From the Guidelines
The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding, which typically appears as bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or coating the stool after a bowel movement, as stated in the study by 1. This bleeding occurs because hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal and anal area that can become irritated and bleed when pressure is applied during bowel movements. Some key points to consider about hemorrhoid symptoms include:
- Other frequent symptoms include itching, pain, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness in the rectal area.
- For mild hemorrhoid symptoms, over-the-counter treatments like witch hazel pads, hydrocortisone creams (0.5-1%), or sitz baths (warm water soaks for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily) can provide relief.
- Increasing fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily and drinking plenty of water helps soften stools and reduce straining.
- If bleeding persists beyond a week, is heavy, or is accompanied by severe pain, medical attention should be sought promptly as these could indicate more serious conditions requiring different treatment approaches, as noted in the study by 1. It's also important to note that a precise patient history and a careful physical examination are essential for accurate diagnosis, as emphasized in the study by 1. Additionally, current practice guidelines from both the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract advocate a minimum of anoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy for bright-red rectal bleeding, as mentioned in the study by 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding associated with bowel movement 2
- Hemorrhoidal size, thrombosis, and location can determine the extent of pain or discomfort 3
- Other symptoms may include discomfort, bleeding, and prolapse, which can be graded from I to IV based on the extent of prolapse 3
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis is typically made through history and physical examination, assessing for risk factors and clinical signs indicating more concerning disease processes 3
- Treatment options include medical management, dietary modifications, behavioral therapies, and office-based procedures such as rubber band ligation 3, 4
- Surgical approaches, such as hemorrhoidectomy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy, may be indicated in severe cases or when non-operative approaches have failed 2, 3