Symptoms and Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids in Thrissur, Kerala

How to Know If You Have Internal Hemorrhoids: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore?

Internal hemorrhoids are a common health problem, but many people do not realise they have them because the symptoms can be mild or confused with other issues. These swollen veins develop inside the rectum, making them difficult to see or feel during a normal check. The most common warning sign is painless rectal bleeding, often seen as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after passing stool. Other signs include itching, mucus discharge, or a feeling of not fully emptying your bowels. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to seek advice from an expert proctologist at Thrissur Piles Clinic. Dr. Raviram S. provides the best treatment for internal piles in Thrissur, Kerala, using advanced and patient-friendly methods.

Understanding Internal Hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop inside the rectum. Unlike external hemorrhoids that form under the skin around the anus, internal hemorrhoids occur higher up in the anal canal where there are fewer pain-sensing nerves. This is why many people with internal hemorrhoids might not experience pain, making these hemorrhoids harder to detect without knowing the specific warning signs.

Internal hemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus. This pressure can result from various factors, including straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, sitting for extended periods, obesity, pregnancy, or a low-fiber diet. Genetics may also play a role in determining who develops hemorrhoids.

While external hemorrhoids often cause noticeable discomfort and visible lumps, internal hemorrhoids may silently progress until they become more serious or begin to prolapse (protrude outside the anus). Understanding the early warning signs can help you seek timely treatment from a Top proctologist in Thrissur, Kerala, like Dr. Raviram S. at Thrissur Piles Clinic.

Grades of Internal Hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids are categorized into four stages based on their severity:

Grade I: These hemorrhoids don’t prolapse and are often only detected when they bleed.
Grade II: These hemorrhoids may prolapse during bowel movements but regress on their own.
Grade III: These hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements and need manual pushing back.
Grade IV: These hemorrhoids remain prolapsed outside the anus and cannot be pushed back in.

As internal hemorrhoids progress through these grades, symptoms typically become more noticeable and problematic.

Key Warning Signs of Internal Hemorrhoids:

Painless Rectal Bleeding:

One of the main signs of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood during or after a bowel movement. You may see it on the toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on the stool itself. This bleeding doesn’t usually hurt because internal hemorrhoids are deep inside the rectum, where there are fewer pain nerves.

The blood is bright red because it comes from the lower part of the digestive system. If you ever notice dark or black stools, it may be a sign of bleeding from higher up and needs urgent medical attention. While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, other serious conditions like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease can also cause it. It’s best to see a doctor if you notice any bleeding.

Mucus Discharge:

Another warning sign of internal hemorrhoids is the presence of mucus discharge from the rectum. This mucus might be noticed on toilet paper after wiping or in your underwear. The mucus is produced by the body as a response to the irritation caused by the hemorrhoids.

Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation:

Internal hemorrhoids can create a sensation that your bowel movement is incomplete, even after you’ve finished. This feeling, known as tenesmus, happens because the hemorrhoids take up space in the rectal canal, giving the impression that there’s still stool present that needs to be passed.

Anal Itching and Irritation:

While less common than with external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids can sometimes cause itching and irritation in the anal area. This occurs particularly when mucus or stool leaks from the rectum due to the hemorrhoids preventing complete closure of the anal sphincter.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids:

As internal hemorrhoids get worse, they may start to bulge out of the anus. This is called prolapse.

In the early stage (Grade II), they come out during bowel movements but go back inside on their own.
In the next stage (Grade III), you may need to gently push them back in.
In the severe stage (Grade IV), they stay outside and don’t go back in.

These swollen lumps can look pink or purple and may feel moist. They often cause:

Pain or discomfort (especially if blood clots form)
Trouble keeping the area clean
Itching or irritation

Differentiating Internal Hemorrhoids from Other Conditions:

Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids:

While internal hemorrhoids often cause painless bleeding, external hemorrhoids typically present with pain, swelling, and itching around the anus. External hemorrhoids are visible as lumps around the anus, whereas internal hemorrhoids are usually not visible unless they prolapse.

If an external hemorrhoid develops a blood clot (becomes thrombosed), it can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling. The area may appear blue or purple and feel firm to the touch. Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause this type of pain unless they prolapse and become trapped by the anal muscles.

Hemorrhoids vs. Anal Fissures:

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause symptoms similar to hemorrhoids, including bleeding and pain during bowel movements. However, anal fissures typically cause sharp, tearing pain during bowel movements, while internal hemorrhoids usually don’t cause pain.

The bleeding from anal fissures tends to be in smaller amounts and may be seen on the surface of the stool rather than mixed with it. A Fissure Specialist in Thrissur, Kerala, like Dr. Raviram S. at Thrissur Piles Clinic, can help check and confirm the correct problem.

Hemorrhoids vs. More Serious Conditions:

Several more serious conditions can cause symptoms similar to hemorrhoids:

Colorectal cancer can cause rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause rectal bleeding along with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bleeding that may appear in the stool.

These conditions often have additional symptoms not typically seen with hemorrhoids, such as unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks. Don’t assume it’s just piles. Speak to an expert piles surgeon or colorectal surgeon in Thrissur, Kerala, such as Dr. Raviram S at Thrissur Piles Clinic, to rule out serious causes and get the right treatment.

When to See a Doctor?

While many cases of internal hemorrhoids can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, certain situations warrant medical attention. You should consult a proctologist & Rectal Surgeon like Dr. Raviram S at Thrissur Piles Clinic if you experience:

Rectal bleeding that continues for more than a few days
Heavy bleeding from the rectum
Severe pain, despite internal hemorrhoids typically being painless
Symptoms that don’t improve after a week of home treatments
A noticeable lump that doesn’t go away
Changes in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks

Remember, any instance of rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions, even if you suspect hemorrhoids are the cause. This is especially important if you’re over 40 years old or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis Methods for Internal Hemorrhoids:

When you visit a specialist like Dr. Raviram S at Thrissur Piles Clinic, several diagnostic methods may be used to confirm internal hemorrhoids:

Visual and Digital Examination: The doctor will typically start with a visual examination of the anal area to check for external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. This is often followed by a digital rectal examination, where the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.
Anoscopy: An anoscope is a small, tube-like instrument inserted into the anus to examine the anal canal and lower rectum. This allows the doctor to see internal hemorrhoids that aren’t prolapsed and might not be detectable through other methods.
Proctoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy: For a more detailed examination, your doctor might use a proctoscope or sigmoidoscope, which are longer instruments that can examine higher portions of the rectum and lower colon.
Colonoscopy: If there’s concern about other conditions, especially in patients over 45 or those with risk factors for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy might be recommended. This procedure examines the entire colon and can rule out more serious causes of rectal bleeding.

Home Management and Treatment Options:

Dietary Changes and Hydration:

Eating more fiber can help ease and prevent internal hemorrhoids. Fiber makes stools softer and easier to pass, so you don’t need to strain. You can get fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Try to eat 20–35 grams of fiber each day.

Also, drink plenty of water during the day. This helps keep stools soft and stops constipation.

Sitz Baths:

Sitting in warm water for 15 minutes can soothe pain and itching. Do this 2–3 times a day, and after bowel movements. You can use a bathtub or a special sitz bath that fits on your toilet.

Over-the-Counter Treatments:

Several OTC treatments can help manage symptoms:

Fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) can help soften stool
Stool softeners can make bowel movements less painful
Topical treatments containing witch hazel can reduce irritation
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams with lidocaine can provide temporary pain relief

Lifestyle Modifications:

Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage internal hemorrhoids:

Avoid straining during bowel movements
Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
Exercise regularly to improve bowel function
Avoid heavy lifting, which can increase pressure on the veins
Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement, rather than delaying it

Advanced Treatment Options at Thrissur Piles Clinic:

For internal hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatments, Dr. Raviram S at Thrissur Piles Clinic offers several advanced treatment options:

Rubber Band Ligation: This process involves placing a small rubber band around the bottom of the piles, cutting off their blood supply. The hemorrhoid ultimately shrinks and drops off, usually within a week.
Laser Treatment: Thrissur Piles Clinic specializes in advanced laser treatments for hemorrhoids. This minimally invasive procedure uses laser energy to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue with minimal discomfort and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.
Sclerotherapy: In this process, a chemical solution is injected into the piles, causing them to shrink. This is generally used for less hemorrhoids.
Surgical Options: For severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention might be necessary. Dr. Raviram S is an expert piles surgeon in Thrissur with over 15 years of experience in treating complex colorectal conditions.

Myths vs. Facts about Internal Hemorrhoids:

Myth: Internal hemorrhoids always lead to cancer:

Fact: Hemorrhoids do not cause cancer. But since the symptoms can look like signs of colorectal cancer, it’s best to see a doctor for the right diagnosis.

Myth: Only older people get hemorrhoids:

Fact: Hemorrhoids can happen at any age. They are more common with age but can also affect young adults and kids, especially with constipation, obesity, or pregnancy.

Myth: Internal hemorrhoids always cause pain:

Fact: Most internal hemorrhoids are not painful. Pain usually happens only if they come out of the anus and get stuck.

Myth: Spicy foods cause hemorrhoids:

Fact: Spicy food can irritate hemorrhoids, but doesn’t cause them. The real cause is pressure in the rectal veins, often from straining or sitting too long.

Prevention of Internal Hemorrhoids:

Preventing internal hemorrhoids is often easier than treating them. Here are some preventive measures:

Maintain a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
Exercise regularly to promote healthy bowel function
Avoid straining during bowel movements
Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
Keep a healthy weight to relieve pressure on the veins

Conclusion:

Internal hemorrhoids are common but can affect your daily life if not treated. Signs like painless rectal bleeding, mucus discharge, or a feeling that your bowel isn’t fully empty should not be ignored. If you notice these signs, it’s best to visit a physician. Sometimes, the signs of hemorrhoids can be similar to other serious conditions. Early care makes a big difference.

Dr. Raviram S, a leading gastrosurgeon & laser proctologist in Thrissur, Kerala, offers expert care for internal hemorrhoids at Thrissur Piles Clinic. With over 15 years of experience and the latest laser technology, he provides safe and effective treatment for each patient.

Looking for a trusted Proctology Clinic near me? Thrissur Piles Clinic is a top choice for many. As a well-known piles laser clinic in Thrissur, Kerala, it offers quick recovery and long-term relief. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Seek timely help and get back to a pain-free, healthy life.