Gastroenterologist Questions Gastroenterologist

Is my problem urgent?

I think I have a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It isn't bleeding. It is painful. It is bulging from my rectum. It came on suddenly Sat. the 3rd.

Female | 66 years old

4 Answers

GastroenterologistGastroenterologist
I would try a topical antiinflammatory agent along with analgesics, warm sit baths; if no better in 5-7 days, she may need to see a surgeon
A thrombosed hemorrhoid can be treated urgently if it is very painful. It can be lanced in the ER or in a colorectal surgery office. Otherwise, it will resolve with time using pain medications, sitz baths, prep H, etc.
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You need to go to the ER or see a general surgeon to incise the thrombosed hemorrhoid and to remove the blood clot which is causing pain and hemorrhoid bulging. Then, using topical hemorrhoid medications containing analgesic such as lidocaine after sitz bath and stool softener will help before deciding to remove hemorrhoid if it cannot managed conservatively.
Most of the time it is not urgent. You can try to shrink the hemorrhoid with witch hazel and a hemorrhoid ointment such as preparation H. This should decrease the size of the hemorrhoid. I would say it is a good sign that it is not bleeding or painful.