Treatment for thrombosed hemorrhoids can provide nearly instant relief.
A hemorrhoid that develops a blood clot, or thrombus, inside is referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. This blood clot can partially or completely block any blood flow to and from the hemorrhoid, resulting in swelling and pain.
Although the blood clot will likely be reabsorbed into the body in a few days to a couple of weeks, complications may occur if the thrombus is not fully reabsorbed.
Causes
There are many causes of hemorrhoids. Once they occur, there is a risk of blood pooling and forming into a clot. Anything that puts too much pressure on the veins around the anus may result in the development of hemorrhoids. Sitting for too long, especially while on the toilet or riding in a motor vehicle can lead to thrombosed hemorrhoids, as can straining too hard during a bowel movement. Consuming a diet that is too low in fiber can lead to constipation or straining during bowel movements and the development of hemorrhoids. Certain conditions, such as obesity, pregnancy, and chronic constipation or diarrhea, may also increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Symptoms
Hemorrhoids can occur inside of the anal canal, called internal hemorrhoids, or in the area just outside of the anus, known as external hemorrhoids. Either type of hemorrhoid may develop a blood clot, but it is seen more commonly in external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids may push out of the anal opening, or prolapse, and may retract themselves following a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are generally more painful, especially while sitting or during activities that place more pressure on the hemorrhoid.
An external thrombosed hemorrhoid will likely cause extreme pain in the anal region. The sufferer should be able to feel the lump of swollen tissue, which may look a bluish color due to the back up of blood from the veins. Other symptoms might include burning or itching in the anal area. Because an anal abscess, which can be serious, may mimic the symptoms of an external thrombosed hemorrhoid, it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the problem.
Internal thrombosed hemorrhoids can present different symptoms. Hemorrhoids that occur within the anal canal may bleed during strenuous bowel movements. If the hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it can make it hard for the individual to walk, have a bowel movement, or urinate. Pain in the anal region may be constant.
Treatments
In some cases, the physician or the patient may wish to try conservative measures to see if the blood clot will be reabsorbed by the body. Warm baths, special ointments, and other methods approved by the physician may help the process. However, surgery is often recommended. Surgical outcome is improved if the thrombosed hemorrhoid is removed within three days of the onset of painful symptoms. While it is possible for the doctor to make an incision to remove the blood clot itself, this method does not always reduce pain and may lead to the development of more clots within the hemorrhoid.
