(877) 891-3636 Contact Us Call for Appointment Patient Login Hemorrhoids What are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are cushions of swollen tissue and blood vessels in the lower rectal area. Hemorrhoids are classified as either “internal” or “external.” External hemorrhoids can cause itching, swelling, and pain, whereas internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, itching, swelling, and eventually prolapse (loose tissue that bulges outside of the anus). Hemorrhoids can be caused by a number of things, including constipation, straining, pregnancy, etc. External Hemorrhoids Patients with external hemorrhoids often report discomfort or pain, especially during bowel movements. Symptoms may only flare up every few weeks – making it hard to tell whether your discomfort is actually hemorrhoid-related in the first place. Many of those with external disease also have symptomatic internal hemorrhoids (more information below). While only a licensed physician can give you a proper diagnosis, here are a few of the symptoms that usually indicate an external hemorrhoid problem: Mild, but consistent, itching around the rectal area. Pain around the anal area, ranging from mild to severe. Swelling around the anus. Internal Hemorrhoids Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids vary depending on their severity. Small internal hemorrhoids may only cause some light bleeding, however, when the hemorrhoid tissue begins to prolapse, or protrude outside the anus, you may start to notice itching, swelling, and even soiling (all due to that loosened tissue). If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (877) 891-ENDO (3636), or fill out our online contact form here. Insights Symptoms: Itching in the anus Leakage of feces or difficulty cleaning after bowel movement Pain in the anus Rectal bleeding Tissue bulging around anus Common Causes: Advanced age Constipation Diarrhea Pregnancy Prolonged sitting Dietary Changes: Avoid constipation Avoid prolonged sitting Fiber supplementation Increasing fiber in diet Medications to relieve pain, itching, and swelling Rubber band over the hemorrhoid Sitz bath FIND US 1299 Industrial Parkway North, Suite 110 Brunswick, OH 44212 500 E. Royalton Road, Suite 100 Broadview Hts, OH 44147 3985 Medina Road, Suite 120 Medina, OH 44256 GET SOCIAL CALL US (877) 891-ENDO (3636) OUR HOURS DDC: Monday - Thursday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM Endoscopy Center: Monday - Friday: 7 AM to 3:30 PM HELPFUL LINKS Contact Us Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Patient Forms Patient Login © Digestive Disease Consultants, All Rights Reserved | Created by WDD