Internal hemorrhoids are so far inside your rectum that you can't usually see or feel them. They don't generally hurt because you have few pain-sensing nerves there. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include: Show
External hemorrhoids External hemorrhoids are under the skin around your anus, where there are many more pain-sensing nerves. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
Thrombosed hemorrhoids A blood clot can turn an external hemorrhoid purple or blue. This is called a thrombosis or a thrombosed hemorrhoid. You may notice symptoms like:
When to call your doctor Hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. If the symptoms don’t go away in a week or if you have bleeding, see your doctor to make sure you don’t have a more serious condition. You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your parents, had them. Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from:
People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at greater risk, too. You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesn't clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse. Hemorrhoids DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll probably need to do one or both of these examinations:
To diagnose internal hemorrhoids or rule out other conditions, you might need a more thorough test, including:
Hemorrhoids TreatmentHemorrhoid symptoms usually go away on their own. Your doctor’s treatment plan will depend on how severe your symptoms are.
Rarely, hemorrhoids could lead to problems such as:
Hemorrhoids PreventionTo prevent hemorrhoid flare-ups, try these steps:
SOURCES: FamilyDoctor.org: "Hemorrhoids Overview"; "Hemorrhoids Treatment"; "Hemorrhoids Causes & Risk Factors"; and "Hemorrhoidectomy for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids." |