Question: What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids ?
Answer: The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood on stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids that are not prolapsed are usually not painful. Prolapsed hemorrhoids often cause pain, discomfort, and anal itching. Blood clots may form in external hemorrhoids. A blood clot in a vein is called a thrombosis. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids cause bleeding, painful swelling, or a hard lump around the anus. When the blood clot dissolves, extra skin is left behind. This skin can become irritated or itch. Excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may make symptoms, such as itching and irritation, worse. Hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening. Symptoms usually go away within a few days, and some people with hemorrhoids never have symptoms.
Source: NIDDK

Question: How many people are affected by Hemorrhoids ?
Answer: About 75 percent of people will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.1 Hemorrhoids are most common among adults ages 45 to 65.2 Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.
Source: NIDDK

Question: What are the treatments for Hemorrhoids ?
Answer: At-home Treatments Simple diet and lifestyle changes often reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Eating a high-fiber diet can make stools softer and easier to pass, reducing the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Fiber is a substance found in plants. The human body cannot digest fiber, but fiber helps improve digestion and prevent constipation. Good sources of dietary fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. On average, Americans eat about 15 grams of fiber each day.3 The American Dietetic Association recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men.3 Doctors may also suggest taking a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). Other changes that may help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms include - drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids each day - sitting in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes several times a day - exercising to prevent constipation - not straining during bowel movements Over-the-counter creams and suppositories may temporarily relieve the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. These treatments should only be used for a short time because long-term use can damage the skin. Medical Treatment If at-home treatments do not relieve symptoms, medical treatments may be needed. Outpatient treatments can be performed in a doctor's office or a hospital. Outpatient treatments for internal hemorrhoids include the following: - Rubber band ligation. The doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off circulation, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink. This procedure should be performed only by a doctor. - Sclerotherapy. The doctor injects a chemical solution into the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid. - Infrared coagulation. The doctor uses heat to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue. Large external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments can be surgically removed.
Source: NIDDK

Question: What to do for Hemorrhoids ?
Answer: - Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. - Hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening, and symptoms usually go away within a few days. - A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by a doctor is important any time a person notices bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool. - Simple diet and lifestyle changes often reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. - If at-home treatments do not relieve symptoms, medical treatments may be needed.
Source: NIDDK