Do hemorrhoids smell, itch, burst and cause pain?

Hemorrhoids are a common issue that up to 85% of the population will suffer from at some point in their lives. They are categorized as swollen veins either inside or directly outside the anal canal.  While this problem can be painful, it’s usually not serious. The veins in the anal canal swell due to constipation, increased blood flow and volume, and other forms of straining in the anal region, causing discomfort, itching, bleeding and painful bowel movements. The process that creates hemorrhoids is also the process that creates varicose veins, essentially making hemorrhoids varicose veins of the anal canal.  When too much pressure is applied to the veins the walls of the veins stretch, causing the hemorrhoids. While the veins can be constricted back down, sometimes they can form hard lumps, called a thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoids, which obstruct the anal canal causing very painful bowel movements. Often, hemorrhoids tear during bowel movements causing internal or external bleeding. Seeing bright red blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper after wiping is possibly a sign of hemorrhoids, and despite the possible awkwardness, should be discussed with a doctor to rule out anything potentially more serious, such as rectal cancer. If you notice bleeding often when having bowel movements, or if there is a moderate amount of bleeding, if you have a family history of rectal cancer or if you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid (an internal hemorrhoid that protrudes through the anus and won’t return back to the inside.) call your doctor.

While hemorrhoids can be painful and itchy, they should not smell particularly bad, if there is an infected, smell coming from your hemorrhoids, you should see a doctor immediately. Sometimes the use of laxatives with hemorrhoids can cause infection of the tears in the tissue and veins. Prolapsed hemorrhoids, if not taken care of and made to go back inside the rectum can become strangulated, it stops receiving the blood it needs to be a healthy vein and starts to die off. If the hemorrhoid starts to die off, it will become infected which can lead to a much more serious general infection in the blood. This situation is rare though, but illustrates the point that no matter how awkward it may be, it is extremely important to talk to a health care provider about treatment. Otherwise something that could be annoying, but treatable, could turn into something much more dangerous to your health.  

There are many treatments for the various symptoms of hemorrhoids, and many preventative measures that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids or causing a flare-up of previous hemorrhoids. Dietary changes such as increased fluid and fiber intake can help eliminate straining during bowel movements and generally keep a healthier colon. Lifestyle changes such as moderate exercise can increase blood flow to the region to help prevent clots and aid in healing time. Medications and creams can help ease symptoms and increase healing. With proper help for your doctor, the pain, burning, itching, and bleeding brought on by hemorrhoids can be managed.