| Factors associated with development of | |
| Genetic | |
| Increased venous pressure from various causes | |
| Rectal tumors & causes for incomplete evacuation of stool from the rectum |
| Bleeding & rectal pain most common complaint | |
| Dietary consumption of roughage | |
| Characteristics & degree of pain, itching, burning | |
| Characteristics & severity of bleeding - on toilet paper, in bowl, mixed with stool |
| Internal hemorrhoids - one or more intrarectal masses, usually soft & tender | |
| Bleeding of hemorrhoids coats stool whereas stool itself is negative for blood | |
| Internal hemorrhoids may be large & prolapse through anus | |
| Thrombose hemorrhoids - firm & tender |
| Proper bowel & eating habits best preventative measures | |
| Cold packs 1st few hours, hot sitz bath bid for 20-30 minutes | |
| Use of bulk laxatives or a high fiber diet, stool softeners & lubricants | |
| Medications - astringent OTC in creams & suppository forms |
| Refer to GI if no improvement in symptoms in 4-7 days or have severe bleeding, unrelieved constipation | |
| Minimize recurrence by reviewing preventative measures |