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February 3, 2012
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Hemorrhoids

Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:
Bhupinder Anand, MD

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoid Treatment for People with Diabetes

Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)
Medical Editors: Jay W. Marks, MD

Some medications used to treat hemorrhoids can have negative effects on blood glucose levels, and thus, may cause physical problems for individuals with diabetes who are taking diabetes medications. There are options for patients with diabetes, who also suffer from painful hemorrhoids.

Some simple treatments for hemorrhoids in patients with diabetes are as follows:

  • Eat plenty of high-fiber foods including bran, fresh fruits and vegetables. Psyllium-containing products also may be used to add fiber to the diet.
  • Avoid straining during defecation or sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time. In general, do not sit for prolonged periods of time. Ice compresses may ease the swelling.

Read more on safe hemorrhoid treatments for people with diabetes »

Hemorrhoid Overview

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins located in the lower part of the rectum and the anus. They become swollen because of increased pressure within them, usually due to straining at stools and during pregnancy because of the pressure of the enlarged uterus.

Internal hemorrhoids are located in the inside lining of the rectum and cannot be felt. They are usually painless and make their presence known by causing bleeding with a bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids can prolapsed or protrude through the anus.

External hemorrhoids are located underneath the skin that surrounds the anus. They can be felt when they swell and may cause itching or pain with a bowel movement, as well as bleeding. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid occurs when blood within the vein clots, and can cause significant pain.

Picture of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid Causes

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements. Pregnancy is also associated with hemorrhoids. These conditions lead to increased pressure within the hemorrhoidal veins causing them to swell. Other conditions, for example chronic liver disease, may also cause increased venous pressure and may be associated with hemorrhoid formation. Hemorrhoids are very common and are estimated to occur in up to one-half of the population by age 50.

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Viewer Comments & Reviews

Hemorrhoids - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What are your hemorrhoid symptoms?

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Hemorrhoids - Effective Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your hemorrhoids?

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Hemorrhoids

Rectal Cancer »

Rectal Cancer Overview

The rectum is the lower part of the colon that connects the large bowel to the anus. The rectum's primary function is to store formed stool in preparation for evacuation. Like the colon, theÂ3 layers of the rectal wall are as follows:

  • Mucosa: This layer of the rectal wall lines the inner surface. The mucosa is composed of glands that secrete mucus to help the passage of stool.


  • Muscularis propria: This middle layer of the rectal wall is composed of muscles that help the rectum keep its shape and contract in a coordinated fashion to expel stool.


  • Mesorectum: This fatty tissue surrounds the rectum.

In addition to these 3 layers, another important component of the rectumÂis the surrounding lymph nodes (also called regional lymph nodes). Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and assist in conducting surveillance for harmful materials (inclu...

Read the Rectal Cancer article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hemorrhoids »

Hemorrhoids have plagued humankind since time immemorial, yet many misunderstandings regarding hemorrhoidal complaints and disease still exist.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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