Do Hemorrhoids Cause Gas?

If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids—swollen blood vessels in and around the anus—you may experience discomfort, itching, or even bleeding during bowel movements. These symptoms can be distressing, and it’s natural to wonder if hemorrhoids could also contribute to bloating and gas.

In this blog, we’ll address common questions, such as:

• Do hemorrhoids cause bloating and gas?
• Can passing gas cause hemorrhoids?
• Can hemorrhoids block gas?

It will also share how to safely pass gas with hemorrhoids and manage other hemorrhoids symptoms.

Do Hemorrhoids Cause Bloating?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, don’t directly cause bloating or gas. However, internal hemorrhoids can make passing gas or stool more difficult. This can lead to a gas buildup in your body, contributing to bloating and discomfort. Additionally, because stool may stay in your bowels for longer periods of time, hemorrhoids may contribute to smelly gas once it is eventually passed.

How to Relieve Gas With Hemorrhoids

If you want relief from hemorrhoid-related gas buildup, add more fiber to your diet. This lifestyle change may help relieve bloating, constipation, and gas associated with hemorrhoids.

Also, when eating or drinking, avoid talking as both habits can contribute to gas development. You may also want to eliminate foods that can increase gas production, including:

• Chewing gum
• High fructose corn syrup
• Sorbitol, erythritol and other synthetic sweeteners
• Dairy
• Beans, chickpeas and other legumes
• Whole grains
• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables.

For temporary relief, consider over-the-counter gas relief medications, such as simethicone, to break up gas bubbles and make it easier to pass gas.

Can Hemorrhoids Block Gas?

Inflamed internal hemorrhoids can make it harder to release gas, because they can interfere with normal bowel movement. This combination can lead to abdominal pain and bloating, causing you to retain gas for extended periods of time.  

How to Treat Hemorrhoid Symptoms

While hemorrhoids do cause gas and bloating, they can also lead to anal itching and discomfort. You may notice bright red blood in your stool, or experience bleeding after passing a bowel movement. Some internal hemorrhoids can prolapse out of the anus. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, the prolapsed hemorrhoid may or may not be able to be repositioned manually.

To alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to pursue treatment options. When symptoms are mild, you could find relief with simple lifestyle changes such as:

• Adding water and fiber to your diet.
• Spending less time sitting and more time exercising.
• Soaking in a sitz bath.
• Using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream.

Changing your bathroom habits may also be helpful.

• Avoid vigorous wiping after passing stool, gently pat yourself clean instead.
•  Use medicated wipes instead of toilet paper to alleviate discomfort and reduce symptom burden when hemorrhoids are flaring, especially for grade 1 (mild) hemorrhoids.

Patients with grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids will likely need to pursue hemorrhoid removal to find symptom relief. You can eliminate swollen blood vessels in the anus with a procedure called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE)—a minimally invasive treatment option that causes your hemorrhoids to shrink after cutting off blood flow to the affected vessels.

If you’re struggling with hemorrhoid pain and want to find out if you’re a candidate for HAE, request a consultation with the interventional radiologists at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute.