Hemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, and treatments
- On 18/03/2026
Hemorrhoids. Definition, causes, treatments, and prevention
What are hemorrhoids?
are dilated veins located at the level of the anus and rectum. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
It is a very common condition that affects both men and women, especially in adulthood.
The different types of hemorrhoids
1. Internal hemorrhoids
- Located inside the rectum
- Generally painless
- Can cause bleeding during bowel movements
2. External hemorrhoids
- Located around the anus
- Often painful
- Can form a sensitive lump (hemorrhoidal thrombosis)
The causes of hemorrhoids
Several factors can promote their appearance:
- Chronic constipation
- Significant straining during defecation
- A diet low in fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy
- Overweight
- Carrying heavy loads
- Long periods of sitting (toilets or work)
What are the symptoms of a hemorrhoidal crisis: pain, blood, hemorrhoidal thrombosis?
Hemorrhoidal disease manifests in episodes with the main symptoms being:
- the appearance of a lump at the anus if it is an external hemorrhoid (this is referred to as hemorrhoidal prolapse);
- a pain particularly at the time of defecation or physical exertion (pain that diminishes at rest in a lying position);
- anal itching
- hemorrhages called rectorrhages: the blood appears at the end of the bowel movement.
- In certain acute manifestations, a hemorrhoidal crisis can also lead to hemorrhoidal thrombosis, that is, the formation of a clot at the level of a hemorrhoid. Thrombosis causes intense and persistent anal pain, which can prevent the person from sitting down.
Hemorrhoids are dilated veins located in the anus or rectum. These veins can dilate due to an increase in pressure in this area, such as during constipation or pregnancy. The symptoms associated with hemorrhoids are: bleeding during bowel movements, anal itching, a sensation of swelling or a mass in the anus or rectum.
The treatments
1. Natural and hygienic-dietary treatments
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals) Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Exercise regularly
- Take warm sitz baths
For the treatment of hemorrhoids, various approaches are possible. On the one hand, the adoption of strict hygiene measures: using moist toilet paper to avoid irritating the anus, not wearing tight or synthetic clothing, thoroughly drying intimate areas after using the toilet, adopting a diet rich in fiber and low in fats, spices, alcohol, and sugars, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. On the other hand, drug treatments may be prescribed as a first-line approach to relieve symptoms: analgesics to soothe pain (paracetamol, anti-inflammatories), local creams or suppositories containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, as well as venotonics. If this is not enough, instrumental treatments may be necessary: depending on the case, one can opt for laser destruction of the hemorrhoidal bundle, vascular coagulation using an infrared probe, sclerotherapy injections, cryotherapy with nitrous oxide, or finally elastic ligation (an elastic band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoidal bundle). Finally, in case of failure of these various procedures, surgical treatment may be considered: excision or removal of the hemorrhoids.