What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
When it comes to hemorrhoids, there can be a variety of symptoms. Medically speaking, many people with hemorrhoids never know that they have them, as small hemorrhoids that produce no discernible symptoms are quite common.
For more severe hemorrhoids, however, symptoms can range from mild but common to exceptionally rare but nonetheless dangerous. What follows is an explanation of the many symptoms of hemorrhoids.
The most common of the symptoms of hemorrhoids is bleeding that is noticed after a bowel movement. This symptom, while alarming, is usually harmless and the result of an irritated or burst blood vessel.
When bleeding is minor, bright red, and able to be stopped, there is no need for immediate concern. It is only when there is significant blood loss at current or over a period of time that there is a pressing medical emergency. Many hemorrhoids resolve themselves in a few days with basic home care.
Other common symptoms of hemorrhoids are itching and pain. For many people, this can be the first sign that hemorrhoids have occurred, as bleeding is not a symptom that occurs or is noticeable for everyone.
While the itching and pain may be quite bothersome, both symptoms are often able to be managed with over the counter treatments that alleviate these symptoms and reduce swelling.
Other symptoms of hemorrhoids can include small, hard lumps indicating a blood clot in the hemorrhoid that needs medical attention, or draining mucus which signifies an infection.
While over cleaning or harsh scrubbing can irritate hemorrhoids and cause more pain, it is necessary to gently clean the area surrounding external hemorrhoids gently with warm water to help prevent infections. If you experience severe bleeding, prolonged severe pain, or signs of an infection, it is important to contact a health care professional.
Less common symptoms of hemorrhoids are things such as feeling a need to pass stool even after having a bowel movement. This feeling occurs when the hemorrhoid has become quite large and is pressing on the end of the large intestine portion of the anal canal.
While rather uncomfortable, this symptom will usually subside quickly with proper home care and dietary adjustments. Another uncommon symptom is severe pain that will not subside with standard treatment at home. Severe pain can signal that the hemorrhoid has lost its blood supply, which is considered a medical emergency and will require medical intervention. This occurrence is unlikely.
In short, symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the location of the hemorrhoid, and the diet and hygiene habits of the person with hemorrhoids.
While most hemorrhoids can be easily treated at home, it is important to monitor the condition and to note any symptoms that may require medical treatment. The best prevention for hemorrhoids involves the addition of bulk fiber to the diet and maintaining adequate hydration.
While not all hemorrhoids can be prevented, these two simple steps can prevent a majority of occurrences while reducing the severity and duration of hemorrhoids that do occur.