By pH health care professionals

Perhaps you’re constipated, and lately, you’ve been spending a little more time in the bathroom. You’ve been pushing harder to have bowel movements, and eventually, you begin to notice droplets of blood in the toilet. You might have anal pain too. So what is going on?

This is actually a common occurrence. It is believed that straining creates pressure on the veins outside and inside the anus, leading to their enlargement. If veins get abnormally enlarged, swollen or even painful, they are called hemorrhoids. People have different genetic predispositions for them, but at age 50, at least half of people have them. Hemorrhoids are influenced by dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles.

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

Hemorrhoids are diagnosed by their visual appearance. They can occur perianal (external) and rectally (internal). External hemorrhoids can be self-examined with a mirror. Internal hemorrhoids need to be examined with either an anoscopy or other more comprehensive endoscopy by a health care professional.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Enlarged, swollen hemorrhoids may be painless at first, but over time, they can cause cracks in the skin, and the hemorrhoids can become inflamed and painful. You can use a number of self-help remedies, but if they do not help, you should see a doctor. If you have pain, bleeding or a lump in your anus, schedule that appointment!

What are the key things to know about taking care of your hemorrhoids?

• If the problem seems minor, try home remedies like topical creams, a warm bath and using moist towelettes instead of dry toilet paper.
• If there is blood in your stool, consult your doctor to rule out more serious conditions. If the pain cannot be controlled or you are bleeding more excessively, you need to see a health care specialist as well.
• Surgery may be needed in certain cases. Blood clots (thrombosed hemorrhoids) may form, causing more severe pain, possibly necessitating surgical intervention for relief.
• Avoid or limit straining in the bathroom.
• Avoid constipation
• Keep the area clean.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.