K.N.O.W. Home Health

HEMORRHOIDS

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of your rectum or anus. They can be inside your body (internal hemorrhoids) or outside (external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids are common and often not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids happen when there is too much pressure on the veins in your bottom. This pressure can be caused by:

Straining when having a bowel movement (pooping)
Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Being pregnant
Lifting heavy things
Not eating enough fiber
Being overweight
Having diarrhea or constipation often

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

You may notice:

Pain or discomfort around your bottom
Itching or burning
Bleeding when you poop (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet)
Swelling or a lump near your anus

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often get better on their own, but treatment can help:

Over-the-counter creams or ointments to reduce pain and swelling
Sitz baths (soaking your bottom in warm water for 10–15 minutes)
Cold packs to reduce swelling
Witch hazel pads to relieve itching
Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen

In severe cases, a doctor might recommend surgery or another procedure.

Special Diet Tips

Eating the right foods can help prevent or ease hemorrhoids:

Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
Drink plenty of water (at least 6–8 glasses a day)
Avoid spicy foods, greasy foods, and alcohol, which may make symptoms worse
Limit processed foods like white bread and chips

Other Helpful Tips and Precautions

Do not strain or sit too long on the toilet
Get regular exercise to help your bowels move
Use a stool softener if your doctor recommends it
Don’t scratch if it itches; that can make things worse
Wipe gently with moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

You have bleeding from your bottom that does not stop
You are in a lot of pain
Hemorrhoids are not getting better with home treatment
You feel weak or dizzy

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER or call 911 if:

You are bleeding a lot or have blood clots
You feel like you might pass out
You have severe pain with swelling that gets worse quickly

✅ Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Please read each statement carefully. Circle True or False. If you choose False, please correct the statement so it is true.

True or False – Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your legs.
True or False – Straining to poop can cause hemorrhoids.
True or False – Sitting on the toilet too long can cause hemorrhoids.
True or False – Hemorrhoids always require surgery.
True or False – Itching and bleeding can be signs of hemorrhoids.
True or False – You should drink lots of water to help prevent hemorrhoids.
True or False – Fiber helps your poop stay soft and easy to pass.
True or False – Over-the-counter creams can help treat hemorrhoids.
True or False – A sitz bath is a cold water bath for your feet.
True or False – Lifting heavy things can lead to hemorrhoids.
True or False – Hemorrhoids are never painful.
True or False – Eating spicy foods can make hemorrhoids worse.
True or False – Using moist wipes is better than dry toilet paper.
True or False – You should scratch the area if it itches.
True or False – Bleeding that doesn’t stop is a reason to call your doctor.
True or False – You should go to the emergency room if you feel faint from blood loss.
True or False – Processed foods are good for people with hemorrhoids.
True or False – Regular exercise can help prevent hemorrhoids.
True or False – Hemorrhoids are not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
True or False – A home health nurse can help you manage hemorrhoid symptoms.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed any new pain, itching, bleeding, or swelling around your rectum when you go to the bathroom?

Activity Impact / Safety:
2. Are hemorrhoid symptoms making it hard or uncomfortable for you to sit, walk, or do your normal daily activities safely?

Treatment Adherence:
3. Have you been able to follow your treatment plan, such as using creams, sitz baths, or stool softeners as your doctor recommended?

Preventive Measures:
4. What steps are you taking to prevent hemorrhoids from getting worse, such as drinking enough water, eating more fiber, and avoiding straining during bowel movements?