Hemorrhoids: a common irritation

I know, I know. Nobody wants to read about hemorrhoids. But considering how common they are. Nearly 90 percent of people develop them at some time in their lives. I am figuring that somebody wants to know about this very irritating problem. What are they?

The hemorrhoidal veins are a cluster of blood vessels located just inside the opening of the anus. A hemorrhoid occurs when one or more of these veins gets swollen and pops out of place and can hurt, itch or bleed. Who can get them?

Anyone can get hemorrhoids, but some people are more likely to get them than others are. Anything that puts excessive pressure on the anal muscles will increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Chronic constipation, straining during a bowel movement, and sitting on the toilet for a long period of time all can lead to hemorrhoids. Pregnant women often get hemorrhoids during the last 3 or 4 months of pregnancy because the fetus places great pressure on the rectal muscles. What can you do to avoid them?

Basically, what goes in your mouth will eventually come out the other end, so making changes to both your eating and bowel habits should help to improve things. Suggestions for change include drinking more water and increasing fiber in your diet. Both will help soften your stool. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grain breads and cereals. Your digestive system does its best to break down your food, but you need to do your part by chewing your food well. And finally, the bathroom may be the only place you can have uninterrupted quiet time, but reading a magazine or newspaper while sitting on the toilet is not a good idea.

What can you do to treat them? Fortunately, hemorrhoids are not serious to your health, but they can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Once you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, there are many at-home remedies to help relieve the symptoms and reduce the swelling. Try soaking in a bathtub filled with a couple inches of warm, but not hot, water. Or apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream around the external anal area. You can make your own solution more cheaply by soaking a cloth with equal parts glycerin and witch hazel and apply to the hemorrhoids for about an hour. The glycerin will help reduce swelling and the witch hazel will soothe the area.

Another remedy is to place an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for about 10 or 15 minutes. And finally, see a doctor if you are still experiencing symptoms after a week of home treatment.


Mary-Jo Lomax is a health educator at De Anza College. For more information, visit the Health Center in the Hinson Campus Center.



This article appears in the Feb. 6, 2006 print edition of La Voz.