doctor. You may think it embarrassing, but you won’t be the first (or the last) to have this type conversation with him/her.

Candice Coleman is a PharmD candidate at The Pharmacy in Mt. Olive. The Pharmacy can be reached at 631-1201.