What's the Connection Between Hemorrhoids and Gas?

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, develop due to swelling in the blood vessels and tissue around and in your anus. They can leave you experiencing discomfort, itching or bleeding with bowel movements. But is there a connection between your hemorrhoids and gas or bloating? Keep reading to find out.

Can hemorrhoids cause gas?

You won't develop gas as a direct result of having hemorrhoids. But internal hemorrhoids can make it harder for you to pass stool or gas comfortably. So gas may build up over time, and you could become painfully bloated.

Addressing hemorrhoids and gas

When you have hemorrhoids and gas, you could relieve bloating and constipation by adding more fiber to your diet. Avoiding gum chewing can also reduce gas buildup, as can eating and drinking slowly and mindfully, without talking while you chew or swallow. And you can relieve gas and other hemorrhoid symptoms with dietary changes.

Start by eliminating foods that trigger gas buildup, such as:

• High fructose corn syrup
• Sorbitol, erythritol and other sweeteners ending in 'ol'
• Products containing dairy
• Chickpeas, beans and other legumes
• Whole grains
• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies

Managing other hemorrhoid symptoms

Common, direct symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Pain
• Itching
• Passing stools with bright red blood

People with internal hemorrhoids may experience protrusion from the anus, a condition referred to as prolapsing. Some prolapsed hemorrhoids can be manually repositioned inside the anus, but others will only be resolved through medical intervention.

Hemorrhoid treatment options

Mild hemorrhoids can be addressed with home care and lifestyle changes. Many patients can find relief from a diet to help hemorrhoids. You should also reduce time spent sitting, particularly in the bathroom. You may also benefit from soaking in warm, shallow water or applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams to areas of inflammation.

After having a bowel movement, avoid vigorous wiping and try instead to gently pat yourself clean. You could also ditch the TP in favor of medicated wipes. (Just be sure they're flushable to avoid plumbing concerns.)

Finally, if you need to relieve grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids, it may be time to explore a medical procedure for symptom relief. Here at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, we perform hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a minimally invasive procedure to shrink hemorrhoids without surgery, simply by limiting blood supply to the swollen vessels. Simply [tx-appt-link] request a consultation [/tx-appt-link] and we'll work together to decided if you’re a candidate for HAE.