Hemorrhoids 101: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Surgeon

• Hemorrhoids are extremely common and highly treatable, often with simple lifestyle changes.
• They come in two types, internal and external, each with distinct symptoms; rectal bleeding always warrants a professional evaluation.
• Conservative care like increased fiber, fluids, and sitz baths resolves many cases, but persistent or severe symptoms call for a specialist.
• When medical treatment is needed, minimally invasive in-office options and advanced surgical techniques are available at Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions affecting adults, yet they’re also one of the most undertreated — simply because people put off seeking help. The sooner you understand what’s going on, the sooner you can find relief.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged bundles of blood vessels in and around the anal area. Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue; it’s only when these vessels become irritated or inflamed that they cause problems.

There are two types. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the wall of the rectum. Because this area has fewer pain-sensing nerve fibers, they often go unnoticed until they cause painless bright red bleeding during a bowel movement. In more significant cases, an internal hemorrhoid can push through the anal opening, known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid, causing discomfort and pain.

External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the outside of the anus. These tend to be more noticeable, causing itching, irritation, soreness, and swelling. If a blood clot forms, the result is a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a hard, painful lump with significant inflammation. Some people experience both types simultaneously.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids develop when increased pressure is placed on the veins of the rectum and anus. Common contributing factors include:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Straining during bowel movements, one of the most frequent culprits
• Prolonged sitting, particularly on the toilet
• Heavy lifting and repeated physical strain
• Pregnancy and childbirth (pelvic pressure is a significant trigger)
• Obesity, which increases pressure on pelvic blood vessels
• Aging or genetics, as supportive tissues weaken over time

The common thread is sustained pressure on the rectal veins — anything that creates that strain can set the stage for hemorrhoids.

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Symptoms differ based on type and severity, but common signs include bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl, itching or irritation in the anal area, pain during or after bowel movements, swelling, and a sense of fullness or pressure.

One important note: rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be from hemorrhoids alone. Other conditions, some more serious, can cause similar symptoms. A colonoscopy or other screening examination may be recommended to rule out additional causes before attributing bleeding to hemorrhoids.

First Steps: Conservative Care

Many mild to moderate cases can be managed at home. The goal is to reduce pressure, soften stools, and give irritated tissue time to heal:

• Increase dietary fiber through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (or a fiber supplement)
• Drink more fluids to keep stools soft and minimize straining
• Take sitz baths; soaking in warm water several times a day eases discomfort
• Avoid prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet

These measures alone resolve many cases. If symptoms persist or worsen after a week or two, it’s time to see a specialist.

When to See a Surgeon

Certain situations call for a professional evaluation rather than continued home management:

• Any rectal bleeding, to confirm the source
• Severe or sudden pain, which may indicate a thrombosed hemorrhoid
• A protruding lump that doesn’t recede on its own
• Symptoms that don’t respond to conservative treatment
• Recurring hemorrhoids that keep coming back

At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center, our physicians will evaluate your symptoms, consider your overall health, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

When medical intervention is needed, several effective approaches are available. Rubber band ligation places a small band around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off circulation, causing it to shrink and fall off within one to two weeks; this can be performed right in our office. Infrared coagulation (IRC) uses infrared light to halt blood supply to the hemorrhoid, making it a virtually painless option for smaller internal hemorrhoids. Excision can address external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia, with most patients resuming normal activities within days.

For more severe cases, a hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended. Our practice uses the Harmonic scalpel, an advanced tool that cuts with ultrasonic vibration rather than heat, resulting in less post-operative pain and a faster recovery than conventional surgery.

While these treatments effectively resolve existing hemorrhoids, they don’t prevent new ones. Maintaining good dietary habits and avoiding unnecessary straining remain important for the long term.

You Don’t Have to Live with Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply endure the discomfort. With the right care, most patients find meaningful, often complete, relief. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about your options, reach out to the team at Suburban Surgical Care Specialists / Kane Center. We’re here to help you find the right path forward.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.