How do you know if you have hemorrhoids?

Question

I sometimes feel pain and discomfort around my anus.

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue and dilated veins found on the wall of the lower rectum and anus. Sometimes hemorrhoids protrude from the anus, in which case they can be seen or touched. In general, these are the symptoms one might have: small amounts of blood when you have a bowel movement, especially if you have to strain itching or irritation from the hemorrhoids coming out pain or discomfort in the rectum sensitivity or pain when you wipe at the anus a lump near the anus, which may be painful or tender from leaking stool Dilation of veins in the rectum and anus is often caused by increased pressure in that area of the body. Pregnancy, constipation, diarrhea, and frequent lifting of heavy objects can promote hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually resolve on their own after a few days. If you think you may have hemorrhoids, you can try to: Reduce constipation; Eat fiber-rich foods (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, etc.) If constipation persists, take a laxative to help soften the stool. Take a sitz bath; Apply an over-the-counter product to the hemorrhoid; Zinc products (e.g., Anusol), sometimes used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. E.g., Anusol), sometimes combined with a pain-relieving ingredient (e.g., Anusol Plus), as well as astringents (e.g., Tucks wipes) or cortisone creams (e.g., Cortate), can be used. The area should be cleaned with mild soap and water and gently dried before applying an external cream. In general, consultation is recommended if the problem persists for more than 7 days. To learn more, I suggest this article on hemorrhoids from the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: https://gmfu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Votre-sant%C3%A9-Digestif-Comprendre-les-h%C3%A9morro%C3%AFdes-Fondation-canadienne-de-la-sant%C3%A9-digestive.pdf Feel free to contact me with any additional questions. Happy day, Kamilia Idir, pharmacy intern. Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist