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Hemorrhoid Symptoms in the Elderly

Hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid symptoms are the most embarrassing and uncomfortable conditions to experience not to mention the hassles that accompany the treatment of a hemorrhoid condition. In addition to other health conditions associated with growing old the elderly often develop hemorrhoid symptoms that can be discouraging on top of other health problems they may have to endure.

Elderly people are usually at high risk of developing hemorrhoids and it is difficult to know when an elderly person has developed a hemorrhoid condition.

If the elderly person in unable to care for themselves they may suffer in silence because they may not be able to communicate when they are uncomfortable. The hemorrhoids symptoms in the elderly may go unnoticed until it has reached the advanced stages. So what is the best way to identify hemorrhoid conditions in the elderly before they reach the stage of pain and bleeding?


Recognizing Symptoms of Hemorrhoids in the Elderly

If you are caring for an elderly person that is unable to communicate or does not tend to complain when they are uncomfortable, some of the hemorrhoid symptoms in the elderly can be recognized in some of the following ways:

  • Constipation

    • Constipation is one the primary causes of hemorrhoid symptoms in the elderly. If the elderly person is constipated on a frequent basis there are things you can do to help relieve the constipation. Also, if you suspect a hemorrhoid condition, the elderly person’s physician may be able to assist with identifying the condition.

  • Diarrhea

    • Persistent diarrhea will cause symptoms of hemorrhoids or an existing hemorrhoid condition to get worse. In this case you can take some preventative measures by having the physician examine the rectal veins for symptoms of hemorrhoids.

  • Rectal Bleeding

    • If the hemorrhoid condition has reached the advanced stages you may notice rectal bleeding on clothing, in the toilet, or on the toilet paper.

  • Discomfort

    • The elderly person may show signs of being uncomfortable while sitting or show signs of discomfort in their facial expressions.


How You Can Help with Symptoms of Hemorrhoids in the Elderly

If hemorrhoids are present in the elderly person there are number of things you can do to provide relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

  • Keep Track of Bowel Habits

    • Keep track of the bowel habits in the elderly person so you will know if there has been a change. This way you can help to prevent symptoms of hemorrhoids or head off a hemorrhoid condition before it becomes worse.

  • Monitor Diet

    • Keep track of diet and make sure the elderly person is getting plenty of fiber and lots of water. A diet high in fiber includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and will prevent constipation and diarrhea which can aggravate an existing hemorrhoid condition or cause hemorrhoids to develop.

  • Encourage Cotton Clothing

    • Wearing loose cotton underwear can help prevent an exiting hemorrhoid condition from getting worse and help to keep the affected area dry and comfortable. A regular practice of wearing cotton can also prevent hemorrhoids from developing.

  • Use Natural treatments

    • Try using natural treatments to provide relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some of the natural treatments can include home treatments such as a warm sitz bath, cold compresses, and home remedy mixtures.


If an existing hemorrhoid condition persists after trying home treatments it is important to consult a physician to prevent the condition form getting worse and possibly requiring surgical treatment. Hemorrhoid symptoms in the elderly are quite common so it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms and keep the elderly person you are caring for as comfortable as possible.





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