About this topic
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels. They are either inside or outside the anus. Pressure from straining when you have hard stools can cause them. They may hurt, bleed, or itch. You might need to have surgery to get rid of hemorrhoids. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Apply creams or ointments as ordered by your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor about sitz baths. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Use ice to help with swelling.
- Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
- Use a stool softener.
- Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
- Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
- Avoid heavy lifting for 2 or 3 weeks.
- Use baby wipes or other moist wipes instead of toilet tissue.
- Wear cotton underwear. It may help with itching.
What follow-up care is needed?
If your problem does not get better, other care may be needed. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Ease itching
- Soften stools
Will physical activity be limited?
- Working out can help with digestion. It might help keep you from having hard stools. Ask your doctor about the best kind of exercise for you.
- Stay away from activities that tire you.
What problems could happen?
- You may have very bad bleeding.
- Sometimes, treatments do not work. Some hemorrhoids are very large. You might need surgery for either of these.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
- Eat lots of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Work out often.
- Do not smoke or drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Talk to your doctor about when you can return to work and your normal level of activity.
- Check with your doctor about fiber supplements.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include bleeding or you lose a lot of blood, you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. This includes fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, anal itching or pain.
- Pain gets worse and is not helped by drugs, warm water, or your home care
- Trouble and pain when passing urine or no bowel movement for a few days
- Blood in the rectum
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have blood in my rectum.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/index.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚