When a vein in the anal area becomes swollen, irritated or burning, that is a sign of hemorrhoids. Another thing to watch out for is blood on the toilet tissue, that is another sign of hemorrhoids. There are treatments however that are over the counter such as creams, being careful in order not to scrape or scratch at the area and wear cotton under clothes rather than anything else that may be rough or irritate the area. In the case of hemorrhoids being the worst case possible, surgery may have to be done. This is only if bleeding severely or the pain is extreme. Cases of hemorrhoids are common in the case of birthing a child or afterwords which causes the veins to bulge and swell. Tests can be performed in order to tell if you have hemorrhoids simply by a doctor examining the rectal area. Treatments in cases like these are pretty much effective, but in order to keep them from coming back, drink lots of fluids and maintain a good high fiber diet. Preventing such things as hemorrhoids can be easily done by avoiding straining in the bowl movements, don’t eat anything that would cause strain on the rectal area. To keep comfortable while having hemorrhoids you can use laxatives to keep your stool soft so that it doesn’t strain that area and cause pain or swelling for you