Many people think that hemorrhoids are a mild condition that might be a little uncomfortable. Maybe that is the case for some people, but if that is what you have thought, then you have probably never had a hemorrhoid. Sometimes, if you begin treatment immediately, hemorrhoids will only be a little uncomfortable. More often, though, they are painful, they itch, and the swelling can be more than a little bothersome.
Hemorrhoids also have the capability to become very severe, and that makes them more of a health problem than a small nuisance. Some hemorrhoids become thrombosed. That might look and sound like a funny word, but anyone who has ever had thrombosed hemorrhoids will tell you there is nothing funny or mild about them.
How do you know if you have thrombosed hemorrhoids? There are a few things that are different about them than other, milder hemorrhoids.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Symptoms
A hemorrhoid is actually a varicose vein of the rectum. They can develop either inside or outside the anal canal. Sometimes there is no pain, and sometimes mild pain. Sometimes there is mild itching, and other times there is such severe itching that you may not be able to sit still. The vein and some of the surrounding tissue may become inflamed and throbbing.
If the hemorrhoid becomes compacted, the blood flow may slow down. If this happens than the vein may swell up even more. When this happens, there is a chance that a blood clot will grow in the hemorrhoid. When a blood clot develops in the hemorrhoid, you now have a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
This problem can actually cause the blood flow through the vein to be blocked. If you develop this problem with your hemorrhoid, you will know it. The pain associated with a hemorrhoid that has become thrombosed is much greater than with a simple hemorrhoid. You may also be able to feel it. Some people describe the feeling as being similar to having a small grape attached to the rectum opening.
This type of hemorrhoid can be quite dangerous, and should be taken care of by a doctor. One of the dangers of having a hemorrhoid that has become thrombosed and not taking care of it, is that the possibility is there for the clot to pass through, and become more of a problem elsewhere in your body, such as your heart, lungs, or brain. Another possible problem is that the vein could develop gangrene, or another infection which could lead to a sepsis infection, which could end up killing you.
If you have a lot of pain with your hemorrhoid, you should get checked by your doctor to make sure it has not become thrombosed. It is better to play it safe than to end up worse off than necessary.