Hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable, even painful and irritating to the point of feeling helpless, but they aren’t always so serious that medical intervention is necessary. Then can usually be taken care of quite easily if treated immediately upon noticing the symptoms that alert you to a hemorrhoid problem.
There are some types of hemorrhoids, however, that are very serious and may require more than a simple home remedy or over the counter hemorrhoid treatment. These hemorrhoids may present such a problem that you have trouble sitting, are afraid to make plans because you don’t know how you will handle it if the pain becomes unbearable, and you may need more aggressive intervention to take care of the problem. Let’s take a look at some of the hemorrhoid situations that may require you to seek medical intervention.
First, there are hemorrhoids that bleed. Some of them bleed a lot, so much that you may wake up in a pool of blood, or even make the toilet water very red. Any time you have bleeding from the rectum, even if you already know that you have a hemorrhoid, you need to seek medical advice. Rectal bleeding can come from other, more serious things than hemorrhoids. Sometimes rectal or colon cancer may be mistaken for a bleeding hemorrhoid, if not properly evaluated. Seeking the help of your doctor will help you know for sure what you are dealing with. If bleeding is a one of your hemorrhoid symptoms, get help as soon as you can.
Another problem that has obvious hemorrhoid symptoms is a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are actually internal hemorrhoids that protrude out of the anal canal. It may feel like a small grape or bulbous shape. Sometimes a prolapsed hemorrhoid can be manually put back inside the anal canal, and sometimes it becomes stuck outside. If it can’t be put back in, it may require surgery to be removed. It can become strangulated if left alone, and end up causing even more problems. Getting help from your doctor is wise, if you suspect that you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid. He will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you.
There is also something called a thrombosed hemorrhoid. That is when there is an external hemorrhoid which develops a blood clot in it. Thrombosed hemorrhoid symptoms are similar to other external hemorrhoids, the pain, itching, swelling, and tingling, but may be much more painful. If there is a thrombosed hemorrhoid, you can try using hemorrhoid remedies and medications. If it doesn’t respond, or becomes more swollen, more painful, or is not getting better within a couple of days, you might want to call your doctor. Sometimes thrombosed hemorrhoids require hemorrhoid surgery to remove.
If you have hemorrhoids, keep on top of the symptoms so you are aware of whether they are getting better or not. Getting the help you need sooner rather than later may save you a lot of pain in the long run.