Hemorrhoid symptoms are the result of the breakdown in your body’s ability to deal with
the growing pressure in the pelvic and rectal area. Hemorrhoids are veins which have become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoid symptoms usually depend upon location. They can be of two types: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids occur within the rectum and external hemorrhoids are outside the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can remain without symptoms for a long time, but external hemorrhoids always cause serious problems. So the range of hemorrhoid symptoms can be from very slight to those requiring emergency medical treatment.

• Bleeding during a bowel movement is one of the major hemorrhoid symptoms.  Small or large amounts of bright red blood may be in the toilet bowl as well as on the toilet paper.  Internal hemorrhoids within the rectum cannot be seen or felt, and they mainly do not cause discomfort.  During a bowel movement, the stool can cause the hemorrhoids to bleed by injuring the delicate tissue. A bleeding hemorrhoid can cause even a small amount of blood in the toilet bowl to look like much more, which can be a very frightening experience. Bleeding from the bowel can also be a symptom of other digestive diseases other than a hemorrhoid symptom. You should always consult a doctor for a diagnosis to rule out more serious conditions such as colon, rectal, or anal cancer.

• Mucus on the toilet paper or in the stool is another hemorrhoid symptom. Hemorrhoids can produce mucus which oozes from the anus causing the skin to become irritated. Mucus is often present after a bowel movement with hemorrhoids.

• Itching or irritation in the rectal area is a frequent complaint of hemorrhoid sufferers.  It is one of the most aggravating hemorrhoid symptoms. The skin at the anal opening is sensitive to the drainage caused by the hemorrhoids. This area is below the pectinate line, where the interior tissue becomes external tissue or skin, and is not able to handle the irritating fluids.

• Hemorrhoids protruding from the anus are a very obvious symptom. Sometimes the straining involved in a bowel movement can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anus.  When this happens, the hemorrhoid is said to be protruding or prolapsed.  A prolapsed hemorrhoid can be the source of much pain and irritation. 

• Rectal pain happens mainly with external hemorrhoids.  This is because the nerves lie below the pectinate line where the mucous membrane turns to skin.  These hemorrhoids itch or bleed when they are irritated.  Blood can pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot which is called a thrombus.  This can become a hard lump resulting in severe pain, swelling and inflammation.

• Swelling around the anus occurs when the hemorrhoids become strangulated.  When this happens a blood clot forms, creating a very painful solid lump or small lumps around the anal opening.  Physicians refer to these lumps as external hemorrhoids which have thrombosed.  These hemorrhoids have strangulated when the blood flowing into the vein cannot return to the body and ceases circulating.  Tissue death may result causing gangrene.

• Leakage of feces can take place in the drainage from the anal canal. This is one of the most common internal hemorrhoid symptoms.

• Feeling of rectal fullness is another hemorrhoid symptom.  This may result in an urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool present.

All these hemorrhoid symptoms should be taken seriously and dealt with for optimal health. The body is a wonderful-working mechanism and utmost care should be given when it signals that all is not well. Consult a doctor to make sure that you have the correct diagnosis of hemorrhoids. You then can make the changes in your lifestyle, such as diet and exercise to regain your health. Hopefully, you will never again experience hemorrhoid symptoms.