I Think I Have Hemorrhoids. What Can I Do?

Key takeaways

• Hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels that can become swollen or inflamed.
• Drinking water and adding fiber may help make bowel movements easier.
• Warm sitz baths, gentle wiping and topical products can ease irritation.

Summary

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause itching, discomfort, bleeding or a tender lump around the anus. Dr. Adam Rosenbluth explains that hemorrhoids are normal blood vessels that help with bowel movements, but symptoms can develop when they become swollen or inflamed.

To help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms at home, Rosenbluth recommends drinking plenty of water, eating more fiber, avoiding straining and limiting time on the toilet. Gentle wiping, warm sitz baths, over-the-counter products and short periods of icing may also provide relief. If symptoms persist for more than a week, bleeding is significant or severe pain, fever or worsening symptoms occur, it’s important to see a doctor.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

[0:00:00] Maybe you’ve got a nagging itch, some discomfort, or you’ve noticed

[0:00:03] a tender lump around your bottom.

[0:00:05] There might even be a little bleeding when you wipe, and you’re

[0:00:08] probably wondering, “OK, I think I have hemorrhoids. What can I do?”

[0:00:13] We’re all born with hemorrhoids.

[0:00:15] They’re blood vessels that cushion the anal sphincter

[0:00:17] and help with bowel movements.

[0:00:19] So when a patient says, “Dr. Adam, I think I have a hemorrhoid,” what they’re

[0:00:23] really telling me is their hemorrhoid has become inflamed or swollen.

[0:00:28] The good news is that most inflamed hemorrhoids can be treated at home.

[0:00:32] The first thing I tell my patients is to try softening your stool.

[0:00:35] Make sure that you’re drinking lots of water, eating more high-fiber foods

[0:00:39] like beans, fruits and vegetables, or taking fiber supplements.

[0:00:44] These steps can help make your bowel movements easier.

[0:00:47] Also, go when you need to go, and don’t force it.

[0:00:51] This means don’t sit on the toilet for long stretches.

[0:00:54] Sometimes you may not even realize how long you’re on the toilet

[0:00:57] if you’re using your phone.

[0:00:59] If it’s not happening, try again later.

[0:01:02] On the flip side, go when you feel the urge, and don’t hold it.

[0:01:05] When it comes to wiping, go soft.

[0:01:08] Look for toilet paper labeled ultrasoft or ultraplush, or choose unscented

[0:01:14] wipes or moistened toilet paper.

[0:01:17] Then pat, don’t rub, which can cause bleeding.

[0:01:21] If they get painful or irritated, try a shallow soak in a warm bath,

[0:01:25] often called a sitz bath, for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day.

[0:01:30] This relaxes the muscles around the anus and improves blood flow,

[0:01:34] which helps ease pain and itching.

[0:01:37] Plain warm water works well, though some people add a small amount of Epsom salt.

[0:01:42] Over-the-counter creams or wipes with witch hazel or hydrocortisone

[0:01:46] can also provide temporary relief, and applying ice packs for short

[0:01:51] periods may help reduce swelling.

[0:01:54] Most hemorrhoids improve with these changes.

[0:01:56] But if pain or bleeding lasts longer than a week, if you’re seeing a lot of

[0:02:00] blood, or if you develop severe pain, fever or worsening symptoms, see a

[0:02:05] doctor to rule out other conditions or if other medical treatments are needed.

[0:02:09] For more advice like this, please check out Ask Dr. Adam at aarp.org/AskDrAdam