Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affect millions of people worldwide. They occur when the blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum become inflamed or swollen. Hemorrhoids can be internal, external, or both.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids is important so you can seek treatment early and prevent complications. Here are some of the signs you should look for:.

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not visible from outside. They are usually painless because they are not surrounded by nerves that sense pain. Nevertheless, they can cause discomfort, bleeding, and other symptoms such as:.

Bleeding

One of the most common signs of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding. Blood may appear on the toilet paper after wiping or on the surface of the stool.

The bleeding is usually bright red and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, pressure, or itching in the anus. If you experience persistent bleeding, you should see a doctor to rule out other conditions such as colon cancer.

Prolapse

Another sign of internal hemorrhoids is prolapse. This occurs when the hemorrhoids bulge out of the anus and can be felt or seen during a bowel movement.

Prolapse can cause a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the anus and may require manual reduction to push the hemorrhoids back inside.

Pain and Discomfort

Internal hemorrhoids can also cause pain or discomfort if they become enlarged or inflamed. This can happen if the hemorrhoids are pushed down or out of the anus, or if they are irritated by hard or bulky stools.

Pain and discomfort may be felt during or after a bowel movement, and may be relieved by taking warm baths or applying topical creams or ointments.

Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are located outside the anus and can be seen or felt as lumps or bumps that can be painful. They are covered by skin that contains many nerves, so they are more sensitive to touch and pressure than internal hemorrhoids.

Some of the signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:.

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Itching and Swelling

External hemorrhoids can cause itching and swelling around the anus, which can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. The skin around the hemorrhoids may become irritated or inflamed, making it difficult to sit, walk, or exercise without discomfort.

Pain and Discomfort

External hemorrhoids can be painful, especially if they become thrombosed or engorged with blood. This can cause a sharp, stabbing pain that can be felt during or after bowel movements or even at rest.

Pain and discomfort may be relieved by using topical creams or ointments or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Bleeding

External hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding, although this is less common than with internal hemorrhoids. Blood may appear on the surface of the stool or on the toilet paper after wiping.

If you experience persistent bleeding, you should see a doctor to rule out other conditions such as anal fissures or cancer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Hemorrhoids are usually a minor inconvenience that can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies such as creams, ointments, or suppositories. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:.

• Severe pain or discomfort that does not improve with over-the-counter treatments
• Bleeding that does not stop or recurs frequently
• Prolapse of internal hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced manually or cause severe discomfort
• Signs of infection such as fever, chills, or pus drainage

Your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatments such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal if your hemorrhoids do not respond to conservative measures.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. They can be internal or external and can cause bleeding, pain, discomfort, itching, and swelling around the anus.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids is important so you can seek treatment early and prevent complications. If you experience persistent bleeding, pain, or discomfort, you should see a doctor to rule out other conditions and discuss your treatment options.

With proper care, most people can successfully manage their hemorrhoids and resume their normal activities without discomfort.