Thrombosed Hemorrhoids, Where do they come from?

What is hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoidal thrombosis, is a hemorrhoid that has become inflamed and enlarged because of blood stagnation. The rectal veins are superficial in the anal canal. They are shaped like an upside-down “Y.” When these veins swell, they form piles. They can be internal or external. Thrombosed piles will always be external.

Are all hemorrhoids painful?

Symptoms include itching, bleeding, irritation, swelling, and pain. Most do not cause pain unless they are thrombosed or prolapsed (meaning hanging out of the body). Symptoms are usually worse with bowel movements. They are common in both men and women of all ages, although they are more common among people over 50.

What causes hemorrhoids?

They typically develop when straining during a bowel movement forces blood to pool within rectal veins. This pressure leads to hemorrhoid dilation, inflammation, infection, thrombosis, and edema. External piles can become acutely painful due to exposure and irritation from toilet paper and moist environments (such as hot and humid weather). Internal piles do not have pain-sensitive nerves, so they often go unnoticed unless they cause rectal bleeding.

How do I know if I have hemorrhoids?

Typically, they are diagnosed by your medical professional after a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms. With external hemorrhoids, the diagnosis is made while examining the tissue around the anus. The rectal exam may reveal tenderness and swelling in areas with piles. The presence of blood on toilet paper suggests the presence of internal piles.

If you suspect that you may have them, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will ask about your current eating and bowel habits along with your entire history to determine the cause and proper treatment options for symptoms.  

How do doctors treat hemorrhoid symptoms?

Treatments for symptoms vary widely. They can include ice packs, suppositories, creams, banding (a rubber band is placed around the pile to cut off circulation), pricking with a scalpel, and hemorrhoidectomy surgery.

What are thrombosed hemorrhoids symptoms?  

If they have become enlarged or inflamed because of blood stagnation, it is thrombosed. These symptoms include pain, swelling, bleeding, irritation, itching, and redness. Symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to further complications if left untreated.

Thrombosed piles may recur or persist for months, even after treatment. If you experience symptoms that persist or worsen, you should seek medical care.

What causes thrombosed hemorrhoids?  

They are caused by blood stagnation in hemorrhoidal veins. This form is more common among people with chronic constipation, diarrhea, or heavy lifting. These symptoms can be excruciating and make it challenging to move around.

Blood flow becomes obstructed when straining pushes blood out of the rectal vessels into healthier venous vessels. Blood then coagulates within the hemorrhoid, causing inflammation. The slow flow of new blood creates a stagnant environment which prompts new clot formation every four days.

Should I go to the ER for a thrombosed hemorrhoid?

If you are experiencing intense symptoms, mainly if they are located externally, you should visit your local emergency room. Anal itching, bleeding, and irritation require immediate medical attention.

While symptoms usually resolve independently, thrombosed piles can worsen quickly without proper treatment. If left untreated, the blood supply to the pile is cut off, which causes necrosis (death of tissue). The dead tissue needs to be surgically removed to prevent further complications such as anal abscesses.

What are some thrombosed hemorrhoid treatments?

Treatment options for hemorrhoidal symptoms vary significantly depending upon the severity and location of sores. If necessary, thrombotic hemorrhoids can be treated at home by ointment, creams, suppositories, and hemorrhoidectomy. Other symptoms can also be treated with topical ointments; however, these should not be used for longer than a few days without consulting your doctor.

Will a thrombosed hemorrhoid come back?

If you have had a thrombosed hemorrhoid in the past, there is no guarantee that it will happen again. They are caused by many conditions that include pregnancy or childbirth, aging, and long-term straining due to chronic constipation.

It is possible to prevent future piles by preventing prolonged straining during bowel movements. Additionally, hemorrhoids can be prevented by improving body posture during bowel movements. A hemorrhoidectomy surgery or hemorrhoid ligation may offer lasting relief from symptoms.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.