4 Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are simply swollen blood vessels that develop on the inside or outside of your body. Because they develop in your anus or on the lower part of your rectum, you might feel tempted to suffer alone instead of seeking treatment. 

Hemorrhoids aren’t always easy to discuss — in a doctor’s office or otherwise — but they are a common problem. An estimated 1 in 20 people deal with hemorrhoids, and about half of all adults over age 50 have hemorrhoids.

We know it’s not easy to talk about, but we don’t want you to suffer in silence. That’s why here at Atlantic Medical Group, gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team provide nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatment.

Not sure if your symptoms are caused by a hemorrhoid? Below, we share the four common symptoms of hemorrhoids and how you can get relief.

How to tell if you have a hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoids form when there is increased pressure on the veins in your anus and/or rectum. They are common during pregnancy for this reason. 

Some people have hemorrhoids without any symptoms, while others can’t sit comfortably at all. The intensity of symptoms varies from person to person and changes based on the location and severity of the hemorrhoid.

In general, you might suspect you have a hemorrhoid if you spot these four symptoms:

• Tender lumps near your anus
• Itching near the anus (unrelated to other medical or skin conditions)
• Bleeding, particularly during bowel movements
• Pain during and after bowel movements

Because of these symptoms, you may find it uncomfortable to sit in a chair without a donut-shaped pillow. 

Treating hemorrhoids at home

At-home hemorrhoid treatments focus on soothing the affected area and including more fiber into your diet. Examples of at-home treatments include:

• Soaking in a sitz bath for 10-15 minutes at a time
• Eating more fiber-rich foods (such as fruits and vegetables) to soften stools and avoid constipation (which can exacerbate hemorrhoids)
• Applying topical creams 
• Applying witch hazel pads 
• Taking oral pain-relievers 

If conservative treatments don’t provide the relief you need, you might benefit from a nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatment at Atlantic Medical Group. Whether you receive coagulation, sclerotherapy, or rubber band ligation, the goal is to treat the hemorrhoids and alleviate your symptoms. 

In addition to treating your hemorrhoids, Dr. Ibegbu can also help you prevent future hemorrhoids. For example, if chronic constipation is contributing to recurring hemorrhoids, Dr. Ibegbu can suggest the appropriate treatments based on the cause of your chronic constipation. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and would like to explore your treatment options, please reach out. Visit our website to schedule your consultation with our skilled and compassionate team today. We have offices in Kinston and Jacksonville, North Carolina.