What it means
Swollen blood vessels in the anal area, like varicose veins. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum and may bleed bright red blood without pain; external ones are under the skin around the anus and can itch, hurt or form a painful clot. Straining with constipation, pregnancy, sitting for long periods and obesity raise the risk.
For the nurse
Teach a high-fiber diet, plenty of fluids and not straining or sitting long on the toilet. Warm sitz baths and creams as ordered ease discomfort. Any rectal bleeding should be checked by a provider.
At a glance
| Spanish | hemorroide |
|---|---|
| Also written | hemorrhoids, haemorrhoid, haemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal |
Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
anus
The opening at the lower end of the bowel where stool leaves the body.