While hemorrhoids may not be polite dinner table talk, they are a concern for half of the people over 50 years old. The good news is that there are many simple remedies that can control the itching and discomfort that accompany this embarrassing problem.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus. There are a number of causes for hemorrhoids; increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy and straining during bowel movements are two common causes. Hemorrhoids can also form due to obesity, anal intercourse, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or sitting for a long time on the toilet.

While symptoms vary, they often include swelling and/or a painful lump near the anus, leakage of feces, irritation and itching in the anal area, or bleeding during bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids may be inside the rectum; these are called internal hemorrhoids. You can't see or feel them, and they usually are not painful. They can, however, become irritated and start to bleed. Sometimes straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening, where it can cause irritation.

External hemorrhoids are right under the skin around the anus. These often itch or bleed when irritated. If blood collects in an external hemorrhoid it can form a painful clot.

Most people are able to treat hemorrhoids on their own without prescription medications or surgery. Self-care hemorrhoid treatments can be very effective in relieving flare-ups. Apply hydrocortisone creams or pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent to the painful area. Keep the anal area clean, using plain water. Soak in a warm bath several times a day. Apply ice packs on the anus to relieve swelling. Use a sitz bath, which is an apparatus that fits over the toiler. Instead of using dry toilet paper after a bowel movement, use perfume-free moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Use acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.

In situations where self-care measures don't work or where there is severe pain or bleeding, it's important to see a medical provider.

With hemorrhoids, prevention is the best cure. The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily through the anus. Eating foods that are high in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids help keep stools soft. It's important to go to the bathroom when the urge hits, otherwise stools can get dry and become harder to pass. Staying active can reduce the pressure on the veins, which gets worse with prolonged sitting or standing. Losing weight can help keep hemorrhoids at bay.

If prevention and self-care don't take care of hemorrhoids, it might be time for surgical procedures. Minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be needed to relieve serious bleeding or painful hemorrhoids that don't go away.

While hemorrhoids are painful and irritating, they are rarely life threatening, even if they cannot be cured. The symptoms can, however, be symptoms of other health problems. That's why it's important to see a doctor if symptoms don't go away or if bleeding becomes heavy.