Frequent Symptoms
Hemorrhoids can come with external and/or internal symptoms, depending on how they form.
External Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids on the outside of the anus are known as external hemorrhoids. A hard lump might be felt in that area and can often be uncomfortable because it is irritated by bowel movements and by wiping with toilet paper. External hemorrhoids are painful because of the many nerve endings located on the skin around the anus.
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:
Anal pain Bleeding during bowel movements Burning sensation around the anus Itchiness (pruritis ani) Swelling around the anus Tenderness when wiping
Internal Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids on the inside of the rectum, called internal hemorrhoids, might not cause symptoms and might only be discovered or diagnosed when they cause bleeding.
However, in some cases, an internal hemorrhoid can become prolapsed and will extend out of the anus. This might happen, for instance, when lifting something heavy or during a bowel movement. A prolapsed hemorrhoid might become painful but usually retracts back inside the anus on its own.
The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:
Bleeding during bowel movements Itchiness (pruritis ani)Pain in the case of prolapse
Rare Symptoms
Hemorrhoids are typically considered a mild and common problem, but in rare circumstances, there can be more troublesome signs and symptoms. In some cases, there may be fecal soiling along with the presence of hemorrhoids, or a feeling that the bowel isn’t completely emptied after going to the bathroom.
External hemorrhoids may rarely have blood pool inside them and sometimes clot, which is called an acutely thrombosed hemorrhoid. This type of hemorrhoid may cause inflammation, and may feel like a hard painful lump the size of a marble on the outside of the anus.
If an internal hemorrhoid prolapses and can’t be pushed back inside, it may be chronically prolapsed. Rarely, the prolapse can lead to complications such as a lack of blood flow to the area and an infection.
Complications
Hemorrhoids can be chronic and painful, but they do not usually cause complications. Rarely, a thrombosed hemorrhoid may rupture. This might cause more bleeding and pain, but the site of the rupture usually heals on its own. In some cases, a skin tag might form at the location of a thrombosed hemorrhoid that has healed.
When to See a Doctor
Blood in the stool is never normal and should always be discussed with a physician, even when it is thought to be from a hemorrhoid.
Blood in the stool is most often the result of hemorrhoids; bright red blood is characteristic. Stools that have darker red blood or that appear tarry might be related to another condition, particularly one associated with an area higher up in the digestive tract. In the event of these symptoms, it might be necessary to have testing to rule out other conditions.
This type of bleeding is not typical for hemorrhoids and may be an indication that another problem is occurring. Similarly, mucus or pus from the rectum, fever, chills, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat aren’t common symptoms of a hemorrhoid and are also a reason to seek medical care right away.
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