Enlarged rectal veins can cause bleeding, pain, itching and the sensation of a lump.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Black stool
- Severe anal pain and swelling
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss and anemia
What is it?
The main danger is that a patient may assume all rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids and delay the diagnosis of serious bowel disease.
Symptoms
- Blood during a bowel movement
- Itching
- Pain
- A lump in the anal area
- Mucus discharge
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation
Causes & risk factors
- Constipation
- Prolonged sitting
- Pregnancy
- Excess weight
- Heavy lifting
- A low-fiber diet
- Age
Diagnosis
Diagnosis does not rely on a single test. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings and investigation results are assessed together.
- Proctological examination
- Anoscopy or rectoscopy
- Blood test for anemia
- Colonoscopy according to age and risk
- Exclusion of other causes of bleeding
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Increasing fiber and fluid intake
- Treatment of constipation
- Topical medications
- Band ligation and other proctological procedures
- Surgery in severe cases
How we help
At the center, hemorrhoid symptoms are distinguished from other causes of rectal bleeding. Gastroenterological and proctological assessment is arranged when needed.
When a procedure may be needed
A procedure may be needed for recurrent bleeding, thrombosis, pain, a non-reducible lump or failure to respond to conservative treatment.
Patient checklist
- Do not delay assessment by assuming that bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids
- Treat constipation
- Increase your fiber and fluid intake
- Do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods
FAQ
Is blood in the stool always caused by hemorrhoids?
No. Polyps, inflammation and cancer can also cause bleeding. Assessment is necessary.
Can hemorrhoids resolve without surgery?
In mild cases, dietary changes, constipation control and topical treatment may help.
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