What do hemorrhoids feel like?

For most people, the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids (itching, swelling, discomfort) are mild and can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes. Although less common, the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids can be severe enough to require medical treatment.

In rare cases, hemorrhoids can develop that can cause significant blood loss and blood clots, which can be life-threatening. It is important to note that blood in or on the stool or on toilet paper, which is one of the main characteristics of hemorrhoids, should never be considered normal. While the cause could indeed be hemorrhoids, there may be a more serious underlying disease.

This article explains the symptoms of hemorrhoids and other symptoms to be aware of. We’ll also explain the complications that hemorrhoids can cause and when you should see your health care provider.

Common symptoms

Hemorrhoids may be accompanied by external and/or internal symptoms, depending on how they are formed.

external hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids that form outside the anus are called external hemorrhoids. A hard lump may be felt in the area, and it is often irritated by defecating or wiping with toilet paper, causing discomfort. External hemorrhoids are painful because there are many nerve endings in the skin around the anus.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• anal pain
• Bleeding during defecation
• Burning sensation around the anus
• itch(anal pruritus)
• swelling around the anus
• Gentleness when wiping

internal hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids located inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids and may not cause symptoms and may only be discovered or diagnosed if bleeding occurs.

However, in some cases, internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and protrude outside the anus. This can occur, for example, when lifting something heavy or during a bowel movement. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful, but they usually retract into the anus on their own.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:

• Bleeding during defecation
• itch
• pain in case of prolapse

rare symptoms

Hemorrhoids are usually considered a mild and common problem, but in rare cases they can cause more bothersome signs and symptoms. In some cases, in addition to hemorrhoids, you may have dirty stools or a feeling that your bowels are not completely empty after going to the toilet.

In rare cases of external hemorrhoids, blood may accumulate inside and form a blood clot, which is called acute thrombotic hemorrhoid. This type of hemorrhoid can become inflamed and can feel like a hard, painful lump the size of a marble on the outside of the anus.

If an internal hemorrhoid prolapses and cannot be pushed back inward, it may develop into chronic prolapse. In rare cases, prolapse can cause complications such as lack of blood flow to the area and infection.

complications

Hemorrhoids can be chronic and painful, but they usually do not cause complications.

In rare cases, thrombosed hemorrhoids may rupture. This can cause more bleeding and pain, but the rupture site usually heals on its own. In some cases, skin tags may form at the location of healed thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Although rare, significant blood loss from chronic hemorrhoids may also be associated with the development of anemia.

Another rare complication is strangulated hemorrhoids, which block blood flow to the internal hemorrhoid and cause extreme pain. Strangulated hemorrhoids are at risk of infection, so it is important to seek care to prevent infection.

When should you see a health care provider?

Blood in your stool is never normal and you should always consult your doctor, even if you think it’s due to hemorrhoids.

Blood in the stool is most often caused by hemorrhoids. Characterized by bright red blood. Stools that have dark red blood or are tarry (black in consistency) may be associated with another disease, especially one that involves the upper region of the gastrointestinal tract. If you experience these symptoms, you may need to get tested to rule out other illnesses.

Blood in the stool is not typical of hemorrhoids and may indicate another problem is occurring. Similarly, mucus or pus from the rectum, fever, chills, nausea, and rapid heartbeat are not common symptoms of hemorrhoids and should seek immediate medical attention.

Typical symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, swelling, and pain during defecation, can be caused by an infection. Fever and redness may also be seen around the anus, and the pain may worsen even with treatment. See your doctor right away to find out if your hemorrhoids are infected and begin treatment.

summary

Hemorrhoids can occur either inside the rectum (medial hemorrhoids) or outside the rectum (lateral hemorrhoids). Other than mild itching, swelling, and discomfort, hemorrhoids do not tend to cause complications and may resolve on their own. Although rare, hemorrhoids can cause severe pain, life-threatening bleeding, or infection. If you have extreme pain or blood loss that causes dizziness or fainting, fever, or other signs of infection, contact your health care provider right away.