Hemorrhoid Symptoms

External Hemorrhoids
Unlike internal hemorrhoids, which are usually not painful, external hemorrhoids can be quite painful. Symptoms of this type of hemorrhoid 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 Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

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 symptoms are in fact hemorrhoids or another condition.
 
Pages:

Previous 1 2

Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation