As either external or internal swollen veins situated in the lower rectum or around the anus, hemorrhoids are far from pleasant and not at all uncommon. Increased age, pregnancy, obesity, and straining from bowel movements are usual causes of hemorrhoids. However, more often than not, the cause for their occurrence is unknown. By the age of 50, at least half of all adults will experience their unpleasant effects.
Also, commonly known as piles, hemorrhoids are similar in nature to varicose veins and can occur both inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin surrounding the anus (external hemorrhoids). They are often uncomfortable and painful, and accompanied by significant itching. Sometimes, bleeding can also occur if a clot develops within them, in which case lancing and draining by a physician would be necessary.
1. Painful Bowel Movements
Bowel movements are a normal life process, but when they are accompanied by pain, it is natural to feel alarmed. Although this symptom can be related to a variety of causes, it is also a common sign of the presence of hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids, in particular, are strongly correlated with painful bowel movements, which often result from straining too hard when attempting to pass stool. To help relieve this symptom, soaking in a tub of warm water or a sitz bath for 10-15 minutes per day can help. However, if the pain is unbearable, recurring without relief, and/or accompanied by blood in the stool, then a prompt visit to your physician is advised to ensure that further complications do not arise and that adequate treatment is received.
2. Rectum Pain
Rectum pain is yet another one of the signs of the presence of hemorrhoids, and it is also strongly associated with the external type. Specifically, it spasms within the muscles that surround the rectum that cause this type of pain. When the pain becomes sharp in nature, this is a sign that the blood in the hemorrhoid has clotted. If this happens, it means that the hemorrhoids have thrombosed. The discomfort can then become excruciating and last for days, and so medical attention is thus strongly encouraged should this occur. Consultation with a gastroenterologist or rectal surgeon, in particular, are your best bets for the promptest care and relief.
3. Pain While Sitting
Another one of the signs of this condition is experiencing pain while sitting. Particularly, it is pressure on the hemorrhoids that results in this type of irritation and pain. Both types, internal and external, can cause this symptom. Home remedies for tenderness while sitting include, but are not limited to, soaking in warm water for several minutes multiple times per day, over-the-counter wipes containing witch hazel, and the application of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. It is important to note that the use of hydrocortisone should not exceed 1 week, as it can increase skin sensitivity and thin the tissues on the area it is applied to.
4. Discomfort
Yet another one of the signs of hemorrhoids is mild/moderate to intense discomfort in and around the rectal area. If the tenderness is associated with the external type, it is a result of the pain-sensing nerves being activated under the tissues surrounding the rectum. If, however, the hemorrhoids prolapse, they will enlarge and protrude outside of the anal sphincter, with resulting irritation as well.
If the discomfort that you are experiencing is mild to moderate in nature, as this condition usually resolves on its own with proper care and attention, it is best to first try to resolve the condition through lifestyle changes and the use of home/over-the-counter remedies. The application of a cold pack on the tender area for a couple of minutes, a few times per day, can help to reduce both swelling and pain. Ensuring that you are drinking adequate fluids, preferably plain water, and maintaining a fiber-rich diet are beneficial as well.
5. Constipation
Infrequent bowel movements and difficultly passing stool are trademark signs of constipation, a common condition that is also associated with the presence of hemorrhoids. While there are several causes for this symptom, some of the usual ones include: inactivity, stress, inadequate fluid intake, and poor diet. Not surprisingly, these are all factors that also contribute to hemorrhoid formation.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to be proactive and make some significant lifestyle changes to relieve mild to moderate constipation, such as increasing fiber intake, ensuring proper hydration, limiting dairy products, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. It is when constipation becomes chronic, painful, and/or results in bleeding from the rectal area that a trip to the physician’s office is strongly advised.
6. Blood in Stool
Without a doubt, the secretion of blood from any part of the body is alarming for all individuals to experience, and especially when coming from the rectal area. As another one of the signs of this condition, blood in the stool is no exception.
When the swollen veins associated with this condition become damaged from the passing of hard stools, the result is either bright red or red blood visible in the actual stool or on toilet paper after wiping the area. Blood in the stool is always a sign that prompt attention by your physician is necessary to not only prevent the condition from worsening, but also to more aggressively treat the hemorrhoids and rule out any other underlying and possibly life-threatening conditions.
7. Itchiness Near Anus
Itchiness anywhere on the extremities is an unpleasant condition, but when it is correlated with the presence of hemorrhoids, it can be even more unbearable. Specifically, it is the swelling of the blood vessels in the rectal region and the resulting irritation that ensues in the area that results in the itchiness near the anus.
While not considered to be the most severe of the symptoms associated with this condition, rectal itchiness can certainly be miserable to experience. Fortunately, it does usually resolve on its own with proper attention to the underlying condition causing it and the use of home remedies, such as petroleum jelly application around the anus, cleansing with witch hazel wipes, rinsing the area with plain water, and the use of antihistamines to help relieve inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream may also be applied to the affected area. However, as noted above, use of this topical should not exceed 1 week.
