When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention
Your hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with anyone, even your doctor. But hemorrhoids are common and affect 5% of adults in the United States every year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Its estimated, in fact, that as many as three in four adults will experience problems with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Though you can find many treatments for hemorrhoids at your local pharmacy, home remedies dont help everyone. At Rivas Digestive Center, located in Hollywood, Florida, our expert gastroenterologist, Dr. John Rivas, wants you to know when its time to get medical help for your hemorrhoids.
Blood Clots In The Hemorrhoid
External hemorrhoids can be very painful if they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually purple-blue.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when the veins that cause the bulge in the hemorrhoid develop a blood clot. As a result, blood is unable to flow to the hemorrhoid, and the effect can be extremely painful.
The body will often absorb the blood clot, therefore reducing the symptoms and easing the pain.
When the blood clot passes or the body reabsorbs it, an external hemorrhoid may sometimes leave behind a perianal skin tag. A doctor may recommend surgical removal if this skin tag regularly catches stool and is difficult to keep clean.
Treatments include home remedies and surgery.
Examples of home remedies people can use to treat hemorrhoids include:
- taking warm baths
- gently cleaning the anus after a bowel movement, often by using moistened wipes or cotton pads
- applying cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort
- applying ointments, such as creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone- that relieve itching
What Does A Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Look Like
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a form of external hemorrhoid that are visible. When external hemorrhoids become prolapsed, they form soft clumps around the outside of the opening of the anus.
In some cases, external hemorrhoids could form a blood clot. These can be extremely painful and are called a thrombosis.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be frightening. They can form into a hard lump and can turn purple or blue. They may also bleed.
Most thrombosed hemorrhoids appear as a lump on the edge of the opening of the anus and protrude out.
They appear in a dark bluish color because of the blood clot that is contained inside the swollen vessel.
When thrombosed hemorrhoids are treated medically, a hemorrhoid surgery is typically involved.
A healed thrombosed hemorrhoid may leave behind scarring or a tag of skin protruding from the anus.
Recommended Reading: How To Fix Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy
How Do You Shrink Piles Lumps
Rubber band ligation, which is the most common nonsurgical procedure for removing hemorrhoids. A doctor will place a small, tight band around the hemorrhoid to cut off circulation to the tissue and allow it to fall off. Sclerotherapy, during which a doctor injects a chemical medication into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An External Or Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are a painful condition. These occurs when a blood clot develops in a hemorrhoidal blood vessel causing swelling and inflammation.
- When a blood clot occurs in a hemorrhoid, the hemorrhoid will become even more swollen. This swelling leads to increased pain.
- The pain is usually worse with bowel movements and may increase with sitting.
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid may resolve on its own however, this condition often needs medical care. Bleeding with a bowel movement is never normal and should prompt a visit to a health-care professional. While hemorrhoids are the most common cause of bleeding with a bowel movement, there may be other reasons for bleeding including inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and tumors.
You May Like: Heating Pad For Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
What Do Internal Hemorrhoids Look Like
Hemorrhoid tissue is a part of every individuals body makeup. Normal hemorrhoid tissue cannot be seen by the naked eye.
It is when hemorrhoid tissue becomes inflamed that we can visibly notice hemorrhoids.
No matter what type of hemorrhoid you have, they are characterized as swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum or anus.
Hemorrhoids that become more irritated cause the veins to bulge. This results in the vision of hemorrhoids that you may already have in your head.
Internal hemorrhoids are a little different. Because there are no pain-sensing nerves where internal hemorrhoids are located, you often will not realize you have them.
Internal hemorrhoids form in the same way external hemorrhoids do, but we cannot see them due to their location. This is why external hemorrhoid pictures are more difficult to get.
With internal hemorrhoids, the lining of the rectum becomes substantially enlarged.
When an internal hemorrhoid becomes prolapsed, this will be the only type of internal hemorrhoid that is visible.
What Is The Strongest Medicine For Hemorrhoids
Best topical treatments for hemorrhoids
- Preparation H Hemorrhoid Symptom Treatment Ointment, Itching, Burning & Discomfort Relief.
- Preparation H Hemorrhoid Symptom Treatment Suppositories.
- Tucks Multi-Care Relief Kit.
- Burts Bees Baby Chlorine-Free Wipes.
- Cottonelle GentlePlus Flushable Wet Wipes with Aloe & Vitamin E.
Also Check: What Do Internal Hemorrhoids Feel Like To Touch
What Does Hemorrhoids Feel Like
About 50 percent of adults experience the symptoms of hemorrhoids by the. Once it starts coming outside the anus it may look like fleshy protrusion of skin and may feel like a small grape on touching by hand.
What Do Internal Hemorrhoids Feel Like Cure For Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid Remedies
Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your parents, had them.
Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from:
- Pushing during bowel movements
- Anal sex
People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at greater risk, too.
You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesn’t clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use Biofreeze On Hemorrhoids
Time For Hemorrhoid Removal
Your doctor can tell you about medical procedures to remove or reduce hemorrhoids. You might consider these options if, despite all the ordinary measures, your hemorrhoids continue to bleed, start to bleed or hurt more, or begin to interfere with bowel movements. In the meantime, self-care will get most men through hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Seeing blood in your toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but its one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Other symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement
- Itching in the anal area
- Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus
If you experience any of these hemorrhoid symptoms, avoid excess straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus, which can make irritation and itching worse, and can even lead to bleeding. In addition, try to pat the area dry instead of wiping it.
Also Check: Do Ice Cubes Help Hemorrhoids
The Sensation Of Having Hemorrhoids
A very annoying symptom is that they can cause ones bottom to become itchy, particularly round the anal opening. However, this symptom could also be a symptom of worms and or parasites. One guy sent me a photo complaining of the terrible itch he had had for months, when I looked, to my trained eye, I could see the poor bloke was infected with pubic lice. Thats one of the reasons why I put up pages to tell you about other conditions that may imitate symptoms of hemorrhoids.
There can be a burning sensation, pain or discomfort around the anal opening.
Hemorrhoids can also cause a feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel you dont feel like youve emptied your bowel, even though you have. This symptom is a particularly nasty one, as trying to get a stool out that isnt there can aggravate or cause hemorrhoids in its own right. I think the bowel is interpreting large hemorrhoids or clusters of hemorrhoids as a bowel motion that hasnt passed.
You May Like: How Do You Help Hemorrhoids
Signs Of Hemorrhoids Faqs
Q: Do I have hemorrhoids or cancer?A: Hemorrhoids, anal cancer and colorectal cancer can cause bleeding, with bright red blood. Other signs of colorectal cancer include:
- Dark red blood in feces
- Changes in bowel habits, such as having diarrhea or being constipated
- A feeling of needing a bowel movement that does not go away after having one
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness or feeling weaker than normal
- Pain from gas, bloating, cramps or a feeling of being full
Other signs of anal cancer include:
- Pain around the anus
- Itching around the anus, i.e., pruritus ani
- A lump near the anus
- Mucus discharge
- Changes in bowel habits, such as having diarrhea
If a person suspects they may have cancer, they should see a medical professional immediately.
Q: Are hemorrhoids supposed to bleed?A: It is normal for hemorrhoids to bleed with bright red blood. Bleeding from hemorrhoids will most often not be painful and is usually not dangerous. It is rare for someone to bleed excessively. However, bleeding from the rectum and anus can be a sign of colorectal or anal cancer and should be examined by a doctor, especially in cases where a person is not aware of a pre-existing problem, such as hemorrhoids.
Q: How can you avoid making your hemorrhoids flare up or getting worse?A.: Some of the following steps can make the symptoms of hemorrhoids less likely to persist:
Recommended Reading: Ice Cube For Hemorrhoids
Get The Facts About What Causes Hemorrhoids
HemorrhoidsConstipation Diet Obesity Pregnancy and childbirth Diarrhea Heavy lifting Long periods of sittingPreventing hemorrhoidsespecially for hemorrhoids caused by constipation.make sure you:
- Avoid high-fat, low-fiber foods. In Western countries, constipation is associated with diets low in fiber and high in fat.
- Drink seven or eight glasses of water a day.
- Add 15 grams of fiber to your diet . Metamucil, Benefiber, flax or other soluble fiber may be helpful as well.
- Do not sit longer than two minutes on the toilet. If you cant have a bowel movement in that time, come back later. This two-minute rule can help keep you from straining during bowel movements without realizing it.
- During air travel, be sure to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat fiber and walk around when you can.
Other Causes For Rectal Pain
Dr. Miller: Any other causes of rectal pain? I know that there’s one that is a spasm that occurs from time to time in some people.
Dr. Pickron: Some people get this kind of vague rectal pain, which as you mentioned is just kind of a spasm, it’s fairly poorly understood. There are some options for it such as physical therapy, biofeedback, but these can be challenging things to treat.
Dr. Miller: It comes on suddenly and then goes away over seconds to minutes, I think, sometimes.
Dr. Pickron: Yeah, usually happens in the middle of the night. People kind of wake up and they feel this intense pressure almost like a Charley horse in their rectum, which not a pleasant sensation.
Dr. Miller: Any other causes of pain?
Dr. Pickron: Those are primarily the big ones, infections, abscesses are fairly common and those are typically treated with surgical drainage.
Don’t Miss: Brazilian Wax With Hemorrhoids
Who Is At Risk Of External Hemorrhoids
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be more likely to happen during pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
A healthcare professional may be able to help you determine the cause of your hemorrhoids.
When Should You See A Doctor For Hemorrhoids
If youre ever concerned about your hemorrhoids or youre not sure whats happening down there, you should call your doctor, Dr. Nelson says, especially if youve had symptoms for more than a week.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you use medication first but, if that doesnt help, there are other treatment options available like:
- Rubber band ligation, where a doctor essentially cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid with a rubber band
- Sclerotherapy, in which a doctor injects a solution into a hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply
- Infrared photocoagulation, which uses infrared light to cut off the blood supply
- Electrocoagulation, which uses an electric current to cut off the blood supply
- Surgical removal, in more severe cases
Like what you just read? Youll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, .
You May Like: What Kind Of Doctor Fixes Hemorrhoids
What Do Hemorrhoids Feel Like To Touch
Hemorrhoids usually feel wet to touch. This is because the veins are broken and damaged. Don’t touch your hemorrhoids with your bare hands.
The last thing you want to do is touch your hemorrhoids and pass germs on to them.
If a hemorrhoid gets infected, that can be a problem. If you have to touch your hemorrhoids make sure your hands are clean.
What Does A Small Hemorrhoid Look Like
Many small hemorrhoids go undetected. Internal hemorrhoids that are small are not visible. They may bleed during bowel movements, this being the only indication that you have hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids that are small may still go undetected. They form as pillow-like, soft lumps around the opening of the anus. Usually, internal hemorrhoids that have not prolapsed exhibit little to no hemorrhoid pain.
It is common for a thrombosed hemorrhoid to burst and bleed. The clot will usually only bleed for about 10 seconds.
They often go away on their own without treatment. It is not until an external hemorrhoid becomes increasingly prolapsed that they can be easily felt or seen. Small hemorrhoids have been compared to the size of a pea.
Don’t Miss: Ice Cube On Hemorrhoids
The Side Effects Of Calmovil
Product safety is our number one priority. Calmovil⢠products contain only natural plant and herb extracts that are considered safe. Although numerous customers use Calmovil products each day since 2008, no serious side effects have been reported. As is the case with other dietary supplements we recommend that you don’t use Calmovil products while pregnant or nursing because the effects on fetus have not been studied. You should also not use Calmovil Vein & Colon formula when suffering from a bleeding disorder or while on blood thinning medication.
What Medications And Other Products Treat Hemorrhoids
Medications are used to control symptoms by softening the stool, decreasing the inflammation of the hemorrhoids, and treating the pain. Stool softeners work by increasing the water and fat content within the stool allowing it to be passed more easily. Docusate sodium is the most often recommended drug in this class .
Inflammation can be controlled with over-the-counter creams or suppositories. Some brand ingredients include low dose topical anesthetics to help with symptoms. Others contain astringents that help shrink the swollen tissues. Both may contain low dose steroids to decrease inflammation. People with diabetes should check with their pharmacist or health care professional before using OTC hemorrhoid treatments. If the medication contains a vasoconstrictor it may elevate blood sugar levels if absorbed in large amounts. Prescription-strength lidocaine or hydrocortisone may be offered by the health care professional.
Grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids are initially treated the same way, using techniques to destroy hemorrhoids. These include injecting the hemorrhoid vein to make it sclerose or harden, using rubber bands to choke off the blood supply and make the hemorrhoidal tissue shrivel, or other procedures that cause the mucosa to shrivel and die.
Read Also: Does Emuaid Work For Hemorrhoids
Listen: Dr Patel Discusses Hemorrhoids In The Medical Intel Podcast
https://ct1.medstarhealth.org/content/uploads/sites/135/2018/01/Dr-Patel-Hemorrhoids-2.mp3″> https://ct1.medstarhealth.org/content/uploads/sites/135/2018/01/Dr-Patel-Hemorrhoids-2.mp3″ />
What Are The Types Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can happen inside or outside the rectum. The type depends on where the swollen vein develops. Types include:
- External: Swollen veins form underneath the skin around the anus. Your anus is the canal where poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Occasionally, they bleed. Sometimes they fill with blood that can clot. This is not dangerous, but can result in pain and swelling.
- Internal: Swollen veins form inside the rectum. Your rectum is the part of the digestive system that connects the colon to the anus. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed, but they usually arent painful.
- Prolapsed: Both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Hemorrhoids After Giving Birth
Worsening Of Your Itching And Irritation
External hemorrhoids develop under the highly sensitive skin near your anus. With this type of hemorrhoid, you may experience itching, burning, and general irritation. By comparison, internal hemorrhoids, which develop inside your rectum underneath the sensitive tissue, dont cause physical discomfort but may cause you to have blood in your stool.
If your external hemorrhoid develops a blood clot and becomes thrombosed, you may notice a worsening of your symptoms. On a scale of 1-10, your discomfort level may jump from a 3 to a 10.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids develop quickly, and discomfort tends to worsen during the first 48 hours and then improve slightly.
Donât Miss: What Type Of Doctor Specializes In Hemorrhoids
Whats The Best Way To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
There are a few remedies you can try to treat hemorrhoids at home, Dr. Bedford says. First, eating a high-fiber diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of liquids can help make your poop softer and move it along more easily, so it doesnt cause extra irritation to your hemorrhoids. Avoiding sitting for long periods of time can also minimize discomfort.
Taking a sitz bath for 20 minutes a night for a week or two will also help keep the anal area clean, reduce inflammation, and generally make you feel more comfortable. Simply sit in a bathtub filled with 3 to 4 inches of warm water or buy a plastic tub that holds the water and fits over your toilet seat.
If youre still having trouble, there are over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and ointments that can help, like Preparation H. These can help decrease inflammation and help shrivel up or shrink hemorrhoids, Dr. Bedford says. If that doesnt do the trick, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or suppository to try to fix the situation.
Also Check: Hemorrhoids Rash Treatment