One of the most common symptoms that indicate you might have hemorrhoids is bleeding. At times, it may be the first or only sign that something is wrong. However, it’s generally paired with pain or itching, and is a key indicator that treatment is necessary. It can be quite worrisome to note this symptom, but with proper care, recovery can be quick and easy.
Signs of Hemorrhoid Bleeding
When hemorrhoids are internal, quite often their presence becomes noted by blood in the stool. There are many other things that cause bloody stool, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you have this symptom. You may also find traces of blood on toilet paper after wiping, or on your underwear. Bleeding is also common among external hemorrhoids, but because they are visible, it’s easier to find the source.
What Causes It
When a hemorrhoid forms, the already delicate skin becomes stretched very thin. This increases the likelihood that it will become irritated further or tear. Friction, straining while using the restroom, or simply wiping after using the toilet, can open a wound. Naturally, the injury will bleed a little because of the trauma. Occasionally, a blood clot or thrombus will form inside the hemorrhoid. It can be very painful to begin with, but if one of those is opened, the pain will increase and more blood than normal will be released.
How to Stop It
Sometimes, the area may heal by itself. However, occasional bleeding will persist over a long period of time, or worst, there could be excessive bleeding, so note that these are warning signs that medical treatment is necessary. Over the counter options can help with pain or itching, but not with the bleeding, which means a visit to the doctor is in order. Surgical techniques in severe cases, as well as non-surgical care in mild to moderate situations, are available. These will put an end to not only the bleeding, but to all of the symptoms, as they remove the root cause. Among the non-surgical alternatives, infrared coagulation has become a favorite method of treatment for both patients and doctors because it’s quick and minimally invasive. Patients routinely ask for this remedy because it can fit into the flow of their normal day, and they don’t have to miss work. It’s also highly effective and has very few side effects, which makes it one of the best overall cures available today.
Because other medical issues can be easily mistaken for hemorrhoid bleeding, it’s best to get a verified diagnosis from a doctor when blood is noted around the anus or in stool. However, it is one of the most common causes and it is easily treated, whether it presents on its own or comes with other symptoms. For more information, contact Chicago Hemorrhoid.
