Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek CareNext in Hemorrhoids GuideCauses and Risks Factors of Hemorrhoids
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Care
Next in Hemorrhoids Guide
For most people, the signs and symptoms ofhemorrhoids—itchiness, swelling, and discomfort—are mild and respond to home remedies and lifestyle changes. Less commonly, hemorrhoid signs and symptoms will be severe enough that they require treatment from a physician.
Rarely, hemorrhoids that cause significant blood loss or a blood clot can be life-threatening.It’s important to note that one of the chief calling cards of hemorrhoids,blood in or on the stoolor on toilet paper, should never be considered normal. While the cause could indeed be hemorrhoids, a more serious condition could be underlying.
This article covers what hemorrhoids feel like and other symptoms to look out for. It also discusses the possible complications that can result from hemorrhoids, along with when to see a healthcare provider.
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Hemorrhoids can come with external and/or internal symptoms, depending on how they form.
External Hemorrhoids
If the hemorrhoid becomes inflamed andengorged with blood(thrombosed), it may look bluish-purple and be painful, not only during abowel movementbut even when walking or sitting.
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:
Internal Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids on the inside of the rectum, called internal hemorrhoids, might not cause symptoms and might only be discovered or diagnosedwhen they cause bleeding.
Unlike external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids are not painful because of a lack of sensory nerve endings inside the anus. Bright red can be seen on the stool, in the toilet, or on the toilet tissue after wiping.
However, in some cases, an internal hemorrhoid can become prolapsed, meaning it will extend out of the anus. This might happen, for instance, when lifting something heavy or during a bowel movement. Aprolapsed hemorrhoidmight become painful but usually retracts back inside the anus on its own.
The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:
Hemorrhoids are typicallyconsidered 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 sometimesclot, 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.
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.
It is also rare, but significant blood loss from chronic hemorrhoids has been associated with the development of anemia.
Another rare complication is a strangulated hemorrhoid, where the blood flow to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, which can cause extreme pain.Strangulated hemorrhoids present a risk of infection, so it’s important to seek care in order to prevent this outcome.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation? What to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
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 appeartarry(black with a sticky consistency) 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.
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Bloody stool 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.
Itching, swelling, and pain related to a bowel movement, the typical symptoms of hemorrhoids, are likely to occur with aninfection. In addition, you may have a fever and redness around the anus, and the pain will likely get worse even after you’ve treated the area.See a doctor right away to confirm whether your hemorrhoids are infected and to start treatment.
Causes and Risks Factors of Hemorrhoids
Summary
Hemorrhoids can grow inside the rectum (internal piles) or outside the rectum (external piles). Aside from mild itching, swelling, and discomfort, hemorrhoids don’t tend to cause complications and may even resolve on their own. Although rare, hemorrhoids can result in severe pain, life-threatening bleeding, or infection. See your healthcare provider immediately if you are experiencing extreme pain or blood loss that causes you to feel dizzy or faint, a fever, or any other signs of infection.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun Z, Migaly J.Review of hemorrhoid disease: Presentation and management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.Lohsiriwat V.Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist’s view. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(31):9245-52. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9245National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of hemorrhoids.Talaie R, Torkian P, Dooghaie Moghadam A, et al.Hemorrhoid embolization: A review of current evidences.DII. 2022 Jan;103(1):3-11. doi:10.1016/j.diii.2021.07.001Hardy A, Cohen CRG.The acute management of haemorrhoids.Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Oct;96(7):508-511. doi:10.1308/003588414X13946184900967Additional ReadingIbrahim AM, Hackford AW, Lee YM, Cave DR.Hemorrhoids can be a source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that requires transfusion: report of five patients.Dis Colon Rectum. 2008;51:1292-4. doi:10.1007/s10350-008-9376-3Lorber BW.Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid Excision. Medscape.Sanchez C, Chinn BT.Hemorrhoids.Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2011;24:5-13. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1272818
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun Z, Migaly J.Review of hemorrhoid disease: Presentation and management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.Lohsiriwat V.Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist’s view. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(31):9245-52. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9245National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of hemorrhoids.Talaie R, Torkian P, Dooghaie Moghadam A, et al.Hemorrhoid embolization: A review of current evidences.DII. 2022 Jan;103(1):3-11. doi:10.1016/j.diii.2021.07.001Hardy A, Cohen CRG.The acute management of haemorrhoids.Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Oct;96(7):508-511. doi:10.1308/003588414X13946184900967Additional ReadingIbrahim AM, Hackford AW, Lee YM, Cave DR.Hemorrhoids can be a source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that requires transfusion: report of five patients.Dis Colon Rectum. 2008;51:1292-4. doi:10.1007/s10350-008-9376-3Lorber BW.Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid Excision. Medscape.Sanchez C, Chinn BT.Hemorrhoids.Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2011;24:5-13. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1272818
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sun Z, Migaly J.Review of hemorrhoid disease: Presentation and management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.Lohsiriwat V.Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist’s view. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(31):9245-52. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9245National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of hemorrhoids.Talaie R, Torkian P, Dooghaie Moghadam A, et al.Hemorrhoid embolization: A review of current evidences.DII. 2022 Jan;103(1):3-11. doi:10.1016/j.diii.2021.07.001Hardy A, Cohen CRG.The acute management of haemorrhoids.Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Oct;96(7):508-511. doi:10.1308/003588414X13946184900967
Sun Z, Migaly J.Review of hemorrhoid disease: Presentation and management.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):22-29. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1568144
Harvard Medical School.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of hemorrhoids.
Lohsiriwat V.Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist’s view. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(31):9245-52. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9245
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of hemorrhoids.
Talaie R, Torkian P, Dooghaie Moghadam A, et al.Hemorrhoid embolization: A review of current evidences.DII. 2022 Jan;103(1):3-11. doi:10.1016/j.diii.2021.07.001
Hardy A, Cohen CRG.The acute management of haemorrhoids.Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Oct;96(7):508-511. doi:10.1308/003588414X13946184900967
Ibrahim AM, Hackford AW, Lee YM, Cave DR.Hemorrhoids can be a source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that requires transfusion: report of five patients.Dis Colon Rectum. 2008;51:1292-4. doi:10.1007/s10350-008-9376-3Lorber BW.Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid Excision. Medscape.Sanchez C, Chinn BT.Hemorrhoids.Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2011;24:5-13. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1272818
Ibrahim AM, Hackford AW, Lee YM, Cave DR.Hemorrhoids can be a source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that requires transfusion: report of five patients.Dis Colon Rectum. 2008;51:1292-4. doi:10.1007/s10350-008-9376-3
Lorber BW.Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid Excision. Medscape.
Sanchez C, Chinn BT.Hemorrhoids.Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2011;24:5-13. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1272818
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