Here are some common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids:
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Rectal Bleeding: The appearance of bright red blood on the toilet paper or a coating of blood on the stools is the most common symptom identified with internal hemorrhoids.
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Small lumps: Sometimes small lumps can be felt hanging outside the anus. These are known as prolapsed hemorrhoids. Sometimes these can be pushed back manually, or in the worst case even if pushed back, they came out again or cannot be pushed back at all.
- Itchy or Painful Anus: This is another common symptom, and causes a lot of discomfort when sitting down for long periods.
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Incomplete Bowel Movements: Patients feel that they still need to empty their bowels, even after they have shortly been to the toilet.
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Discharge of Mucus: The mucus discharged causes a lot of itching and skin irritation as it dries around the anal opening.
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Straining: Passing stools can become very painful and may require a lot of straining, which worsens the condition.
Internal hemorrhoids develop mainly due to unhealthy food habits and lack of exercise. Having a balanced diet that is rich in fiber content, drinking plenty of fluids and moderate exercise usually helps to prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids. High fiber content and fluids help in making the excreta bulkier and softer, which prevents straining and makes bowel movements easier. Making these lifestyle changes helps reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Knowledge about the symptoms of this condition can help in the early detection, prevention and early treatment of hemorrhoids.