Hemorrhoids |
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DESCRIPTION
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Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids)--also called ""piles''--are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. You can have hemorrhoids for years before they cause pain or bleeding.
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CAUSES
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Hemorrhoids tend to develop during pregnancy, and in people who are overweight. They may also result from excessive straining during bowel movements and from sitting too long on hard chairs. They are also associated with liver problems.
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SYMPTOMS
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The primary symptom is a swelling or a soft lump at the anus, sometimes accompanied by pain and itching. You may pass some mucus after a bowel movement. You may also feel that you need to pass more stool. There may be streaks of bright-red blood on the toilet paper or on the stool. The water in the toilet may also be reddish from blood.
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CARE
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Your doctor may need to examine your rectal area using a short tube. Usually, medications, warm baths, and ice packs will relieve the problem. Surgery may be necessary if the hemorrhoids cause you problems for a long time.
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