Hemorrhoids: 5 Reasons to Call Your Doctor

Hemorrhoids are a common disorder and have afflicted people as long as man has walked the earth.
Ancient writings refer to hemorrhoids as "emrods".
Generally speaking, "piles" are nothing to be alarmed about.
There are, however, certain times when there is reason to be alarmed and the order of the day is to contact your doctor.
Here are 5 such times: 1.
Bleeding: While the passage of bright red blood is one of the hallmark symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, don't assume that hemorrhoids are at the root of the bleeding unless the doctor has confirmed this diagnosis.
There are other, serious, disorders which can also account for blood in the stool.
One such condition would be cancer.
2.
Changes in Bowels: If you have "always" had hemorrhoids and have "always" had bleeding with them and the doctor has confirmed hemorrhoids as a diagnosis, be on the watch for changes in bowel habits.
You may have always had bleeding, but has it always been this much? Has it always been bright red and mixed with maroon or black streaks? These changes in what has "always" been are a red flag to call your doctor.
3.
Sudden onset of extreme pain: Hemorrhoids often cause pain with the passage of bowel movement.
However, if the nature of the pain has changed from mild to extreme, or temporary to constant, call your doctor.
A vein in the hemorrhoid may have ruptured and caused a clot.
Sometimes the clot, called a thrombus in medical jargon, will resolve itself but if it is painful and tight, it may need to be lanced and drained.
4.
Prolapse: Often people with internal hemorrhoids experience a protrusion of part of the hemorrhoid from the rectum to the anal area, especially during bowel movements.
After the BM is over, the prolapse will often return to its position inside the rectum.
At other times, it may need to be gently pushed back in with washcloth covered fingers.
However, if it cannot be easily returned or stays out all of the time, call your doctor.
It is possible that the prolapse could become strangulated (just like it sounds) and the blood supply cut off.
This is an emergency situation.
5.
Constipation: The infrequent passage of hard, small, dry stools is not an uncommon problem when people have hemorrhoids.
Likewise, constipation, with its consequent straining to get the stool out, is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids.
If you have tried the usual home care techniques (such as we've discussed at length before...
fiber, water, stool softeners) and cannot overcome the constipation, call your doctor for help.
He may need to prescribe something for you or at least advise you how to get back on the right track.
Be on guard for these 5 conditions.
Don't ignore them.
Until next time!