Three out of four people deal with hemorrhoids and might not even know it.
Here’s what causes hemorrhoids and what to do about it.
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Hemorrhoids sound scary.
Scary enough that if you had them, youd knowright?
Not quite, saysNiket Sonpal, MD, an internist and gastroenterologist in New York City.
Forty percent of people with hemorrhoids have no symptoms at all.
registered dietitian and author ofThe Better Period Food Solution.
But what causes hemorrhoids and what its like to have them?
Experts in This Article
registered dietitian and author ofThe Better Period Food Solution.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged or swollen veins in the lower rectum.
They are normal blood vessels which become aggravated and inflamed, says Dr. Sonpal.
Hemorrhoids are common, occurring in both men and women.
Although hemorrhoids do not usually cause serious health problems, they can be annoying and uncomfortable.
In the United States, Dr. Sonpal says the most common cause of hemorrhoids isconstipationand hard stools.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
To diagnose hemorrhoids, your doctor will need to do a physical exam.
If you have hemorrhoids, changing what you eat can help.
Fiber and more water is the best thing you might do right up front.
Dr. Sonpal says topical steroids can also help to shrink hemorrhoids.
If this fails, then surgery may be needed.
If you think you may have hemorrhoids, dont hesitate to check in with your doctor.
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