Hemorrhoid symptoms are generally mild and disappear within a few days. There are two
types of hemorrhoids, and each type is named for the veins that are affected.
Internal hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins;
external hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure within the external hemorrhoidal veins.
Internal hemorrhoids can cause symptoms that usually include bright-red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. External hemorrhoids may result in painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms.
Treatment for hemorrhoids consists of relieving symptoms, modifying bowel habits, and relieving pressure by increasing fiber and fluids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
(Click Hemorrhoid Symptoms to read the full eMedTV article on this topic. This article describes several common symptoms of hemorrhoids and also mentions other conditions that can have similar symptoms. You can also click on the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)
