Hemorrhoids naturally swell and become larger during a bowel movement to help stool move easily through the anal canal. However, too much pressure causes the veins to stretch, stay enlarged, and become inflamed. Common causes of swollen veins include constipation, straining while having a bowel movement, sitting for long periods, and pregnancy. 

Hemorrhoid swelling can vary depending on whether the swollen anal veins are external or internal.

External Hemorrhoid Swelling

External hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus, where there are more pain-sensing nerves. They are covered by anal skin that’s stretched to make room for the enlarged veins. When they swell, they form a hard lump near the anus and can feel tender to the touch. 

Other signs of a swollen external hemorrhoid include:

• Increased swelling after straining
• Anal pain or discomfort when sitting 

Internal Hemorrhoid Swelling

Internal hemorrhoids develop in the upper part of the anal canal or lower rectum, so the swelling isn’t visible unless they drop outside the anus and become prolapsed. 

A prolapsed hemorrhoid will feel like a soft lump or bulge hanging out of the anus. The swelling associated with prolapsed hemorrhoids is caused by increased pressure in the anal veins. This can occur due to stress during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, or other factors restricting proper blood flow. As the veins become engorged, they may protrude and cause discomfort.

Some internal hemorrhoids are asymptomatic, which means you can have swollen anal veins without realizing it. Others can cause symptoms, such as:

• Red blood in the toilet bowl, stool, or on toilet paper
• Anal itching
• Mucus discharge
• Bowel discomfort

The more swollen and enlarged hemorrhoids are, the more pressure and discomfort a person might feel during a bowel movement. 

Risks of Hemorrhoid Swelling

Swollen hemorrhoids can affect everyday life. Normal activities like sitting, walking, and bowel movements can be severely uncomfortable or painful. This can cause distress and embarrassment, affecting your emotional well-being. 

If there’s continued pressure from straining or other factors, an untreated internal hemorrhoid can become more inflamed and prolapse. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be very painful, and if they reach the point where they can’t be pushed back inside the rectum, they can cause ongoing pain and discomfort. 

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoid Swelling

There are several ways to reduce hemorrhoid swelling and get relief. 

Over-The-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter treatments can help manage symptoms temporarily. These include:

Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments: These can reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation, providing short-term relief.

Suppositories like Preparation H: These contain ingredients that help shrink swollen anal veins and alleviate discomfort.

While these treatments may offer temporary relief, they are a good option for managing symptoms until you can seek medical advice.

Medical Treatments

In some cases, medical treatment is necessary to alleviate swelling from internal hemorrhoids in the long term. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are likely to go away on their own.

Non-surgical treatments: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive procedure offered at USA Hemorrhoid Centers. HAE works by shrinking hemorrhoid tissue and can be performed in an outpatient setting with a brief recovery time. It is an effective option for many cases of hemorrhoids that require treatment.

While there are over-the-counter options available, the best course of action is to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis to see if Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is right for you. 

When to Seek Medical Help for a Swollen Hemorrhoid

A prolapsed hemorrhoid that doesn’t retract on its own and swollen hemorrhoids that also bleed or are painful should be seen by a hemorrhoid doctor. They can give you a diagnosis and recommend a personalized treatment plan. 

Generally, if you notice your hemorrhoid symptoms don’t start improving after a few days, they might not resolve without medical treatment. The earlier you can see a hemorrhoid doctor and get treatment, the better, as early treatment can lead to better outcomes and help you avoid more severe symptoms.

Count on Our Expert Hemorrhoid Doctors to Help You Get Relief

At USA Hemorrhoid Centers, our hemorrhoid doctors treat internal hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). They also provide personalized treatment to help our patients feel better and get back to enjoying life without worrying about hemorrhoid symptoms. Schedule a consultation at a hemorrhoid clinic near you and determine if HAE is right for you.