Hemorrhoids, which are vascular tissues in the rectum and anus, can become infected. When infection does occur, it’s usually a sign of a more serious complication, such as restricted blood flow, tissue damage, or an underlying condition that weakens the body’s ability to fight bacteria.
While the risk of infection from hemorrhoids is rare, some patients have dealt with an infected hemorrhoid before. Recognizing the signs of infected hemorrhoids can help patients lower their risk and know when to seek help for hemorrhoids.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
You may be surprised to learn that hemorrhoids are a normal part of anatomy. They are a collection of and soft tissues in the lower rectum and anus that aid in bowel movements. They become problematic when the veins inside the hemorrhoids become inflamed.
There are two types of hemorrhoids that flare up:
- Internal Hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum, internal hemorrhoids often go undetected until the patient notices bright red blood in their stool.
- External Hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids appear as small lumps around the anus and cause noticeable discomfort while sitting or using the toilet.
More on Internal and External Hemorrhoids
How Do Hemorrhoids Become Infected?
Infected hemorrhoids usually occur when blood flow is severely restricted. In most hemorrhoids, a high volume of blood flows through to keep the surrounding tissues healthy. When hemorrhoids flare up, there is added pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins—typically caused by strained bowel movements or prolonged sitting—that cause the hemorrhoids to swell and bleed.
While most hemorrhoids avoid infection, certain circumstances can make infection more likely:
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when an internal hemorrhoid has swelled enough to protrude from the anal opening. Prolapsed hemorrhoids have a higher chance of becoming infected because the muscles in the anus can cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid. Without blood flow, the affected tissue can break down and die. This leaves an open wound that’s now vulnerable to infection.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids with a blood clot. Hemorrhoids can develop a blood clot because impeded blood flow causes blood to pool in the hemorrhoidal veins. Stagnant blood flow can increase the risk of clotting.
A hemorrhoidal blood clot can create a lot of painful pressure in the hemorrhoid. When there’s excessive pressure, the protective barrier surrounding the hemorrhoid breaks and allows bacteria to enter.
Bacteria
The rectum and anus contain bacteria. Poor anal hygiene after a bowel movement can invite bacteria into the hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Complications
Certain hemorrhoid procedures, such as rubber band ligation (banding) or hemorrhoid surgery, carry risks of infection because these procedures can leave an open wound during the recovery period. Bacteria from the intestines are more likely to enter the wound and infect the surrounding tissues.
Weakened Immune System
Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, HIV, and lupus, can make it difficult to fight off infections.
What Are the Signs of an Infected Hemorrhoid?
Typical hemorrhoid symptoms include anal discomfort, itching, occasional bleeding, and localized swelling. These symptoms can usually be managed with conservative care.
When a hemorrhoid gets infected, symptoms tend to become more severe and include:
- Worsening pain or throbbing in the anus
- The affected area feels warm and appears red and swollen
- Discharge or pus has a foul odor
- Systemic symptoms, such as fever, chills, or fatigue
Prevention Tips for Hemorrhoid Infections
Preventing infected hemorrhoids often comes down to adopting habits that reduce strain on the rectal veins, manage symptoms such as bleeding and discomfort, and prevent new hemorrhoids from flaring up. This includes:
- Avoiding prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
- Eating a diet rich in fiber to soften stools
- Refraining from straining during bowel movements
- Hydrating adequately
- Maintaining proper hygiene in the anal area after a bowel movement
Hygiene is vital to preventing an infection; however, wiping can often irritate an inflamed hemorrhoid. Sitz baths or bidets can help patients keep the area clean and avoid chafing.
When to Seek Help for an Infected Hemorrhoid
In most cases, if a patient is experiencing an infected hemorrhoid, the infection must be treated first before other treatments are considered. Be aware of sudden changes in your hemorrhoid that suggest an infection, such as increasing anal pain and swelling. If the affected area feels warm, appears red, or contains pus with a foul odor, seek help at an urgent care for antibiotics.
Conservative care, such as eating more fiber and avoiding straining, can help reduce the risk of a hemorrhoid infection. However, these methods may not resolve all hemorrhoids. Some hemorrhoids, especially internal hemorrhoids, will persist, worsen, or return. A medical intervention may be necessary to help relieve symptoms and prevent an infection.
Consider consulting a hemorrhoid specialist if you experience the following symptoms:
- Painless bleeding from the rectum
- Anal itching
- Mucus discharge in your stool
- Feelings of fullness in your rectum
- Prolapsed tissue that can be pushed back in manually
How Does USA Hemorrhoid Centers Treat Hemorrhoids?
USA Hemorrhoid Centers focuses on treating internal hemorrhoids with a minimally invasive procedure called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). HAE is a catheter-based treatment that targets the blood vessels supplying hemorrhoids.
HAE reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoidal arteries to ease pressure off of the veins, maintain healthy circulation, and reduce inflammation. HAE is performed on an outpatient basis and keeps the hemorrhoidal tissue intact. Patients may start noticing results shortly after their procedure.
If you’re experiencing persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, schedule a consultation with a hemorrhoid specialist to find out if you are a candidate for HAE.
This information is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are noticing signs of an infection, seek immediate care.
FAQs About Infected Hemorrhoids
Most bleeding hemorrhoids do not become infected. While seeing blood can be alarming, bleeding is actually a very common symptom of standard hemorrhoids, not a sign of an infection. However, because rectal bleeding can sometimes be a sign of other gastrointestinal conditions, it is always a good idea to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis.
Most patients are prescribed antibiotics to address infected hemorrhoids. While patients are on antibiotics, it’s important to keep the area clean and to avoid situations that worsen hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting on the toilet, straining during bowel movements, and heavy lifting.
Although rare, a hemorrhoid can become septic if it becomes strangulated and loses its blood supply. If left untreated, the hemorrhoid can become infected and enter the bloodstream. If you experience symptoms such as fever or chills, rapid heart rate, fast breathing, find care promptly.