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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid Treatment for People with Diabetes

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

Sudden Cardiac Death and Cardiac ArrestSome 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, painful veins in your rectum.

Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus.

  • The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt, unlike external hemorrhoids.
  • Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.

Hemorrhoid Causes

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements as well as pregnancy. It is thought that these conditions lead to increased pressure in the hemorrhoid veins, thus causing them to swell. Liver disease can also cause increased pressure in the veins and also cause hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years.



Next: Hemorrhoid Symptoms »

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Hemorrhoids

Rectal Pain »

Rectal Pain Overview

Rectal pain is a common problem. Most people have experienced it at least once in their lifetime. It usually appears as a mild discomfort, but sometimes the pain can be so severe that it is incapacitating.

Rectal Pain Causes

Many conditions can cause rectal pain. Most of these are not serious.

Common causes of rectal pain include:

  • Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (painful swelling of a vein or veins at the anus) are a common problem affecting up to 25% of American adults. They are usually caused by straining during bowel movements. Heavy lifting and childbirth are also common causes.
  • Anal fissure: An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin at the opening of the rectum. It is caused when a large, hard stool is passed, with excessive stretching of the anus. This problem can also occur in people whose anal sphincter tone (the muscle that controls the anal ...

Read the Rectal Pain article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Hemorrhoids »

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

Read More on eMedicine »

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