Hemorrhoid Symptoms (Cont.)

 
External Hemorrhoids
Unlike internal hemorrhoids, which are usually not painful, external hemorrhoids can be quite painful. For a person with an external hemorrhoid, symptoms may also include:
 
  • Bleeding
  • Anal itching.
 
These symptoms can be caused by excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
 
External hemorrhoid symptoms may also include a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
  

Final Thoughts on Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are the most common source of bleeding from the rectum and anus. However, there are a number of conditions that affect the anus or rectum that share similar symptoms. Some of these conditions include:

 

  • Anal fissure
  • Anal fistula
  • Perirectal abscess
  • Irritation and itching (pruritus ani) caused by excess moisture, diabetes, or liver failure
  • Infected pilonidal cyst.
 
Also, in older people, the most important cause of rectal bleeding is from rectal cancer or colon cancer. Therefore, if bleeding lasts for more than a couple of days, it's important to see your healthcare provider. He or she can perform an exam to see if your possible hemorrhoid symptoms are in fact hemorrhoids or another condition.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD