Can hemorrhoids cause death. How do you manage painful hemorrhoid symptoms. What are the complications of untreated hemorrhoids. When should you seek medical attention for hemorrhoids.

The Nature of Hemorrhoids: Understanding the Basics

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a prevalent condition affecting the anal area. These swollen blood vessels can cause significant discomfort, but it’s crucial to understand their nature and potential impact on overall health.

What exactly are hemorrhoids? They are inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus, often caused by increased pressure in the area. This pressure can result from various factors, including prolonged sitting, straining during bowel movements, or pregnancy.

Types of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are classified into two main types:

• Internal hemorrhoids: These develop inside the rectum and are usually painless.
• External hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus and can be more painful and visible.

Both types can cause discomfort, but their symptoms and treatment approaches may differ. Understanding the type of hemorrhoids you’re dealing with is crucial for effective management.

The Prevalence of Hemorrhoids: Who’s at Risk?

Hemorrhoids are more common than many people realize. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 50 percent of adults over 50 years of age experience hemorrhoids. This high prevalence raises questions about risk factors and prevention strategies.

Are certain individuals more prone to developing hemorrhoids? While they can affect anyone, some factors increase the risk:

• Age: As we get older, the supportive tissues in the rectum and anus can weaken, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: These conditions can put extra strain on the anal area.
• Pregnancy: The increased pressure in the pelvic area during pregnancy can lead to hemorrhoids.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the veins in the lower body.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the anal area.

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to prevent or manage hemorrhoids effectively.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids: From Mild Discomfort to Severe Pain

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary widely, ranging from mild irritation to severe pain. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment.

What are the common symptoms of hemorrhoids? Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• Swelling around the anus
• Bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl)
• A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful
• Leakage of feces

The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the hemorrhoids. While some people may experience only mild discomfort, others might find the pain debilitating, describing it as the most painful thing they’ve experienced.

Can Hemorrhoids Be Life-Threatening?

One of the most pressing questions for those suffering from hemorrhoids is whether this condition can be fatal. The short answer is no, hemorrhoids themselves cannot kill you. However, this doesn’t mean they should be ignored or left untreated.

Why can’t hemorrhoids directly cause death? Hemorrhoids are essentially swollen blood vessels, and while they can cause significant discomfort and some complications, they do not directly threaten vital organs or bodily functions. Even the most severe flare-ups, while extremely painful, are not life-threatening in themselves.

However, it’s crucial to note that while hemorrhoids aren’t deadly, they can lead to complications that might indirectly affect your health and quality of life. These complications can include:

• Anemia from chronic blood loss
• Infection of the surrounding tissues
• Strangulation of hemorrhoids, leading to severe pain and potential tissue death
• Thrombosis in external hemorrhoids, causing intense pain and swelling

Moreover, what appears to be hemorrhoid symptoms could sometimes be indicative of more serious conditions, such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. This underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.

Complications of Untreated Hemorrhoids: What You Need to Know

While hemorrhoids themselves aren’t life-threatening, leaving them untreated can lead to various complications. These complications can significantly impact your quality of life and, in some cases, require more intensive medical intervention.

What are the potential complications of untreated hemorrhoids? Let’s explore:

Complications of Internal Hemorrhoids

1. Internal bleeding: Chronic blood loss can lead to anemia over time.
2. Infection: Open sores can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
3. Prolapse: Internal hemorrhoids can protrude through the anus, causing discomfort and hygiene issues.
4. Strangulation: The blood supply to the hemorrhoid can be cut off, leading to severe pain and potential tissue death.

Complications of External Hemorrhoids

1. Thrombosis: Blood clots can form in external hemorrhoids, causing intense pain and swelling.
2. Skin tags: Residual skin left after a thrombosed hemorrhoid heals can be irritating and affect hygiene.
3. Infection: Open sores or irritated skin can become infected if not properly cared for.

These complications highlight the importance of timely treatment and proper management of hemorrhoids. While they may not be life-threatening, they can significantly impact your daily life and overall health.

Home Treatments for Hemorrhoids: Effective Relief Strategies

For many people suffering from hemorrhoids, home remedies can provide significant relief. These treatments are often effective for mild to moderate cases and can help manage symptoms while promoting healing.

What are some effective home treatments for hemorrhoids? Here’s a comprehensive list:

1. Sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and provide relief.
2. Over-the-counter creams and ointments: Products containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel can help reduce itching and pain.
3. Ice packs: Applying cold compresses to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb pain.
4. Fiber supplements: Increasing fiber intake can soften stools, making bowel movements easier and reducing strain.
5. Soothing wipes: Use alcohol-free wipes with natural ingredients like aloe vera for gentle cleansing and relief.
6. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain.
7. Stool softeners: These can make bowel movements easier, reducing strain on hemorrhoids.

It’s important to note that while these home treatments can be effective, they should not replace professional medical advice, especially for severe or persistent cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. Recognizing these signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids? Here are some key indicators:

• Persistent bleeding during bowel movements
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to home treatments
• A noticeable lump or swelling around the anus that doesn’t improve
• Symptoms that don’t improve after a week of home treatment
• Recurrent hemorrhoids that frequently return despite treatment

In some cases, immediate medical attention may be necessary. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Large amounts of rectal bleeding
• Dizziness or lightheadedness along with bleeding
• Severe pain accompanied by a fever

Remember, what appears to be hemorrhoid symptoms could sometimes indicate more serious conditions. Therefore, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.

Preventing Hemorrhoids: Lifestyle Changes for Long-term Health

While hemorrhoids are common, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing them or prevent recurrences. These changes not only help with hemorrhoid prevention but also contribute to overall digestive health.

How can you prevent hemorrhoids? Here are some effective strategies:

1. Increase fiber intake: Consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and prevent constipation.
3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate bowel function and reduces pressure on veins.
4. Avoid prolonged sitting: Take breaks to stand or walk around, especially if your job involves long periods of sitting.
5. Practice good toilet habits: Don’t strain during bowel movements and avoid spending excessive time on the toilet.
6. Respond promptly to bowel urges: Delaying bowel movements can lead to harder stools and increased straining.
7. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the veins in the anal area.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids and improve your overall digestive health.

In conclusion, while hemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort and impact quality of life, they are not life-threatening in themselves. Understanding the nature of hemorrhoids, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for effective management. With proper care, most cases of hemorrhoids can be successfully treated, allowing individuals to return to their normal activities without discomfort. Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Can Hemorrhoids Kill You? How to Manage Painful Symptoms

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed blood vessels in the area around your anus.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemorrhoids are considered common, with about 50 percent of adults over 50 years of age experiencing them.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids can range from mild to severe and can include not only pain, but also itching and bleeding.

Some people even say that their hemorrhoids are the most painful thing they have experienced. But despite the very real discomfort and pain that hemorrhoids cause, hemorrhoids themselves can’t kill you.

Let’s cover the basics of hemorrhoids symptoms, including what’s normal, what isn’t, and when you should call a doctor.

We’ll also give you some ideas for safely treating your hemorrhoids at home, so you can reduce your symptoms and get back to your life.

Hemorrhoids can cause severe pain and discomfort. However, hemorrhoids themselves are not deadly. Even the most severe flare-ups won’t put your life in danger.

Hemorrhoids can be internal, meaning they line the internal wall of your anus, or external, meaning you can feel them on the outside of your anus.

Both types of hemorrhoids can cause other health complications, some of which aren’t good for your long-term health.

Complications of internal hemorrhoids can include:

• internal bleeding
• infected internal hemorrhoids
• a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, which emerges from your anus and becomes visible

Complications of external hemorrhoids can include:

• thrombosis (blood clots) due to blood flow concerns
• strangulated hemorrhoids
• hardened lumps and skin tags

What presents as hemorrhoids can sometimes be an indication of another more serious condition. Hemorrhoids share symptoms with:

• colorectal cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• peptic ulcers
• colonic polyps
• colitis

For this reason, you shouldn’t assume that internal bleeding and pain or lumps at your rectum are caused by hemorrhoids.

If treating your hemorrhoids at home doesn’t provide relief after a week or so, you should schedule an appointment to talk with a doctor about your symptoms.

When to seek emergency attention

Seek emergency help immediately if you:

• have severe pain and internal bleeding
• have a fever
• feel faint or dizzy

Was this helpful?

If you’re experiencing a lot of pain from hemorrhoids, you might want to try some home remedies. These are just some DIY and over-the-counter treatments that can help manage and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• Use soothing wipes. They can provide immediate relief when you feel swelling after using the bathroom. Look for alcohol-free options with natural botanical ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera.
• Soak in a warm sitz bath. A sitz bath can help to cleanse the area and soothe inflammation.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some examples of these medications include acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Use a hemorrhoid cream or suppository. This option is for short-term relief, and shouldn’t be used as a long-term solution.
• Take a stool softener. This can decrease pain during bowel movements and reduce the amount you have to strain to use the bathroom.

After you’ve had a hemorrhoid flare-up, you may want to take steps to prevent more from developing. Hemorrhoids can be activated by:

• dehydration
• a lack of fiber in your diet
• other lifestyle factors

You can prevent hemorrhoids by:

• limiting the amount of time you spend sitting on the toilet
• eating a diet rich in high fiber foods
• drinking plenty of water every day
• staying active, engaging in cardiovascular exercise that keeps you up and out of your chair for a good part of each day

Hemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort, but hemorrhoids themselves are not considered a danger to your life.

Implementing prevention strategies and trying out home remedies can help to decrease hemorrhoids’ interference in your daily routine.

Chronic pain that appears to be from hemorrhoids can sometimes be caused by another more serious condition.

You should contact your doctor if you have severe anal pain or bleeding, especially if you are also experiencing a high fever and diarrhea too.

Can Hemorrhoids Kill You?

Content

• Overview
• What are hemorrhoids?
• Types of hemorrhoids
• Complications
• Can you die from popping a hemorrhoid?
• Home treatment for hemorrhoids
• When is the right time to visit a doctor?
• The lowdown

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A hemorrhoid is a condition in which blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum become inflamed and painful. Symptoms include itching, swelling, and, if severe enough, bleeding. According to the National Institutes of Health,¹ hemorrhoids affect around 1 in 20 Americans. Half of the adults over 50 also experience some form of swollen hemorrhoids, raising fears about whether hemorrhoids are deadly.

The pain of hemorrhoids can be so severe that it compels people to ask, “Are hemorrhoids fatal?” No, hemorrhoids are not deadly. While the pain and discomfort can be excruciating, hemorrhoids can not kill you, even when severe.

Hemorrhoids occur in two locations:

Even though hemorrhoids are not deadly, they can still lead to further complications if preventive care is not taken.

At their lowest level, hemorrhoids cause varying pain levels, especially during bowel movements. If care is not taken and the blood vessels become more inflamed and swollen, the risk of other complications arises.

Bleeding

If continually irritated, the tender and swollen tissues can start bleeding, but it is usually mild. The blood vessels could also become so irritated that they burst, even without rough external treatment. Heavy exertion or straining increases the chance of bursting the tender and vulnerable blood vessels.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

In extreme cases, hemorrhoids can also become “thrombosed,” which means a blood clot has formed in the inflamed blood vessels. A thrombosed hemorrhoid is more severe, creating discomfort even when walking, stretching, or sitting.

Regardless of the increased pain of a blood clot, even thrombosed hemorrhoids can not kill you. You should, however, take greater caution and try any home remedies you can (explained below).

Prolapsed hemorrhoids

If internal hemorrhoid becomes very swollen or endures excessive strain, it can emerge from the anus. This could result in the prolapsed hemorrhoid becoming strangulated, where the muscles of the anus tighten around it and restrict blood flow. In this case, particularly, it’s important to reduce the swelling.

Even if a hemorrhoid is so swollen that it pops, you are unlikely to die from bleeding hemorrhoid. However, a wound in or around the anus can easily become infected, and if not allowed to heal, the tissue takes much longer to heal.

This could increase the need for surgery, which may introduce its own complications, such as scarring in the rectum. Even if the pain is unbearable, deliberately popping hemorrhoids will only prolong the inflammation cycle. See instead the treatment options below.

Here are some actions you can take to limit the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids and keep them from worsening. Remember that hemorrhoids are not fatal but are extremely debilitating, especially if left untreated.

Lifestyle

Avoid as much unnecessary strain and pressure in your lower body as possible, especially taking precautions to not strain when sitting on the toilet. According to a 2021 hemorrhoids study² on the National Institutes of Health website, symptoms can be significantly relieved by squatting during defecation rather than sitting.

Reducing the swelling is very important, especially with prolapsed hemorrhoids. Many report success taking a sitz bath, which is a warm, shallow bath using just enough water to cover the area around the anus. Be sure the bathtub is clean, and exercise caution with any solvent, oil, or salt.

While Epsom salt may be incredibly soothing, it could cause intense burning if you’ve experienced any broken skin. If you see bleeding, assume this is the case. Use only a small amount of any bath salt or oil, and test it before using more.

Some sitz bath devices involve using a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat – but in light of the previously mentioned study, a bathtub promotes a better posture than sitting on a toilet.

When resting, lie down instead of sitting whenever possible. Wear loose clothing, and take smaller movements when you decide to move. Pay close attention to your digestive health, particularly in ways that affect the quality of your stool.

Nutrition and diet

Because hemorrhoids cause painful bowel movements, softer stool can tremendously help reduce the pain of hemorrhoids. The following nutritional and dietary modifications will help loosen your stool enough to reduce pain when going to the bathroom:

• Hydration

• Fiber

• Prunes

• Fennel

• Vitamin C

• Magnesium

• Psyllium husk

• Probiotics

While it may seem good to approach the issue as you would with constipation, be careful not to go too far in promoting bowel movements. Your goal should be to loosen your stool, not to make yourself need to go to the bathroom frequently, which would be counterproductive to reducing the strain on your bowels over the course of the day.

Too much magnesium, caster oil, mineral oil, and other substances could easily increase the number of unnecessary bathroom breaks – and even so much as sitting on the toilet can be a strain. Only take what’s needed to soften your stool.

Creams and ointments

Therapeutic treatments at the site of external hemorrhoids can help relieve swelling, especially soothing wipes. Not only does this provide immediate relief from the pain and itching, but it can also reduce swelling. Ensure wipes or topical solvents do not contain irritants, such as chemicals, alcohol, or perfumes, because they can easily aggravate the already sensitive tissues.

Wipes or liquids containing witch hazel are great for reducing inflammation, itching, and pain. Aloe vera gel is another soothing topical treatment. When taken internally, research³ shows that aloe may also help treat ulcers, colitis, and IBS, which share some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids, as we’ll explain next.

Seeing blood in your bowel movements is never normal. You should visit your doctor to investigate the underlying cause. If the amount of bleeding progressively increases, consider it a clear sign to see your trusted medical provider.

Most hemorrhoids disappear on their own in about one week. If it persists longer – and especially if it progressively worsens – it’s important to rule out other possibilities. What may seem like hemorrhoid symptoms could indicate other issues, some of which are more serious. These include:

• Colitis, or inflammation of the large intestine

• Polyps (small growths) in the colon

• Peptic ulcers, such as in the small intestines

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract 

While many have wondered if hemorrhoids can kill you or if particularly severe hemorrhoids are deadly in any way, the answer is a resounding no. That may come as little consolation to those experiencing a particularly painful bout of this condition  – but even popping hemorrhoids can’t kill you.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are more concerning, as are any medical issues involving blood clots, but these also are unlikely to do more than increase the swelling. An internal prolapsed hemorrhoid could present further complications, such as cutting off blood flow to the tissue.

Nevertheless, your best option for minor and severe hemorrhoid cases is to gently limit irritation to the area and reduce swelling as consistently as possible.  

If the condition persists longer than a week, worsens, or leads to increased bleeding, it’s time to consider other causes besides hemorrhoids. Whether you are worried about the possibility of other conditions or just need help reducing the painful symptoms, visit a doctor if you see blood in your stool.

Is it possible to die from hemorrhoids: a doctor’s answer

Russian proctologists note that every year the number of patients suffering from hemorrhoids is growing rapidly. Also, unfortunately, this disease is getting younger – more and more young men and women are faced with this rather unpleasant disease.

The causes of occurrence have not yet been studied, however, experts have managed to establish a number of factors that can provoke its appearance:

• Heredity;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Unbalanced diet;
• High physical activity.

All this can lead to venous congestion in the pelvic area. With a lack of fluid and a dense consistency of feces, a person is forced to strain when correcting natural needs. It is at such moments that prolapse of hemorrhoids most often occurs. This is accompanied by intense pain that does not allow you to lead a normal life.

Serious turn in the disease

If the necessary measures are not taken in a timely manner, the disease can become chronic. However, this is associated with extremely negative consequences.

Firstly, much more serious diseases and injuries of the rectum can be hidden under itching, minor bleeding and mild pain. In particular, cancer, necrotic changes and intestinal bleeding.

Secondly, dilated blood vessels under pressure are more prone to rupture, which is accompanied by profuse bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be required, and even a blood transfusion, an intensive care complex.

Thirdly, if hemorrhoids are not treated for a long time, the risk of blood clots in the vessels increases. Over time, their detachment and blockage of blood vessels can occur.

Needless to say, this is associated with a risk of failures in cerebral circulation, strokes and even death.

Therefore, if you ask the question whether it is possible to die from hemorrhoids, the answer will be in the affirmative. This is possible by ignoring the problem and non-compliance with the recommendations given by the doctor.

Fourier gangrene

This is especially true for the representatives of the stronger sex. Refusal of treatment can cause the occurrence of such a terrible disease as Fourier’s gangrene.

Tissue necrosis begins in the scrotum area, which subsequently spreads to the genitals. The infection spreads so rapidly that even surgical medical intervention does not guarantee a successful outcome.

Pathogenic bacteria, using damage to the rectum, penetrate directly into the scrotum, which complicates treatment and interferes with the operation.

One in four men with Fourier’s gangrene dies. If the infection penetrates the testicles, then death is observed in 50% of cases. Agree, the probability of death is too high, so you can not rely on luck and traditional medicine.

Do not think that hemorrhoids will go away on their own. It is necessary to contact qualified proctologists who will conduct a thorough examination and prescribe effective treatment. Only in this case, you can count on successful getting rid of all unpleasant symptoms and a long-term remission.

If you have hemorrhoids, do not tighten

Come to our proctology center. We can perform any examination, including colonoscopy. Leading proctologists will advise you and carefully examine you. There is such a habit, to postpone a visit to the proctologist for later because of embarrassment. But we have 2 female proctologists, so you don’t have to be shy.

Good health to you!

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05/26/2023

Proctology

Articles from TOP-30

In what situations can you die from hemorrhoids?

From the article you will learn in what cases complications of hemorrhoids can lead to death, how to prevent such a situation?

Can hemorrhoids cause death?

Many people underestimate hemorrhoids, considering it just a problem of an intimate nature and trying to get rid of unpleasant symptoms on their own, using folk remedies. But when the disease passes into stage 2-3, unbearable pains appear, fear already arises. Patients rush to the doctor, but in 80% of cases it becomes too late – complications appear, the probability of completely defeating the disease is minimized. And here in the thoughts of most patients the question arises – is it possible to die from hemorrhoids? The answer to this question, unfortunately, is satisfactory.

Complications of hemorrhoidal disease

Death from hemorrhoids is rare, but quite likely. As statistics show, most often a fatal outcome is observed in the absence of adequate treatment and the occurrence of concomitant conditions:

• bleeding;
• anemia;
• thrombosis;
• paraproctitis;
• tissue necrosis;
• rectal cancer.

A detailed answer to the question of whether they die from hemorrhoids and why this happens will be considered further.

Bleeding

In the initial stages of development of hemorrhoids, blood loss is insignificant. But as the disease progresses, they increase. Moreover, rectal bleeding begins to occur outside of defecation, leaving traces of blood on underwear. In severe cases, severe bleeding opens, which can ultimately lead to death.

Anemia

More related:

Can hemorrhoids turn into cancer: what are the symptoms and signs that distinguish them?

Hemorrhoids is a dangerous disease known to all for its complications. In addition to the fact that it can lead to necrosis, pinching of hemorrhoids, thrombosis, sepsis, …

Anemia often accompanies bleeding hemorrhoids, a dangerous condition from which one can die. Occurs against the background of blood loss, low blood clotting, hemophilia, thinning of the vascular walls.

Thrombosis

Against the background of a violation of the outflow of blood and congestion in the hemorrhoids, blood clots begin to form, which impair blood circulation. A detached blood clot can clog the pulmonary arteries, which will lead to the death of the patient.

Paraproctitis

Paraproctitis is a serious complication of hemorrhoids, characterized by the spread of inflammatory processes from the rectum to the abdominal cavity with the formation of suppuration in it. The ingress of pus into the blood provokes the development of sepsis, which causes death.

In addition, paraproctitis is one of the causes of rectal cancer, which is difficult to treat and in 70% of cases is fatal.

Tissue necrosis

Tissue necrosis occurs due to the lack of blood flow to the cells. With hemorrhoids, this phenomenon is noted during the infringement of hemorrhoids. The main symptoms are darkening of the bumps in the anus, severe pain, swelling of the anus. Tissue necrosis is dangerous by the occurrence of an abscess, which, if left untreated, can lead to death.