How would I know if I have hemorrhoids?
![You should not try to pop a hemorrhoid.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/can-you-pop-a-hemorrhoid.jpg?output-quality=75)
Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids. They occur more commonly with age and around 50% of people in the US over 50 years of age are affected.
Hemorrhoids may be felt as tiny lumps in and around the anus. They often get better on their own within a few days, but some may need medications and even surgery to go away. There are two main types of hemorrhoids
- External hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus.
- Internal hemorrhoids: These form in the lining of the anus and lower rectum.
If you have hemorrhoids, you may experience the following symptoms
- Bleeding from the rectum observed as bright red blood in the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
- Itching in and around the anus
- Hard, tender lumps felt at the anus (bottom)
- Anal pain, especially while sitting
- A bulging or swelling may be felt through the anus in the case of a prolapsed hemorrhoid (a hemorrhoid that has bulged or fallen through the anal opening)
Tumors, fissures or rectal prolapse may also cause symptoms similar to those that occur with hemorrhoids. Thus, it is advisable to visit a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
Can you pop a hemorrhoid?
You must not pop a hemorrhoid because doing so can lead to painful and serious complications. You must always consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Many conditions in and around your bottom may mimic a hemorrhoid; thus, it is advisable to get yourself examined by a professional. It may not be a hemorrhoid but a polyp, fissure or tumor.
- Popping a hemorrhoid may cause injury to the delicate and sensitive tissues around the anus. It can cause bleeding and extreme pain, which may last until the area heals completely.
- Your bottom harbors many bacteria and other pathogens (disease- or infection-causing agents). When you pop a hemorrhoid, the area can get infected causing further complications.
- There can be scarring due to any injury that may further cause problems such as pain and difficulty passing stools.
What are the home remedies for hemorrhoids (piles)?
The symptoms of hemorrhoids, particularly small hemorrhoids, may go away on their own without any treatment. You must, however, seek immediate medical care if your symptoms do not go away within a week or you experience symptoms such as severe anal pain and bleeding from the rectum, discomfort or pain in the abdomen, diarrhea or fever.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids include
- Drinking plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids such as fruit juices, buttermilk and coconut water.
- Eating fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Taking a stool softener or fiber supplement such as psyllium and methylcellulose .
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements.
- Avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods.
- Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
- Taking a warm bath or sitz bath several times a day, especially after a bowel movement. Sitz bath involves sitting in a tub of warm water for about 15 minutes. You may buy a sitz bath from a local pharmacy. It is a small bowl that fits right over the toilet and offers a convenient way to soak and comfort the area.
- Applying witch hazel with the help of a gauze pad. Witch hazel is rich in tannins and oils that may help reduce the pain and swelling and slow bleeding from the piles.
- Applying pure aloe vera gel to the affected area.
- Applying OTC hemorrhoid creams and ointments or using suppositories (a medicine you insert into the rectum).
- Applying a homemade paste of Epsom salt and glycerin to the affected area. The paste can be made by mixing equal amounts of both the ingredients and applying the mixture on the affected area with the help of a gauze pad. You can apply it for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every four to six hours.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/hemorrhoids-s1-what-are-hemorrhoids.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
NIDDK
Cleveland Clinic
Top Can You Pop a Hemorrhoid Related Articles
antibiotic-anesthetic-steroid-rectal ointment
Blood in the Stool (Rectal Bleeding, Hematochezia)
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn's disease, colon and rectum polyps, and cancer. The color of the blood in the stool may provide information about the origin of the bleeding. The color of stool with blood in it may range from black, red, maroon, green yellow, gray, or white, and may be tarry, or sticky. Treatment of blood in the stool depends on the cause.docusate
Docusate is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat constipation. Common side effects of docusate include excessive bowel activity, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, intestinal obstruction, throat irritation and bitter taste (with syrup/liquid), rash (rare), and rectal bleeding (very rare). Most docusate overdoses are accidental in children, however, overdose may result from overuse by some people in an effort to lose weight. Keep docusate out of reach of children. Consult your doctor before taking docusate if pregnant or breastfeeding.glycerin (Fleet, Pedia-Lax, Colace)
Glycerin (Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository) is an over-the-counter product used to relieve occasional constipation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and storage should be reviewed prior to using this medication.How Do You Know if You Have Hemorrhoid Symptoms or Something More Serious?
Hemorrhoids are a painful inflammation of the skin and tissue surrounding the anus and rectum. Some symptoms of hemorrhoids are similar to symptoms of more serious conditions, like colon cancer. Learn what the symptoms are, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor.Hemorrhoids (Internal and External)
Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, low-fiber diet, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the hemorrhoids. Some treatment options include over-the-counter creams and suppositories, stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and hemorrhoidectomies.How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments
Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, what causes hemorrhoids, how long hemorrhoids last, and hemorrhoids treatment.Hemorrhoids Quiz
Does everyone have hemorrhoids? Test your knowledge of this and many other facts about Hemorrhoids.How Do Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Hemorrhoid symptoms may go away with diet and lifestyle modifications. You must, however, seek immediate medical care if your symptoms do not go away in a week or you experience symptoms.How Do You Cure Piles?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your piles symptoms and speed up your recoveryHow Long Does it Take Hemorrhoids to Heal?
If you've ever had hemorrhoids, you know that they can be very painful and irritating. Learn what hemorrhoids are, how doctors treat them, and what you can do to speed up their healing.hydrocortisone, rectal suppository, enema, foam, Cortifoam, Anusol-HC, Anucort-HC, Proctocort
hydrocortisone, rectal suppository, enema, foam (Cortifoam, Anusol-HC, Anucort-HC, Proctocort, Colocort) is a drug used to treat hemorrhoids; and anal itching, burning, and inflammation caused by a variety of conditions that affect the anal area. Side effects; drug interactions; dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
lidocaine rectal
Lidocaine rectal is a local anesthetic applied on the anal area to relieve pain, itching, and burning from hemorrhoids. Common side effects of lidocaine rectal include rash, itching, swelling (edema), abnormal sensation, central nervous system excitation and/or depression, dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, nervousness, anxiety, tremors, convulsions, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), blurred or double vision, vomiting, and others. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.psyllium
Psyllium is a dietary fiber used to relieve occasional constipation and to maintain regularity of bowel movements. Psyllium is used to treat constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, and hyperlipidemia. Use psyllium with caution in elderly patients. Common side effects of psyllium include constipation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, esophageal obstruction, intestinal obstruction, and allergic reaction in people sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium. Psyllium is generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Rectal Cancer Treatment
Rectal cancer can develop when malignant cells proliferate in the rectum. The rectum is a chamber located between the colon and the anus. There are five distinct phases of rectal cancer, and diagnosis will rely on the size and extent of the rectal tumor. There are various types of treatment used to treat rectal cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, active surveillance, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.What Happens If You Leave a Hemorrhoid Untreated?
If you have mild hemorrhoids, leaving them alone can be fine. The swelling and discomfort will usually go away within a few days. Occasionally, though, there may be complications related to hemorrhoids.witch hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a tree native to North America. Indigenous Americans have used witch hazel for various conditions including hemorrhoids, sore muscles, insect bites, cuts, rashes, sunburn, and bruises. Common side effects of witch hazel include mild skin dryness, minor skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, liver damage, and kidney damage. Do not take witch hazel orally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.