Hemorrhoidal thrombosis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

​Hemorrhoidal thrombosis happens when you have an internal or external hemorrhoid that ruptures or becomes compressed by the anus, causing blood to accumulate in the anus forming a clot, which causes swelling and intense pain in the anal region.

Generally, hemorrhoidal thrombosis is more common in people who are constipated or during pregnancy, but it can also arise due to other situations that increase abdominal pressure, such as excessive exertion at the gym, for example.

The treatment of hemorrhoidal thrombosis is carried out according to its cause and severity, and surgery or the use of medication may be indicated according to the proctologist’s guidance.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of hemorrhoidal thrombosis are:

• Intense pain in the anal region;
• Bleeding, especially when having a bowel movement or straining;
• Swelling or nodule at the site.

However, in these cases it is possible to see that the nodulation has become purplish or black, indicating thrombosis, and the person should consult a proctologist as soon as possible.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of hemorrhoidal thrombosis is made by the proctologist by observing the symptoms presented by the person, evaluating the characteristics of external hemorrhoids and signs of thrombosis.

Possible causes

Hemorrhoidal thrombosis occurs as a consequence of an external hemorrhoid, which can arise due to constipation, straining to have a bowel movement, poor anal hygiene or pregnancy, for example, which are also risk factors for developing thrombosis.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for hemorrhoidal thrombosis must be carried out according to the proctologist’s recommendation and the use of pain medications, anesthetic ointments, as well as sitz baths and changes in diet, such as increasing fiber intake, for example, are usually recommended. maintain regular bowel habits. The main treatment options for hemorrhoidal thrombosis are:

1. Taking medicine or applying ointments

To treat hemorrhoidal thrombosis, your doctor may recommend:

• Analgesic medicinessuch as Paracetamol, or anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen, to relieve pain;
• Ointments for hemorrhoids, such as Proctyl, for example, which helps to relieve local pain and reduce other symptoms;
• Laxativessuch as Almeida Prado 46 or Lactopurga, which help to soften the stool, making it easier to pass;
• Fiber supplementswhich help in the formation of fecal cake and reduces the risk of bleeding.

In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of medications such as diosmin associated with hesperidin, such as Diosmin, Perivasc or Daflon, which help to improve blood flow in the veins of the anal region, and reduce symptoms such as itching and bleeding in hemorrhoids.

2. Placing an elastic band on the hemorrhoid

In some cases, it may be recommended to place an elastic band on the hemorrhoid, often used in the case of external hemorrhoidal thrombosis to reduce blood circulation and cause the hemorrhoid to fall within 7 to 10 days.

3. Injecting liquid into the hemorrhoid

The application of an injection of sclerosing liquid is carried out by the doctor and causes the hemorrhoid to become hard and die, falling off after about 7 days. This treatment can be used to treat internal or external hemorrhoidal thrombosis.

4. Surgery to remove hemorrhoids

In the most serious cases, in which there is thrombosis with necrosis, surgery for hemorrhoidal thrombosis may be recommended, and consists of removing the hemorrhoid with a scalpel, and the patient needs to be hospitalized.

Natural treatment option

The natural treatment for hemorrhoidal thrombosis can be done with a witch hazel, cypress or lavender sitz bath, for example, however it does not help to treat thrombosis once and for all, being just a good way to relieve pain. Therefore, whenever hemorrhoid thrombosis is suspected, it is very important to see a doctor to assess the need for treatment with other options. See how to make this sitz bath for hemorrhoids.

To complete the treatment, it is also important to take some precautions, such as drinking around 2 liters of water per day and exercising regularly, to improve bowel function and reduce pressure on the hemorrhoid.

See other home remedies for hemorrhoids that help complement treatment.