What are the symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids? What causes them and what complications can arise? How can hemorrhoids be prevented and treated effectively? Find answers to all your questions about managing this common condition.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Types

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects around 1 in 20 Americans, with the prevalence increasing to about 50% in adults over the age of 50. Hemorrhoids are essentially swollen blood vessels and veins located around the anus and lower rectum.

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop within the rectum and are not visible or felt. However, they can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements, where small amounts of bright red blood may appear on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. In severe cases, internal hemorrhoids can become prolapsed, meaning they protrude through the anus, leading to irritation, pain, and discomfort.

Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located outside the anus and are much more noticeable. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include pain, discomfort, itching, and irritation in the anal area. Bleeding and swelling around the anus are also common signs of external hemorrhoids.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure and strain on the veins around the anus and rectum. Several factors can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, including:

• Prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Low-fiber diet
• Obesity

Potential Complications of Hemorrhoids

While complications from hemorrhoids are generally rare, there are a few that can arise if the condition is left untreated:

Strangulated Hemorrhoid

A strangulated hemorrhoid occurs when the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, leading to extreme pain and discomfort.

Anemia

In some cases, chronic bleeding from hemorrhoids can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a depletion of red blood cells and reduced oxygen circulation in the body.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can form in thrombosed hemorrhoids, which can cause pain but are not necessarily a dangerous condition.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent the development of hemorrhoids:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
2. Consume a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep stools soft and regular.
3. Avoid straining during bowel movements and minimize the time spent sitting on the toilet.
4. Engage in regular physical activity to promote healthy circulation and prevent constipation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hemorrhoids

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or a gastroenterologist:

• Persistent or worsening hemorrhoid symptoms that don’t improve with self-care measures
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Changes in bowel habits, consistency, or color that cannot be attributed to hemorrhoids

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

Depending on the type, frequency, and severity of your hemorrhoids, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

Dietary Changes and Topical Treatments

For mild to moderate hemorrhoids, dietary modifications, over-the-counter creams or ointments, and lifestyle changes may be sufficient to manage the symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For more severe or persistent hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive treatments such as rubber band ligation, coagulation, or injection (sclerotherapy).

Surgical Interventions

In rare, extreme cases, surgery may be necessary, such as a hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal of the hemorrhoid) or hemorrhoid stapling to block blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue.

Remember, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition and needs.

Hemorrhoid Treatment Panama City | Hemorrhoid Doctor Panama City

• What are the Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids?

  Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum, so they can’t be seen or felt, and don’t typically cause pain or discomfort.  However, if straining or irritation occurs during a bowel movement there can be signs that you’re experiencing an internal hemorrhoid.  Painless bleed can be indicated by small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet or on the toilet paper.  In extreme cases, an internal hemorrhoid can become prolapsed and protrude through the rectum, which will cause irritation and pain.

• What are the Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids?

  External hemorrhoids have much more obvious signs. Pain and discomfort in that region of your body, along with irritation and itching in and around the anus are symptoms of an external hemorrhoid.  You may also experience bleeding and swelling around your anus.

• What Causes Hemorrhoids?

  There are many habits, conditions, and factors that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.  Because the veins around the anus are designed to move and stretch under pressure and strain, it is not out of the question that they can swell and bulge.  Increased pressure in the lower rectum can be caused by prolonged sitting periods on the toilet, straining during bowel movements, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.  Other factors can include pregnancy, low fiber diets, and obesity.  

• What Complications Can Arise from Hemorrhoids?

  While complications from hemorrhoids are rare, there are a few that can develop if left untreated.  The development of a strangulated hemorrhoid, which occurs if the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is experienced, can cause extreme pain.  Anemia stemming from blood loss from the hemorrhoid, while rare, can deplete your body’s red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body.  Blood clots can also form in a thromboses hemorrhoid.  This is not a necessarily dangerous condition but can cause pain.

• How Can Hemorrhoids be Prevented?

  There are several ways to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.  Begin by staying hydrated by drinking pelting of fluids.  Six to eight glasses of water will help to keep your stools soft.  High-fiber diets that include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help to reduce or prevent straining.  Minimizing holding a bowel movement and reducing straining are two critical ways to decrease your chance of developing hemorrhoids.  There are also simple habits and activities that can prevent this condition.  Minimize long periods of sitting, specifically on the toilet.  Also, a regular exercise routine can reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent constipation.

• When Should You See a Doctor about Hemorrhoids?

  If you ever experience bleeding during a bowel movement, or your hemorrhoid symptoms don’t improve, you should see your doctor or gastroenterologist.  Any changes in bowel movement habits, consistency, or color doesn’t necessarily mean that it is caused by hemorrhoids but should be assessed by a physician.  

• How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?

  Hemorrhoids can be treated in a variety of ways depending on their type, frequency, and severity.  There are diet changes, topical treatments, and medications that can be used.  There are also minimally invasive treatments like rubber band ligation, coagulation, and injection.  Rubber band ligation requires your doctor to place a very small rubber bands around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation, causing it to fall off in a week.  Coagulation uses heat or infrared light to harden and shrivel the hemorrhoid.  Injection, or sclerotherapy, has your doctor use a chemical solution to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.  For extreme conditions, surgery can be implemented.  This is a rare occasion for patients.  A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid.  Hemorrhoid stapling can also be done to block the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue in internal hemorrhoids.  

How to treat hemorrhoids | OSF HealthCare

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National statistics show that hemorrhoids affect about 1 in 20 Americans and about half of adults older than 50. So, there’s a good chance that once you reach 50, you’ll have to deal with hemorrhoids at one point or another.

Hemorrhoid tissues are veins and blood vessels inside and outside the anus that swell slightly during bowel movements. If you exert too much pressure, they may stay enlarged and inflamed. If you have hemorrhoids, you know what problems this can cause.

So what do you do for hemorrhoids?

Julie Maner-Stevenson, advanced practice registered nurse with OSF HealthCare, talks about the different ways you can treat your hemorrhoids.

Julie notes that treatment will depend on your symptoms, age and general health. Depending on how severe your condition has become, your primary care provider (PCP) can advise treating your hemorrhoids.

Important warning

It is important to talk to your PCP if you have blood in your stool. It can also be a sign of other digestive disorders, such as colorectal cancer.

“If you have rectal bleeding, you should seek medical attention. Rectal bleeding warrants a colonoscopy,” Julie said. “This procedure is done by a doctor that has been trained to look in your colon with a surgical scope.”

Speak to your PCP if you find blood in your stool or on your toilet paper for the first time, or see an increase in the usual amount, thereafter.

At-home treatments

Some at-home treatments may relieve symptoms immediately, while others require changes in your diet and exercise habits. Most long-term changes help improve bowel movements and may prevent hemorrhoids from returning.

“If you do have bothersome hemorrhoids, you may get relief with warm baths two to three times a day,” Julie said. “You only need to sit in a few inches of water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Sometimes, your provider may have you add ingredients or use cold water. It depends on your situation.

“There are several over-the-counter preparations in creams or ointments that can reduce symptoms, but talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.”

Your PCP may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and have you use ice packs to ease your symptoms.

Medical intervention

There are times when professional assistance is needed. If necessary, your PCP will refer you to a surgeon or other specialist.

“The OSF general surgery department treats hemorrhoids in a couple of different ways,” Julie said.

• Internal hemorrhoids warrant a procedure in our office. One of our surgeons will insert a very small rubber band over the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid will usually fall off within seven to 10 days. This procedure is painless, as people do not have pain receptors in this area.