If a pile (hemorrhoid) bursts, it may bleed. Keep the area clean, use warm baths, and see a doctor if bleeding is heavy or continues.
What it means
A hemorrhoid may bleed, usually bright red blood on tissue or the toilet. A clot (thrombosed hemorrhoid) may rupture.
Care
- Warm sitz baths 10 to 15 minutes.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Use fiber and water to soften stool.
- Apply hemorrhoid cream.
See a doctor
If bleeding is heavy, lasts more than a week, or comes with dizziness, pain or fever.
Emergency
Dark or black stool, or lots of blood.
What a burst hemorrhoid is
A hemorrhoid is a swollen vein in the rectum or anus. External hemorrhoids can develop a blood clot (thrombosed hemorrhoid), causing a hard, painful lump. When it ruptures, there may be a sudden release of dark blood and relief from pressure. About half of adults over 50 have had hemorrhoids, according to the NIDDK.
- Bleeding that is bright red on tissue or in the toilet bowl is common and usually stops within minutes.
- Pain usually peaks in the first 48 to 72 hours and eases over days.
- A thrombosed hemorrhoid often resolves in 1 to 2 weeks.
Care steps
Warm sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily, relieve discomfort. Fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams per day and enough fluids soften stool. Avoid straining and sitting on the toilet for long. Hydrocortisone creams should be used for no more than a week. See a doctor if bleeding continues beyond a few days or if you pass large clots. Rectal bleeding with dizziness, black tarry stool or a change in bowel habits needs prompt evaluation since colorectal conditions can look similar.
Meaning and care
A hemorrhoid that bursts is usually a thrombosed hemorrhoid or a bleeding hemorrhoid releasing blood. Bleeding is bright red on toilet paper or in the bowl. Care includes sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes, fiber of 25 to 38 g daily, water and avoiding straining.
Seek help
Contact a doctor if bleeding is heavy, lasts more than a week, comes with dizziness or dark stools, or if you are over 45 and have new bleeding, since colorectal cancer can cause similar symptoms.
Types and symptoms
Hemorrhoids are classed internal (grades 1 to 4) or external. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid forms a blue purple painful lump when blood clots inside and can burst, releasing dark blood with relief of pressure. Internal hemorrhoids cause painless bright red bleeding. About 75 percent of Americans have hemorrhoids at some point.
Treatment ladder
First line: 25 to 38 g fiber daily, 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids, sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes, hydrocortisone cream for short use and avoiding straining. Rubber band ligation is an office procedure that works in about 70 to 80 percent of grade 1 to 3 cases. Surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) is for severe disease. Seek help if bleeding is heavy, if you are dizzy or if pain is severe.
Based on data from the NIDDK and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
