In the year 2006 the number of people living with hemorrhoids in the USA rose to 13 million out of a total population of about 298 million, which is a prevalence rate of 4.4%. About a million new cases of hemorrhoids are discovered yearly. The shocking truth however is that of all these large number of hemorrhoid cases, about half to three million cases per annum do not seek proper treatment.

So there are about 10 million people with hemorrhoids paying little or no attention to their symptoms. Although the direct death toll from hemorrhoids is very low, at less than 20 deaths per 100,000, but since every life is important, every hemorrhoid patient must seek proper treatment. (Click the links in the last paragraph below to know how to treat hemorrhoids effectively)

Quick action must be taken in the treatment of hemorrhoids for the best outcome of disease. Prompt action translating to the probability of total recovery is a good reason to take action.

Are Hemorrhoids Life-endangering?
Hemorrhoids themselves are not life threatening most of the time but the symptoms of hemorrhoids, principally blood in stool or bowel movement bleeding, could also be due to some other more dangerous diseases.(Click the links in the last paragraph below to learn how to put a permanent stop to bleeding piles)

There are other diseases of the colon and rectum that could present with similar symptoms. In the colon, the other 7 main infirmities are colorectal cancer, colon polyp, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal ischemia and peptic ulcer. There are 4 other predominant afflictions in the rectum, namely anal fissures, anorectal fistulae, proctitis and rectal prolapse.

Some of these other diseases especially colorectal cancer can be life threatening especially if not treated early. In this case, following the majority of 10 million people in ignoring the symptoms of hemorrhoids can have severe results. A very practical rule is suitable; see a doctor if bleeding drags on over a week. (Click the links below to learn how to effectively treat bleeding hemorrhoids)

Hemorrhoids however present with some other symptoms which will be discussed in the next part of this article.

Symptoms Of Internal Hemorrhoids

Rectal bleeding, either blood mixed with stool or blood after passage of stool, is the most frequent symptom of internal hemorrhoids. Blood may drip into the toilet bowl, toilet paper may be colored red and stools may be streaked with blood. (Click the links in the last paragraph below to know how to stop bleeding hemorrhoids)

Medically the bulges of internal hemorrhoids are classified into 4 different stages of prolapse or protrusion:

- a first-degree internal hemorrhoid bulges into the anal canal;

- a second-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus, then automatically retracts itself;

- a third-degree hemorrhoid bulges from the anus and must be physically pushed back in;

- a fourth-degree hemorrhoid bulges out from the anus permanently.
Typically not painful (as internal hemorrhoids form above the dentate line) but the larger ones can prolapse and be painfully squeezed by the anal sphincter muscles that control the anal opening. Deprived of blood supply, strangulated hemorrhoids may form and endanger surrounding tissues; a situation warranting urgent medical treatment. (Click the links in the last paragraph below to know how to obtain quick relief from painful hemorrhoids)

Itchiness, skin irritation, anal lumps, rectal lumps and the uncomfortable urge to pass stools just after cleaning up from bowel motion are other normal symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. Where the hemorrhoid is extremely huge and near the anus, the sensation of unfinished bowel motion is greatly boosted.

Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Anal pain is the main difference in symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids as the latter manifest outside the pectinate line where there are many pain nerve receptors. Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots or thrombuses, tends to complicate external hemorrhoids leading to interference of blood flow in the circulatory system. Detrimental inflammation of the whole anal and rectal regions can result from the thrombosed hemorrhoid. (Click the links in the last paragraph below to know how to shrink thrombosed hemorrhoids permanently)

Due to the recurrent irritation that they cause, external hemorrhoids are hard to ignore whereas the lack of overt symptoms often lead to internal hemorrhoids going undetected. Whilst it is natural to clean the anal region when afflicted by hemorrhoids, a vicious recurring cycle of hemorrhoid recurrence can set in if the anal region is excessively cleaned.

Are You Still Ignoring The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids?
Are you having symptoms of painless rectal bleeding? Do not ignore this seemingly harmless symptom. It could be heralding the beginning of hemorrhoid or some other more sinister medical condition.