Hemorrhoids
Why are they not called asteroids?
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Hemorrhoids ➤ Self-assessment checklist: º Itching, burning, swelling (with or without pain), or the presence of a lump around the anus/rectum, and/or º Bright red blood during/after a bowel movement (may be light spotting on toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowl) ➤ What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. This common problem can be painful, but it's usually not serious. Veins can swell inside the anal canal to form internal hemorrhoids. Or they can swell near the opening of the anus to form external hemorrhoids. You can have both types at the same time. ➤ What causes them? Hemorrhoids are usually caused by too much pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. Sitting on the toilet for a long time or straining to have a bowel movement creates pressure that causes these veins to swell and stretch. Things that can lead to hemorrhoids include constipation, pregnancy, and being overweight. ➤ What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms of both internal and external hemorrhoids are bleeding during bowel movements, itching, and rectal pain. You may find streaks of blood on the toilet paper or blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.