Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, And More

by Michael Pullman [MD]
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Hemorrhoids are a common and uncomfortable problem that can be painful and itchy.

They’re usually caused by constipation, pregnancy, or straining during a bowel movement.

Hemorrhoids can be either internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).

They can be very painful, especially if they bulge out and are scratched by a hard stool.

There are several ways to treat hemorrhoids, including over-the-counter creams, suppositories, and warm baths.

Surgery is also an option, but it’s usually only recommended for severe cases.

This article will provide an overview of hemorrhoids, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Contents

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Blood vessels in the anal region swell, causing hemorrhoids. Incontinence issues can be brought on by pregnancy, protracted sitting, and straining during bowel movements.

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids typically display different signs and symptoms depending on their type which include–

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are often very painful and can make it difficult to sit down or move around.

Some common symptoms of external hemorrhoids include-

  • Pain around the anus
  • Bleeding from the anus
  • Itching around the anus
  • Swelling around the anus

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are commonly caused by constipation, straining during bowel movements, and sitting for long periods on the toilet.

These activities put extra pressure on the veins in your anus and rectum, which can cause them to swell and bleed.

In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse, or enlarge and bulge out of the anus. This can cause bleeding and pain when you try to have a bowel movement.

Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful, but they can cause bleeding.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in the hemorrhoid become blocked and cause it to swell.

This can happen if the hemorrhoid becomes prolapsed, or if it is a particularly large hemorrhoid.

When hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.

There are a few different symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids. One of the most common is a sharp pain in the rectum or anus.

This pain can be severe and can make it difficult to sit or stand. The area around the hemorrhoid may also be swollen and tender.

You may also see a lump or bulge near the anus. This is hemorrhoid that has prolapsed and is now thrombosed.

Causes And Risk Factors For Hemorrhoids

There are many different causes and risk factors for hemorrhoids. Some of the most common include-

  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Sitting for long periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Heavy lifting
  • Anal intercourse
  • Family history of hemorrhoids
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor diet
  • Aging

Complications

Hemorrhoids can cause a few uncommon complications, including-

  • Anemia

    Anemia is a common complication of hemorrhoids. When someone has hemorrhoids, they may bleed heavily from the anus, which can lead to anemia.

    Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

  • Strangulated Hemorrhoid

    A strangulated hemorrhoid is a hemorrhoid that has been cut off from its blood supply. This can happen when hemorrhoid bulges out through the anus and becomes entangled in the surrounding anal tissue.

    If the blood supply is cut off for too long, hemorrhoids can die and cause severe pain.

    Strangulated hemorrhoids are a serious complication of hemorrhoids and can often require surgery to correct.

  • Blood Clot

    A blood clot is a serious complication of hemorrhoids. Blood clots can form in the veins of the rectum and anus, and can be very painful.

    If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it can be extremely painful and may require medical intervention.

    Blood clots can also form in internal hemorrhoids, but this is usually not painful. If a blood clot forms in an internal hemorrhoid, it may need to be removed by a doctor.

What Options Are There For Hemorrhoids Treatment?

The following treatments are there for Hemorrhoids-

  • Home Treatment

    Here are a few home treatments for hemorrhoids-

    • Soak in a warm bath: This can help to soothe the area and reduce inflammation.
    • Apply a cold compress: This can help to numb the area and reduce swelling.
    • Use over-the-counter creams or ointments: These can help to ease itching and pain.
    • Eat high-fiber foods: This can help to soften stool and reduce constipation, which can aggravate hemorrhoids.
    • Drink plenty of fluids: This can help to prevent dehydration and keep the area hydrated

  • Medications

    Many different medications can be used to treat hemorrhoids. Some of these medications can be bought over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor.

    Here is a list of some of the most common medications used to treat hemorrhoids:

    • Anusol Cream
    • Anusol Ointment
    • Preparation H Cream
    • Preparation H Ointment
    • Hemorrhoidal Cream
    • Rectal Cream
    • Rectal Ointment
    • Rectal Suppositories

  • Nonsurgical Treatment Options

    If at-home treatments for hemorrhoids are ineffective, more medical intervention may be required. Nonsurgical alternatives comprise-

    Rubber Band Ligation

    This procedure involves placing a rubber band around the base of hemorrhoid.

    The band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to eventually fall off. This procedure is generally very effective and has a low risk of complications.

    Sclerotherapy

    Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment option for hemorrhoids.

    This treatment involves the injection of a substance into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink the blood vessels and reduce swelling.

    Sclerotherapy can be done in a doctor’s office and is often used for mild to moderate hemorrhoids.

    Several different types of substances can be used for sclerotherapy, including polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate.

    Sclerotherapy is generally safe and has few side effects. The most common side effect is temporary pain and discomfort after the procedure.

    Infrared Photocoagulation

    This procedure uses infrared light to heat and destroys the tissue around the hemorrhoid, which helps to shrink it.

    Electrocoagulation

    This treatment uses electrical currents to destroy the tissue of hemorrhoids. Electrocoagulation is less invasive than surgery and has a shorter recovery time.

  • Surgical Options

    There are a few different surgical options for treating hemorrhoids

    • Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a procedure that involves removing the hemorrhoids.
    • Hemorrhoid stapling: This procedure involves placing staples in the hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply.
    • Ligation: This procedure involves tying off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

    Your doctor will recommend the best surgical option for you based on the severity of your hemorrhoids.

Prevention

To prevent hemorrhoids and decrease their symptoms, heed the following advice-

  • Eat High-Fiber Foods

    Fiber loosens stool and makes it easier to pass, which reduces the strain on the veins in the anus and rectum.

    Soluble and insoluble fibers are both different forms of the substance. While insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, soluble fiber does and creates a gel-like substance when it does.

    For healthy gut bacteria, both forms of fiber are necessary.

    There are many high-fiber foods that you can add to your diet, such as beans, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

  • Drink A Lot Of Water

    Water helps to soften stool and reduce constipation, which are two of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you are constipated.

    A fiber supplement might be useful

    Fiber helps to soften stool, making it less likely to cause irritation and bleeding.

    There are a variety of fiber supplements available, and it’s important to find one that works for you.

    Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, as they can help you determine the right dosage and type of fiber for your needs.

  • Avoid Straining

    The lower rectum’s veins experience increased pressure as you stifle your breathing and strain to pass a stool.

  • Exercise

    Exercise can help to prevent hemorrhoids by keeping the muscles in the pelvis and anus strong and toned.

    This can help to reduce the strain on these areas and prevent the formation of hemorrhoids.

    There are a few specific exercises that can be particularly helpful for preventing hemorrhoids. Kegel exercises, for example, can help to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area.

    Pilates and yoga can also be beneficial, as they can help to increase flexibility in the muscles and ligaments around the anus and rectum.

  • Don’t Sit Still For Too Long

    Hemorrhoids are often the result of extended periods of sitting. This is because sitting puts extra pressure on the veins in your anus and rectum, which can cause them to swell and bleed.

    To avoid hemorrhoids, it is important to avoid long periods of sitting. If you must sit for extended periods, make sure to take breaks often to move around and stretch.

    Likewise, make an effort to refrain from spending a lot of time sitting on hard surfaces. Sofa cushions or a donut-shaped pillow can help reduce the pressure on your veins.

Final Remark

In conclusion, hemorrhoids are a common condition that can be painful and uncomfortable. Symptoms include bleeding, itching, and pain.

If complications develop or hemorrhoid symptoms continue beyond a week, medical attention may be necessary.

If any signs, notably significant bleeding, excruciating pain, or fever, arise, a person should see a doctor. These might be symptoms of different diseases.