Hemorrhoid Symptoms: Is It Time to See a Hemorrhoid Specialist?

Hemorrhoids are a common condition characterized by itching, discomfort and bleeding near the anus. Nearly 3 out of 4 adults will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Sometimes, hemorrhoids won’t display any symptoms at all, while other times, the symptoms can be related to another more serious condition.

You may be exhibiting common symptoms of hemorrhoids, but how exactly do you know if those symptoms are related to hemorrhoids or a byproduct of another condition?  Below, we will look into common symptoms of hemorrhoids, when to seek hemorrhoid treatment and other conditions that can cause hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

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Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • Bleeding during bowel movements

  • Itching or irritation in your anal region

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Swelling around the anus

  • A lump near your anus which may be painful

The symptoms of hemorrhoids may vary depending on the location.

Types of Hemorrhoids: There are three main types of hemorrhoids.

  • Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum and normally aren’t seen or felt, rarely causing discomfort. Occasionally, straining when passing a bowel movement can cause a hemorrhoid to push through the opening and cause pain and irritation.

  • External hemorrhoids are found beneath the skin of the anus. When irritated, these will normally itch and bleed.

  • Thrombosed hemorrhoids can result in severe pain and inflammation. This type is caused by blood pooling in an external hemorrhoid and resulting in a clot.

When to See a Hemorrhoid Specialist

If you see bleeding during bowel movements, it may be time to seek treatment of a hemorrhoid doctor. Your physician will perform a physical examination and other tests to confirm hemorrhoids and rule out other more serious conditions or diseases.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Conditions and habits that can cause hemorrhoids include pregnancy, obesity, chronic constipation, straining during bowl movements. Hemorrhoids are also more common in older people as the tissues supporting the veins in your rectum weaken and stretch over time.

Other Conditions Exhibiting Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Anal bleeding is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids, but assuming rectal bleeding is simply due to hemorrhoids, without the confirmation of a specialist, can be dangerous. Other more serious conditions and diseases can cause rectal bleeding, including colon cancer and rectal cancer. Never assume your rectal bleeding is the product of a less serious condition. If you experience large amounts rectal bleeding or chronic bleeding in that area, seek emergency medical care or call your physician immediately.

There are a few complications associated with hemorrhoids to be aware of when assessing your symptoms and speaking with your hemorrhoid specialist. Chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, which is a condition in which a person does not possess enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Another complication is a strangulated hemorrhoid, caused by an internal hemorrhoid being cut off from the blood supply. These result in extreme pain.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to maintain healthy, soft stool and bowel movements. Eat plenty of fiber, drink lots of water and avoid straining or holding in a bowel movement. Exercise and avoiding long periods of sitting can also prevent hemorrhoids.