Hemorrhoids, How Serious Are They?

Hemorrhoids are actually quite common. Piles are enlarged blood vessels or swollen tissues found around the anus. They can lead to pain, swelling, and itching of the area surrounding the anus. Symptoms vary in severity depending on their cause which can be either internal or external hemorrhoids. symptoms include:

– anal pain

– itching at the rectum area

– bowel movements that increase in frequency or decrease in size (bowel movements may be difficult to pass because of pain)

– mucus discharge near but not from your anus (when you wipe yourself, you see mucus instead of normal stool) 

Most are not serious. Treatment can be done at home, but in some cases, a doctor’s visit might be necessary. A Hemorrhoid that becomes large enough to protrude from the anus is called a prolapsed Hemorrhoid – Hemorrhoids that have been around for a long time may cause chronic blood loss. they are considered serious when they become thrombosed hemorrhoid. Symptoms should not be taken lightly, and you shouldn’t try to treat them on your own without consulting a doctor.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels or swollen tissues found around the anus, usually caused by too much pressure on the abdomen. Hemorrhoids most commonly develop after having a bowel movement and typically don’t last long. They may cause pain, irritation, or itching in the rectum area. Symptoms vary in severity depending on their cause which can be either internal or external Hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids are located under the mucus lining of the anus and cannot be easily seen, whereas an External Hemorrhoid is more prominent since it protrudes out from the anus and can be easily noticed. Hemorrhoids that have been around for a long time may cause chronic blood loss and should not be taken lightly.

How to identify Hemorrhoids?

They can show up unexpectedly, so you’ll want to know what to look out for. Hemorrhoids can be diagnosed by a doctor using a diagnosis. They are classified as Internal if they’re located under the mucus lining of the anus or External if they protrude from the anus. They may produce symptoms depending on their location and severity, such as anal pain, itching at the rectum area, bowel movements that increase in frequency or decrease in size (bowel movements may be difficult to pass because of pain), blood clots when you wipe yourself, mucus discharge near but not from your anus (when you wipe yourself, you see mucus instead of normal stool)

When should you see a doctor about your Hemorrhoids?

Seek diagnosis as soon as you start experiencing symptoms such as anal pain, itching at the rectum area, bowel movements that increase in frequency or decrease in size (bowel movements may be difficult to pass because of pain), blood clots when you wipe yourself, and mucus discharge near but not from your anus (when you wipe yourself, you see mucus instead of normal stool).

Hemorrhoids are typically diagnosed by a doctor either through a diagnosis or by observing piles protruding from the anus. It’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re currently taking since some drugs can cause Hemorrhoids or make symptoms worse.

Hemorrhoids that have been around for a long time, piles that are causing chronic blood loss, and that are thrombosed can sometimes be surgically removed depending on the severity. Most can be treated at home using treatment options. If you suspect you might have caused any damage to the anal sphincter muscles, see a doctor immediately since there may not be much time to fix the damage done before it becomes permanent. 

What types of surgeries are available?

Surgery is usually done when symptoms are severe, and they have caused damage to the anal sphincter or anus. Surgeries can be External Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of external Hemorrhoids only) or Internal Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of internal Hemorrhoids, which is a more complicated surgery). There’s also a less conventional, at-home type of internal surgery called rubber band ligation, where the patient places rubber bands around the base of the tissue causing a lack of blood flow to them, thus causing death.

Are Hemorrhoid Surgeries Permanent?

Surgeries are used as Hemorrhoid treatments, so they will probably come back. Treatments such as medications can be used to prevent them from returning so you can avoid surgeries in the future if possible.

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.