Thrombosed hemorrhoids are swollen hemorrhoids that have turned blue, purple, or black. They rarely bleed or cause pain on their own, but when they become large enough, they can cause severe discomfort and even blood loss.
Your doctor may have referred you to a hematologist if you have thrombosed hemorrhoids because they indicate that you may have an underlying blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are commonly found in people who are over 40 and those who have been on long-term blood transfusions.
Difference between a Thrombosed Hemorrhoid and a Normal Hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids can be classified into two groups:
- Internal hemorrhoids can be seen within the rectum of the body.
- External hemorrhoids– Hemorrhoids that are external to the anus might be discovered on the exterior of the anus.
Symptoms of Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be excruciating. Walking, sitting, or going to the bathroom might be excruciating if you have a problem with one of these conditions.
Additional hemorrhoid symptoms include the following:
- bleeding stools
- swelling or a lump in the anus area
- Itchiness around the anus
- bleeding stools
It is possible that you have an area of infection known as an abscess if you also have a fever and are experiencing pain and swelling.
What causes hemorrhoids to become thrombosed?
Hemorrhoids can be caused by a build-up of pressure on the rectum’s veins. This pressure is caused by:
- constipation
- Inconsistent bowel movements
- straining while passing stools
- diarrhea
- being sedentary for extended periods of time, such as while traveling by automobile, train, or airplane for an extended amount of time
- during pregnancy, due to the pressure of the baby on your veins, or throughout the labor process
Blood clots in hemorrhoids are a mystery to medical professionals who have studied the condition.
Risks factors of Thrombosed hemorrhoids
It’s not uncommon to get hemorrhoids. Approximately three-quarters of the population will experience one during their lifespan.
An individual may get hemorrhoid if:
- there is prolonged constipation due to less amount of fiber in the diet or because of any medical ailment
- frequently spend extensive time sedentary
- pregnant
- old age can deteriorate the tissues that maintain hemorrhoids in place, hemorrhoids are more prevalent in the elderly
Diagnosis of Thrombosed hemorrhoids
Consult your physician if you experience any discomfort or itching in the area around the anus, or if you experience any bleeding during a bowel movement. It’s imperative that you consult a doctor if you notice bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract (GI) because it could be an indication of gastrointestinal cancer.
The symptoms you’re experiencing and your medical history will be discussed at your appointment. To check for lumps or growths, they may insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. This method is referred to as a digital rectal exam.
A colonoscopy may be necessary if you have indications of or are at risk for colon cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: An endoscope with a camera on one end is inserted into your colon to allow the physician to look at the lower portion of your digestive tract. Precancerous polyps and other abnormalities in your colon might be seen through the scope of the doctor.
- Colonoscopy: An endoscope is used by the doctor to examine the whole length of your digestive tract.
What are the options for the treatment of Thrombosed Hemorrhoids?
If you have a blocked blood vessel, an external thrombectomy is the most common treatment. This operation involves making a small cut and then draining the blood. You will be given a local anesthetic to alleviate any discomfort.
If you have a hemorrhoid, have this surgery done as soon as possible after it arises. The clots can reappear, but the treatment is effective. Even after surgery, you may still have discomfort.
Standard Hemorrhoids Treatment
You may be able to alleviate the pain caused by hemorrhoids by taking a few easy precautions at home:
- Apply a non-prescription lotion or ointment for hemorrhoids, like Preparation H. Additionally, you can use witch hazel wipes, for example, Tucks.
- Use over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
- At least twice or three times a day, spend ten to fifteen minutes at a time sitting in a warm bath. You may try taking a sitz bath, which is just a little plastic tub filled with a few inches of warm water and designed to hold only your buttocks. After you have finished bathing, pat the area dry rather than rubbing it.
- Apply ice or a cold compress to the affected region as needed.
Hemorrhoid Removal Surgery
Hemorrhoid removal surgery is a common procedure that helps remove or reduce painful or swollen veins in your anus and rectum. Hemorrhoid surgery is most often performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. Your doctor may recommend an anesthetic for the procedure, which will help you feel less discomfort. The surgery will be performed through a small incision in the area between your anus and your rectum.
Hemorrhoids are surgically treatable in less than ten percent of those who suffer from them. If your hemorrhoids are large or if your doctor has examined you both external and internal hemorrhoids, you may need surgery to remove them.
To remove hemorrhoids, various surgical procedures are used, which include:
Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids, as well as the clot and blood vessels, are extracted during this surgical treatment. It is possible that a spinal block will be used to numb the surgical site or that you will be put to sleep under general anesthesia. The internal thrombectomy is a more intrusive operation that also takes longer to conduct than its external counterpart; however, the hemorrhoid is less likely to return once it has been removed. Because it is associated with a significantly higher level of discomfort, it is typically reserved for patients whose hemorrhoids are severe. Pain, infection, and inability to empty your bladder are all possible side effects of this operation.
Rubber band ligation: The hemorrhoid is treated by the placement of a thin elastic band around its base by the doctor. Hemorrhoids should become less noticeable after a few weeks have passed.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Under general anesthesia, this surgery is also performed while you are unconscious. Hemorrhoids are reattached to the body using a stapling device by the surgeon.
How long does it take to fully recover?
The discomfort associated with thrombosed hemorrhoids should become better within seven to ten days without the need for surgery. Hemorrhoids that are normal in severity should be better within a week. It is possible that it will be a couple of weeks before the lump entirely disappears.
An individual can immediately resume most of the activities. Do not engage in heavy activity while you are recuperating.
Hemorrhoids can reappear. Hemorrhoidectomy minimizes the probability of recurrence.
Complications of Thrombosed hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids that have been thrombosed are not typically associated with any consequences. However, they can be quite uncomfortable, and there is a possibility that they will bleed.
What steps may be taken to prevent hemorrhoids?
To prevent hemorrhoids in the future:
- Schedule daily travel time. Constipation and hemorrhoids can be avoided by maintaining regularity. If you need to urinate or defecate, don’t hold it in. When stools begin to back up, straining is necessary to eliminate them.
- It is suggested that you consume at least eight glasses of water every single day. In order to avoid developing hemorrhoids, one should avoid constipation and straining.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like bran to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Stools are easier to pass when it is softened by fiber because fiber attracts water. Make it a goal to consume anywhere between 25 and 30 grams of fiber daily. Taking a fiber supplement like Metamucil or Citrucel if your diet is lacking in fiber will help.
- Regular exercise should become a habit. Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity is essential for regularity in the bowels as well.
Takeaway
Hemorrhoids can sometimes heal on their own within a week or two of the clots being absorbed by your body. A thrombosed hemorrhoid can be relieved of pain and other symptoms if surgery is performed within three days of the onset of symptoms.
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