Is a Ruptured Hemorrhoid Dangerous? Know the Risks Now | Credihealth

Noticing blood after a bowel movement can be frightening, especially if it occurs unexpectedly and suddenly. If your hemorrhoid ruptured, you might wonder, “Is a ruptured hemorrhoid dangerous?” Let’s take a look at blogs and learn whether it’s serious and when to seek medical attention. 

Is a Ruptured Hemorrhoid Dangerous?

Is a burst hemorrhoid a serious health risk? While a burst of hemorrhoids (or piles) can be bothersome, they are not usually threatening to one’s health. In rare cases, they can lead to heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, which can contribute to some severe complications if left untreated. Rectum bleeding could also indicate the risk of other severe conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or anal or colorectal cancer. 

The best advice is to seek medical help if:

• Bleeding is extremely heavy or persistent

• You experience weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness

• There is swelling, severe pain, or symptoms of infection (e.g., fever or pus)

• You have frequent episodes of bleeding piles or underlying conditions, such as bleeding disorders and anemia 

Potential Complications

Though rare, excessive bleeding from a ruptured hemorrhoid can also be accompanied by the following complications if left untreated:

• Infection: The infection can develop if the affected area is not properly kept clean. The signs of infection are redness, swelling, extreme pain, fever, and pus.

• Anemia: Long-lasting blood loss can cause anemia, where the body has a low number of red blood cells. This leads to shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue.

• Thrombosis: External hemorrhoids can thrombose (form blood clots), which can be extremely painful.

• Anal fissures (in rare cases): This is tearing in the anus which is a very severe issue. 

Why Can Hemorrhoids Rupture?

Hemorrhoids or piles can rupture or burst due to excessive formation of blood and straining. This can lead to bleeding, which typically appears bright red and can be seen in toilet bowls, on toilet paper, or in stool. Once burst, there is a relief from pain due to the release of pressure from accumulated blood.

In case you don’t find any relief after bleeding rescues, it is likely that you have a severe bleeding hemorrhoid instead of a burst hemorrhoid. This requires a medical emergency. 

How Long Does Bleeding from Ruptured Hemorrhoids Last?

Bleeding from burst hemorrhoids or piles can last for a few seconds to several minutes. It can occur again after a bowel movement because of increased pressure. However, it should not last longer than 10 minutes. If bleeding continues for 1 week or more and occurs heavily and frequently along with other symptoms, like pain or a blue-colored lump, consult a healthcare provider. 

Symptoms of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

The following are the ruptured hemorrhoid symptoms: 

• Bright red blood after a bowel movement

• Intense pain, swelling, itching and irritation around the anus

• Feeling painful lump or bulge around the anal opening

• Challenges properly cleaning the anus after pooping

• Clear or yellowish discharge from the anus that looks like a mucus

• Feeling a stool is stuck in the anus while or after pooping

What to Do If Hemorrhoids Burst?

It is recommended that if a hemorrhoid bursts, seek professional help if you experience:

On the other hand, you can consider home treatment for ruptured hemorrhoids, such as:

• Sitz Bath: Research says that sitz baths help relieve pain in the affected area.. Just soak the area in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day.

• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress, like an ice pack, to the affected area helps relieve pain and discomfort.

• Pain Medications: Examples include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which alleviate pain. But avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as they can worsen bleeding. 

• Proper Hygiene: Wiping the area gently using mild soap and warm water to avoid harsh scrubbing.

As constipation makes hemorrhoids strain, which can worsen bleeding, consider these measures to soften your stools:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Consume high fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

• Open your bowels only when you feel an urge, instead of holding it in.

• Practice physical exercises regularly.

• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative, like psyllium husk or methylcellulose, as directed on the label.

• Apply a hemorrhoid cream to the affected area multiple times a day.

When to See a Doctor?

Medical evaluation is essential when you have anal bleeding, as not all bleeding is related to hemorrhoids. So, if bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes or is severe and recurs, avoid self-diagnosis and see a doctor to determine the exact cause. Sometimes, other underlying conditions like anal or colorectal cancer can be the culprit.

Along with anal bleeding, consult the healthcare professional, if you experience these

• persistent and sudden changes in the color and consistency of stool

• changes in patterns of bowel movement

• anal pain or cramps

• unexplained weight loss

• nausea or vomiting

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• abdominal pain

• Fever or pus

Medical Treatments for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

The treatment option depends on the severity of the bleeding hemorrhoids:

Conservative Treatments:

OTC Creams or Suppositories:

• Doctors prescribe OTC creams or suppositories (inserted inside the rectum) to treat external hemorrhoids.

• Contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or pramoxine to relieve pain, swelling, and itching. 

Sitz Baths:

Stool Softeners

• Helps alleviate straining or constipation during bowel movements, which are responsible for the worsening of hemorrhoids. 

• Examples of stool softeners include Docusate or Methylcellulose.

Office Treatments:

In severe or persistent cases, the doctors can help with these treatment options:

Rubber Band Ligation:

• Place a rubber band around the bottom part of the hemorrhoid.

• This blocks the blood supply to it, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and then fall off. 

Sclerotherapy

• Involves injecting a solution into an internal hemorrhoid.

• This, in turn, cut off the blood supply to it, causing its shrinkage.

Infrared Coagulation

• Use an infrared light that is targeted at an internal hemorrhoid to form scar tissue.

• This prevents the blood from reaching the hemorrhoid, making it shrink and die.

Electrocoagulation

• An electric current is sent to an internal hemorrhoid to cause the formation of scar tissue.

• This cuts off the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid, shrinking it. 

Surgical Treatments:

When other treatments are ineffective, the healthcare providers suggest surgery:

Hemorrhoidectomy:

• Involves the surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids and falling internal hemorrhoids (that don’t get treated with other treatments).

• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Uses a stapling tool to take out internal hemorrhoid tissue and push a falling internal hemorrhoid inside the anus.

• Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation: Make use of ultrasound to constrict the blood vessels that supply blood to the hemorrhoid.

Preventive Tips

Prevention measures can decrease the risk of the formation of internal or external hemorrhoids and prevent them from developing into prolapsed or clotted hemorrhoids.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the preventive tips include:

• avoid straining while bowel movements or pooping, as it causes excessive strain on anal area.

• do not sit on the toilet seat for a longer time to prevent unnecessary strain.
  avoid too much wiping of your anal area because it can irritate and damage the delicate skin, worsening hemorrhoids.

• consume an adequate amount of a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation (the main cause of piles).

• avoid irritants such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol, as they can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

• drink a lot of water daily to soften stools and ease their passage, alleviating constipation issues.

• avoid lifting heavy lifting frequently, as it also contributes to excessive pressure on anus. 

Outlook for a Ruptured Hemorrhoid

Ruptured hemorrhoids are not usually severe, though the bleeding from them can be alarming.

• Hemorrhoids filled with blood (called thrombosed hemorrhoids) are intensely painful till they do not burst.

• Ruptured hemorrhoids basically subside quickly and might or might not recur.

• If there is no severe pain, then they are likely not ruptured thrombosed hemorrhoids but an inflamed or irritated hemorrhoid.

Final Thoughts

Is a ruptured hemorrhoid dangerous can be your concern if you experience bleeding and discomfort. It can be concerning, but it’s not threatening. The burst hemorrhoids can be managed with some home treatments. If you experience persistent ruptured hemorrhoids with other concerning symptoms, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions