My stool is very hard and rocky and there's bright red blood in it. I eat mostly meat, bread and dairy products. Hemorrhoids are swelling and inflammation of the veins around the rectum. They can be visible on the outside or on the inside. Straining to pass hard bowel movements can cause the veins to become enlarged and inflamed.
Hemorrhoids can cause pain, burning, itching and sometimes bleeding.
The symptoms can last several days, go away and come back again. To prevent flare-ups, drink plenty of water, and yes, eat fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also try bran or supplements like Metamucil to soften the stool. If the symptoms don't improve or you continue to have bleeding, see your doctor. 882-7000 to make an appointment with a University of Missouri Health Sciences Center physician.