Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on their location:
- Internal hemorrhoids (inside the rectum):
- Usually painless but may cause bleeding during bowel movements
- May protrude (prolapse) outside the anus, leading to irritation
- External hemorrhoids (under the skin around the anus):
- Pain and discomfort, especially when sitting
- Swelling and itching around the anal area
- Bleeding or clotting (thrombosed hemorrhoids), which can be very painful
Diagnosis and Treatment at Nova Patient Care
Our medical providers diagnose hemorrhoids through:
- Physical examination and review of symptoms
- Digital rectal exam, if needed
- Anoscopy, in some cases, to check for internal hemorrhoids
Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle and dietary modifications (increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated)
- Over-the-counter creams and ointments, to reduce swelling and itching
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Sitz baths (warm water soaks), to relieve discomfort
- Minimally invasive procedures, such as rubber band ligation (for severe cases)
- Surgical intervention, only for extreme cases where other treatments fail
