Description of Hemorrhoid Symptoms
When giving a description of hemorrhoid symptoms, those who suffer with external hemorrhoids always begin with an account of the severe pain which is so common in those afflicted, particularly during bowel movements and strenuous exercise. This pain is caused by any type of pressure being applied to the small pockets of blood which form in tiny veins just beneath the skin surface. These thrombosed veins may form hard bubbles just outside the anus, and when stressed, they usually hurt and sometimes leak blood.
This loss of blood is always next in a description of hemorrhoid symptoms and usually accompanies both internal and external hemorrhoids. Patients may first notice tiny smears of blood on the tissue when cleaning the rectal area, but as the hemorrhoids get worse, patients may find larger quantities of blood on their underwear during the day. Although this symptom does signal a need for medical examination, hemorrhoid bleeding is rarely an emergency. Only when the blood supply to the vein is completely cut off will the pain be so great as to require emergency surgery.
In their description of hemorrhoid symptoms, patients add itching as a major problem with both internal and external hemorrhoids. Because internal hemorrhoids often produce mucus which travels to the anal opening, the surrounding skin becomes irritated and itchy. External hemorrhoids are agitated by clothing and movement. They respond by becoming inflamed, and sufferers feel an overwhelming urge to scratch.
Another factor common in the description of hemorrhoid symptoms, whether internal or external, is an urge to push even after a bowel movement is complete. This uncomfortable urge is caused by the bulging tissues in the anal canal or along its outer edge. Patients explain that they continue to feel the need to push even after the stool has passed.
All of the denominators patients name in their description of hemorrhoid symptoms are signals that something is not right with the body. Before an assumption is made that these symptoms are only minor problems to be treated at home, patients should receive a medical evaluation because these same indicators can be signs of colon cancer and other serious problems.
