Symptoms of Haemorrhoids

The term haemorrhoid is used to refer to swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. There are two types of haemorrhoids - external and internal. The external haemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus and the internal haemorrhoids develop in the lower rectum. Some of the common symptoms of haemorrhoids include bleeding during bowel movements, itching and rectal pain. The internal haemorrhoids in some people may protrude or prolapse through the anus. Symptoms of haemorrhoids depend on their location and severity.

Symptoms of external haemorrhoids

Rectal pain occurs more commonly in people with external haemorrhoids. If a blood clot forms under the skin, the haemorrhoids form a hard and painful lump. This type of external haemorrhoid is called a thrombosed or clotted haemorrhoid. It may bleed after the patient strains to pass stool and you streaks of blood can be noticed on the toilet paper after passing stool.

Symptoms of Internal haemorrhoids

• Rectal bleeding: This is the commonest symptom of internal haemorrhoids. There may be bright red streaks of blood on the toilet paper or bright red blood in the toilet bowl after passing motion. Blood may be present on the surface of the stool.
• Itching: This is a common complaint in people with internal haemorrhoids as mucus often seeps out of the anus. This irritates the anal skin and causes itching.
• Skin irritation: If the haemorrhoids are large, it may bulge from the anus and secrete mucus, causing mild irritation.
• Discomfort: Some people may have the urge to pass stool right after having a bowel movement. This unpleasant sensation is caused because of the bulging haemorrhoids in the anal canal. The level of discomfort depends on the size of haemorrhoids—i.e. the larger the haemorrhoid, the greater the discomfort.
• Pain: Most people with internal haemorrhoids do not have pain. If large haemorrhoids bulge from the anus, it may become painful if they swell and are squeezed by the anal sphincter (the muscles that control the anus). If you have severe pain, it may be due to significant decrease or complete cut off of blood supply to the haemorrhoid (strangulated haemorrhoid). Strangulated haemorrhoids need emergency treatment.

These are some symptoms of haemorrhoids but similar symptoms can be caused by many other conditions such as anal fissure, colon, rectal, or anal cancer. A person with one or more of these symptoms, especially if older than 50 years or with a family history of colon cancer, should consult their doctor to diagnose the cause of the problem.