Hemorrhoids are a common ailment, which will affect about 50% of the population before the age of 50. Hemorrhoid remedies like creams and ointments are widely available, but they are not effective at actually treating the source of hemorrhoids. Fortunately, your options don’t stop there. At Premier Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville, we offer nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids, particularly infrared coagulation. But, what are common signs of bleeding hemorrhoids?
Common signs of minor bleeding
When hemorrhoids are irritated, they often bleed, particularly during or after bowel movements. In fact, bleeding during bowel movements is one of the most common signs of hemorrhoids. If after a bowel movement you find bright red blood on the toilet paper or see blood in the toilet, this is a sign of rectal bleeding. While bright red blood may be minor, it is important that you don’t ignore it.
Signs of more severe bleeding
If you’re not necessarily seeing bright red blood, but you have noticed a marked change in the color of your stool to black, tarry or maroon, you are seeing what could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract. While this blood could be be the result of hemorrhoids, bleeding in the digestive tract can also be a sign of more serious issues, like colorectal and anal cancers.
Any bleeding is a sign to consult a physician
The bottom line is any type of rectal or digestive tract bleeding is a sign it is time to consult a doctor—don’t assume that bleeding is coming from hemorrhoids or that it “isn’t a big deal.” A doctor, like Dr. Stone Mitchell, our hemorrhoid specialist at Premier Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, can do a physical examination and perform other tests to definitively diagnose hemorrhoids and rule out more-serious issues. Above all else, seek emergency care if you experience large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness.
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, it is important you consider seeing a hemorrhoid treatment specialist to devise the optimal treatment plan for you. There’s no reason to let the problem persist. You want to be confident your treatment plan includes the most up-to-date treatment options, like infrared coagulation, to provide lasting relief from hemorrhoids.
To get started on the path to lasting relief, give Premier Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, the only dedicated hemorrhoid treatment center in Knoxville, a call today at (865) 588-9952 to schedule a consultation.