Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous?

While swollen vessels in your anal region can be uncomfortable, you may wonder “Are hemorrhoids dangerous?” Fortunately, most cases of hemorrhoids are uncomfortable rather than life-threatening. However, if left untreated, hemorrhoid symptoms can worsen and interfere greatly with quality of life.

Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are typically itchy and uncomfortable. If left untreated, your hemorrhoid symptoms may include bleeding. Sometimes, your hemorrhoid may become thrombosed (when the vessels develop internal blood clots) or even burst. Prolapsing hemorrhoids may become strangulated if your anal muscles tighten around them. However, in almost every instance, these complications are not dangerous. Still, if you consistently bleed heavily dure to hemorrhoids, you could become anemic, and that condition could pose serious risks to your health if not treated promptly and properly.

What Happens to Untreated Hemorrhoids?

If left untreated, mild hemorrhoids could progress, causing worsening symptoms and reducing your quality of life. With moderate to severe—Grade III or Grade IV—hemorrhoids, you could have difficulties sitting or walking comfortably. Your digestion could be impacted and it could become more challenging to maintain proper hygiene after passing bowel movements. Moreover, Grade IV hemorrhoids may not respond to minimally invasive treatment options. As such, seeking early intervention for symptomatic piles is always preferable.

Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous if You Don’t See a Doctor?

If your hemorrhoids are mild, you may not need to see a doctor. For many patients, symptoms will resolve with home care, including the use of over-the-counter products and making changes to your fiet and lifestyle to reduce constipation and time spent sitting on the toilet. However, if you have symptomatic internal hemorrhoids that are Grade II or III in severity, it’s time to see our specialists at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute. When you come into the office, we can explore HAE, a minimally invasive  hemorrhoids treatment that shrinks your hemorrhoids to relieve your symptom burden. You can learn more about this treatment option by requesting a consultation with our interventional radiologists.