What Are the Signs of Hemorrhoids

The following are some of the signs or symptoms of hemorrhoids:

1. The number one sign of hemorrhoids is bleeding. Unlikely bleeding of the anus is something that can be presumed as a sign of hemorrhoids. Bleeding from the rectum usually get into notice during bowel movement wherein there is a stain of blood in the stool. It is best to immediately see a doctor if there is occurrence of any bleeding from the anal canal before, during, or after a bowel movement. One, however, should take into consideration that bleeding in the anus can also be another form of disorder/sickness, and might not be necessarily a cause of hemorrhoids.

One driving factor why one should see a doctor right away is the discomfort and embarrassment brought by bleeding. Bleeding from the behind can stain your clothes which will probably result to humiliation especially if it happens that you are in a public place.

2. One other sign of hemorrhoids is a change in the size, shape and color of the stool. Because hemorrhoids cause blockage in the stool's passageway, the stools usually come out thin and narrow in size and shape as well as dark in color.

3. Pain in the rectum or around the rectal area which is not caused by any known physical injury can be indicative of hemorrhoids condition. Some of these pains include an intense throbbing and discomfort which does not subside easily should be reason enough to seek a doctor's advise. External hemorrhoids are more likely to cause pain and discomfort since external hemorrhoids are more exposed to outside irritants. In some cases, pain is also accompanied with bleeding.

4. Anal discharges can also mean hemorrhoids of the anal canal or can mean internal hemorrhoids. The internal anal canal may be swelling or irritated causing discharges in the anus.

5. Lumps, swelling, sores and bulges in the anus and rectum area may also be signs of hemorrhoids. Sac-like protrusions in the anus can be due to too much swelling of the blood vessels from too much pressure. These lumps, bulges and swellings may vary in sizes. Some lumps come in sizes of a dollar while some are large and may even overlap with smaller ones. These lumps and bulges take longer time than any other bumps to heal. There are generally four degrees of hemorrhoids and symptoms as well as treatments will depend on the degree of the hemorrhoids:

- First Grade Hemorrhoids: The first grade hemorrhoids may be internal or external. The first grade of hemorrhoids is often accompanied with bleeding.

- Second Grade Hemorrhoids: These are hemorrhoids that just draw back in through its own towards the anal canal. Bleeding is sometimes not present in Second Grade Hemorrhoids.

- Third Grade Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that protrude from the opening of the anus due to too much pressure exerted in the anus. Hemorrhoids however may be easily pushed back into the canal.

- Fourth Grade Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that protrude out of the anus but cannot be pushed back in manually.