Hemorrhoid Symptoms: know the signs so that you can fight back

Though both internal and external hemorrhoids involve bleeding, itching, burning and pain, each might manifest different symptoms. Below we’re going to explain these hemorrhoid symptoms in details.

For internal hemorrhoids, since it is not visible, the first hemorrhoid symptom is usually painless rectal bleeding. The bleeding is described as bright red blood in color. This occurs because the internal bleeding hemorrhoids would easily rupture because of straining. When the internal hemorrhoids rupture and bleed, the passing stool will pick up this blood, which explains streaks of bright red blood in stools. There may also be bright red drops of blood on the toilet paper after wiping. If you strain to defecate, the blood may spurt or trickle down from your anus. The bleeding may be present for a long time before any other signs may be noticed, except perhaps an occasional feeling of discomfort in the rectum.

Another hemorrhoid symptom is having an uncomfortable feeling of fullness even after a few minutes of passing out your stool. Rectal fullness is described as an uncomfortable feeling of a need to pass stool. The reason for this feeling is the presence of the bulging internal hemorrhoid intruding the end portion of the large intestine that stimulates the nerves to cause a feeling of fullness. The larger the intruding hemorrhoid gets, the more intense is the feeling of the need to eliminate.

Rectal pain is not usually felt in the internal type until it begins to prolapse (rectal prolapse) within the grasp of the anal sphincter during defecation. As the sphincter closes during defecation, the hemorrhoid may become strangulated, therefore generating pain. However, as a person ages, the anal sphincter loses its elasticity, producing less pain. If strangulation occurs to the point of cutting off the whole blood flow through the hemorrhoid, gangrene may set in. If this becomes the case, extreme pain might be felt. An emergency surgery is required to prevent more serious damage.

For external hemorrhoids, the first hemorrhoid symptom is the extra skin around the anus. This skin tag, when inflamed, result in a greater pressure against the anus. Due to the presence of the skin tag, it is much harder to clean it up, needing more time and effort. It can lead to skin irritation, itching and burning. Itching and burning are also caused by the mucus excreted by the body as its way of healing. From this moment on, proper cleaning is important to prevent more skin irritations.

The inflamed hemorrhoid may exacerbate and clot producing more pain. It may be so painful you cannot bear to sit or walk. The clot turns into a hard lump which has blue tints due to the collection of blood under the skin. It also appears shiny due to the stretching of the skin. If the lump is not removed within 24 to 48 hours, the pain will gradually decrease over the following four to five days. The skin covering the lump may break on its own producing mild bleeding.

The majority of people may not even realize that they have hemorrhoids as they do not experience any significant hemorrhoid symptoms and so do not seek consultation. That is why it is still a best practice to have a regular check up to be more in tune with your body.