# Hemorrhoids
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**Hemorrhoids** are dilated portions of veins in the [[large intestine|anal canal]]. They're actually pretty common in the US. They can be internal and stay in the anal canal or external and come out side of the body.
## Risk Factors
- childbirth
- opioid induced constipation (OIC)
- excessive sitting
- truck drivers are at a high risk
## Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- itching
- pain
- bright red rectal bleeding with deification
## Treatment
- symptom management
- warm compresses
- sitz bath
- OTC hemorrhoid ointment/suppository
- witch hazel
- lifestyle modifications
- high residue diet, like with fruit and bran
- next try psyllium
- non-surgical
- infrared photocoagulation laser therapy
- causes scar tissue to form
- sclerotherapy
- whatever that is
- surgical
- hemorrhoidectomy
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