Hemorrhoid Symptoms

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/07/2006 at 12:45PM

Nearly half of all adults in the United States will suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms at some point in their lives. The prevalence of hemorrhoids increases after age thirty; however, people of all ages are treated for this condition. Common hemorrhoid symptoms include pain, itching, burning, and rectal bleeding. However, hemorrhoid symptoms can also mimick other more serious diseases such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis. Here's how to decide the difference between hemorrhoid symptoms or something more serious.

What are Some Hemorrhoid Symptoms?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur either inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus. As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus (sometimes called "anal cushions,) fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure and other factors cause the veins within these cushions to swell and stretch. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissue surrounding the anus is no longer able to support these swollen veins. They begin to bulge, forming tiny sacs either inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus.

Your should be evaluated by a medical professional if you experience any of the following Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Rectal Bleeding: Rectal bleeding is usually the first hemorrhoid symptom to appear. You should always be evaluated by a health care professional if bleeding occurs. In most cases, hemorrhoids will be the cause of bleeding, but there is no reason to gamble with your health. Rectal bleeding can also be an early symptom of cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis, among other diseases. Rectal bleeding that is not associated with a bowel movement should be a particular cause for concern.
Narrow Stools: Check with your health care provider if your stools become more narrow than usual. Stools may become as thin as a pencil. Narrow stools could be indicative of an intestinal blockage.
Incontinence or Inability To Defecate: You should see a physician if you have an inability to urinate or to pass stools. Also, you should be evaluated if you experience diarrhea with moderate abdominal bloating that accompanies the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Black Stools: See your doctor immediately if you have black or tarry stools. Your feces may turn black if you are taking iron supplements. But if you have jet-black stools and you are not taking iron tablet, this may be a sign of intestinal bleeding. Black stools are not usally considered a hemorrhoid symptom.
Anal Seepage: Any unusual anal seepage should be checked by a doctor. Occasionally, the skin covering an external hemorrhoid may crack or bleed. Anal seepage could be indicative of an infection in this area.
Fever: If you experience a fever that accompanies bloody stools you should see a physician immediately. A fever could indicate diverculitis, colitis, or other serious disorders.
Unusual Lumps: A hemorrhoidal lump may form in the anal area for various reasons. An internal hemorrhoid may become a prolapsed hemorrhoid if it protrudes through the rectum and hangs outside of the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids may recede back into the rectum on their own. External hemorrhoids usually form a small pink lump under the skin surrounding the anus. This lump will be tender and painful to the touch. A lump or bulge that appears at the anal opening, is not tender, and does not go away within a few days should be checked by a medical professional.

At The Doctor's Office

If you are unsure about possible hemorrhoid symptoms, make an appointment with your physician. Your health care provider will perform a digital rectal exam and possibly an anoscopy to diagnose your hemorrhoids or other condition, and determine the severity of the case.

A digital rectal examination is used to check for abnormalities in the pelvic and lower abdominal area. A digital rectal exam can also be used to rule out more serious conditions such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, or Crohn's disease. This test may also help your health care provider determine the severity of the hemorrhoids and the course of action necessary to treat them. During a digital rectal examination, your health care provider will insert a lubricated gloved finger from one hand into the rectum, and use the other hand to press on the lower abdomen or pelvis. This examination is also helps your health care provider evaluate the prostate gland in men and the uterus and ovaries in women. The bladder can sometimes be felt during a digital rectal exam.

The anoscopy test allows your doctor to examine the anus, anal canal, and the lower rectum for abdominal growths (such as tumors or polyps), inflammation, bleeding, and other conditions. The doctor will use an anoscope, which is a short, rigid, hollow tube that may contain a light source, to perform this test. It enlarges the rectum and allows your health care provider to look at the last two inches of the colon, otherwise known as the anal canal. A specimen for biopsy can also be taken during the anoscopy. As the scope is carefully removed, the lining of the anal canal can be carefully inspected.

After a thorough examination, your health care provider will be able to determine if the hemorrhoid symptoms you suffer from can be treated or are caused by another more serious condition. If you do have hemorrhoids, your doctor will also be able to advise you of the best method of treatment depending upon the location and severity of your case.