Everyone wants to know the the hemorrhoids symptoms. The modern and fast-paced lifestyle we follow has led to increase in hemorrhoids or piles cases. Most adults experience it at some point their life, and resort to home remedies for managing the condition. These work very well for mild cases, but if the discomfort, pain, and swelling do not go away after a week or they get worse—this is when it is time to see a doctor about it.
Thus, knowing these warning signs which you should not ignore can help you avoid unnecessary pain and prevent complications later on. So, read on to know how it is caused, and when you should be concerned about it.
How and why do hemorrhoids form?
While there may be several causes, they all work in the same way—they cause swollen veins in anal area called as haemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, you might feel a sharp pain or burning, or sometimes just bleeding while passing stools.
As for why they form, it mostly boils down to lifestyle choices. Regularly eating ultra-refined foods, not enough hydration, and lack of physical activity all lead to hard stools. And when you try to pass the hard stools, the strain causes swollen veins, pain, bleeding, and itching.
Other factors such as sitting for too long (even over the toilet), lifting heavy weights often, or even the pressure during pregnancy can put added pressure on rectal veins and cause them to swell.
Hemorrhoids Symptoms ?
Most of us think that we have hemorrhoids if we experience pain when passing bowels. While this does hold true for many people, it is not always the case. The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on where they are formed.
There are two main types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
- Internal hemorrhoids are formed due to swollen veins inside the rectum (rectum is inside the body just before the anus). You usually cannot physically see or feel them and they do not cause any discomfort. The only way you know about them would be
- You would notice painless bright bleeding- either on the stools or the toilet paper.
- If the internally swollen vein hangs out of the anal opening leading to pain and irritation.
- External hemorrhoids form around the anal opening. These are easier to notice as they can be felt. Common symptoms are
- Swelling around the anal area.
- Pain and discomfort while passing stools.
- Itching and irritation near the anus.
- In some severe cases, bleeding.
- Sometimes, a more painful type called thrombosed hemorrhoids develops. This happens when the blood pools and clots in the swollen vein of an external hemorrhoid—forming something called a thrombus. If this happens, you would experience
- A purple-bluish and hard lump near the anus.
- Severe pain (while sitting and walking) and itching
- Rectal bleeding
Knowing which type you are having, and at what stage, helps you understand what is going on and when it’s time to see a doctor.
When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids ?
Mild hemorrhoids can get better at home with simple care such as eating healthy fibre rich diets, drinking plenty water, using stool softeners, and sitz baths. However, sometimes you would have tried most of the common routines but still did not get effective relief.
When this happens, starting stage hemorrhoids quickly become severe with recurring symptoms. In some cases, your symptoms could be linked to other underlying conditions. That is why visiting a doctor can help you get faster and more effective relief.
Must-know warning signs to visit the doctor ?
- Bleeding before, during or after passing bowels. Bleeding occurs due to swelling and intense straining when passing hard stools. But it can also be a sign of other conditions such as colorectal or anal cancers which only a doctor can identify. So, no matter how mild, don’t ignore any bleeding.
- If the discomfort is not resolved in one week despite trying home remedies and OTC medications. Visit the doctor as it shows that your hemorrhoids may not be healing. Continuous straining in such situations, will lead to more pain and bleeding.
- If your symptoms worsen over time. Using home remedies and OTC medicines ease symptoms temporarily, but do not fix the root of the cause. If your symptoms return or worsen, then it’s time see a doctor. They can treat the flare up, and ensure that it will not reoccur again.
- If you happen to notice a bulge after many instances of haemorrhoids. This is a sign of something called a prolapsed hemorrhoid which goes in by itself initially. But if the bulge grows, it cannot go back in. Then even slight straining can cause intense pain, bleeding, and discomfort. Visit your colorectal specialist as soon as you notice a lump, even if it’s small.
- Last but not the least—if you are uncertain that the discomfort and pain or bulge is not because of haemorrhoids. Bleeding, and pain are not only due to piles. Other colorectal conditions also have overlapping symptoms. If you’re unsure or specially if experience bleeding or pain with no history of constipation or hemorrhoids, it is best to get checked by a doctor.
When is visiting the doctor is the best option for hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids is so common—an estimated 50% of Indians have had hemorrhoids at some point in our lives. Most people manage it at home with increasing fibre, water and reducing refined foods. But despite your efforts sometimes, these symptoms keep coming back. Factors like pregnancy, certain medications, and sedentary lifestyles can make hemorrhoids recur or worsen over time.
If you notice bleeding, continuous pain, or swelling that does not improve within a week with home care, it is time to see a doctor. Which better doctor to attend to your needs other than the colorectal specialists at Smiles gastroenterology centers, Bangalore.
Our specialists focus exclusively on conditions of the colon, rectum and anus. They make sure you get care beyond just a quick fix by getting to the root cause of it. Always remember, there is no need to suffer in silence; early treatment means better comfort and good health.
