• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Hemorrhoids

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Rectal lump; Piles; Lump in the rectum

Symptoms:

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Anal itching
• Anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
• Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool , or in the toilet bowl
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard tender lumps near the anus

Signs and tests:

A doctor can often diagnose hemorrhoids simply by examining the rectal area. If necessary, tests that may help diagnose the problem include:

• Stool guaiac (shows the presence of blood)
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Anoscopy

References:

American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement: Diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology . 2004 May;126(5):1461-2.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2002.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Rakel P. Textbook of Family Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2002.

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.