A list of Hemorrhoids Symptoms

Published at 16 October 2024

Hemorrhoids are a common condition in both men and women. According to statistics, about 50% of adults suffer from hemorrhoids at least once before the age of 50. (1) It is the swelling of the rectum veins (internal hemorrhoids) or veins around the anus (external hemorrhoids), causing annoying and painful symptoms for the person when these vessels become irritated. (2)

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids symptoms vary depending on their type as follows:

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids may cause the following symptoms: (2)

Anus pain, especially when sitting, and increases when straining during defecation, friction, or when cleaning the area with dry wipes repeatedly.
Itching or irritation around the anus.
Sensation of a soft or hard mass the size of a chickpea or larger near the anus.
Bright red bleeding from the anus. (3)

Internal hemorrhoids

This type of hemorrhoid is internal inside the rectum, and does not cause any pain, except that you may notice bright red bleeding when defecating, or in the stool itself, or on the tissues after cleaning the anal area when you are done. In some cases, internal hemorrhoids may prolapse outside the anus, causing severe pain. (2)( 4)

What do hemorrhoids look like?

You can feel external hemorrhoids in the form of a soft mass around the anus. As for internal hemorrhoids, you cannot see or feel them because they are inside the rectum. However, if they prolapse outside the anus, they are a red, rubbery mass that is very painful. You can push them inside when you press on them. (5)

Hemorrhoids treatment

Most hemorrhoid symptoms subside spontaneously after just a week or a little more. (3) During this period, the following tips will help you relieve pain and discomfort: (6)

Warm water bath: Soak the anal area with warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
Using wet or moisturized wipes when cleaning the anal area: but be sure to use types that do not contain alcohol or perfumed materials.
Cold compresses: Bring an ice pack or a towel soaked in cold water and place it on the painful area to relieve swelling.
Hemorrhoid creams and ointments: Use creams or ointments designed to relieve the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids from the pharmacy.
laxatives: These medications will help you pass stool easily without pain or straining.
Painkillers: such as paracetamol (Panadol and its commercial alternatives) or ibuprofen.
Lifestyle changes: You must also make changes in your lifestyle to relieve symptoms and reduce their appearance, including increasing fiber and fluids in the diet, not straining during defecation, and maintaining your physical activity. (7)

If hemorrhoids become very painful or recurrent, the doctor may recommend other treatments such as hemorrhoid band ligation, injection therapy (sclerotherapy), hemorrhoidectomy, etc.

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if blood comes from the rectum or anus. Because it may have causes other than hemorrhoids, such as anal fissure, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rectal or colon cancer, and others. (2)

Also see a doctor in these cases: (6)

Hemorrhoid symptoms persist for more than a week despite trying the home remedies previously mentioned.
Frequent bleeding from hemorrhoids.
Black or clay stools.
Hemorrhoids with diarrhea or severe constipation.
Blood clots from the anus or in the stool.

Do not ignore the symptoms of hemorrhoids! At Al Ahly Hospital, we have a distinguished medical team in the Gastroenterology Department to treat your problem with the best and easiest solutions, and help you get rid of pain and discomfort permanently.