Is a Ruptured Hemorrhoid Dangerous? What You Need to Know Right Now

Noticing bright red blood after a bowel movement in the toilet or on the tissue can be frightening, especially when it's unexpected. If your hemorrhoid has ruptured, you may be wondering, “Is a ruptured hemorrhoid dangerous?” Should I be worried? In this article, we’ll break down what causes hemorrhoids to rupture, how to tell if it’s serious, what to do next, and when to see a doctor.

Is a Ruptured Hemorrhoid Dangerous?

A ruptured (or burst) hemorrhoid may seem alarming, but in most cases, it's not life-threatening. While it can be painful and messy, it typically resolves on its own. However, heavy or persistent rectal bleeding can be a sign of more serious issues and should not be ignored.

Bleeding from hemorrhoids may also mimic or mask other health concerns, such as:

• Ulcerative colitis

• Crohn’s disease

• Anal or colorectal cancer

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Bleeding that is heavy or doesn’t stop

• Weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness

• Fever, pus, or symptoms of infection

• Repeated episodes of bleeding hemorrhoids or underlying conditions like anemia or bleeding disorders

What Happens If You Ignore a Ruptured Hemorrhoid: Potential Complications

Though rare, excessive bleeding from a ruptured hemorrhoid can also be accompanied by the following complications if left untreated:

• Infection: The infection can develop if the affected area is not properly kept clean. The signs of infection are redness, swelling, extreme pain, fever, and pus.

• Anemia: Long-lasting blood loss can cause anemia, where the body has a low number of red blood cells. This leads to shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue.

• Thrombosis: External hemorrhoids can thrombose (form blood clots), which can be extremely painful.

• Anal fissures (in rare cases): This is tearing in the anus which is a very severe issue. 

What Causes a Hemorrhoid to Burst?

Hemorrhoids can rupture due to increased pressure from:

• Straining during bowel movements

• Prolonged constipation

• Sitting for too long

• Physical exertion

When blood builds up inside a hemorrhoid, it creates tension. Rupture releases this pressure, which may bring temporary relief.

If there's no relief after bleeding, it might not be a rupture but instead a severe bleeding hemorrhoid, which requires emergency care.

How Long Does Bleeding from Ruptured Hemorrhoids Last?

Bleeding from burst hemorrhoids or piles can last for a few seconds to several minutes. It can occur again after a bowel movement because of increased pressure. However, it should not last longer than 10 minutes.

See a doctor if:

• Bleeding lasts more than 10 minutes

• There is heavy or frequent bleeding

• You notice a blue lump, severe pain, or swelling

Symptoms of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Recognizing the signs of a ruptured hemorrhoid can help you take quick action:

• Bright red blood after a bowel movement

• Intense pain, swelling, itching and irritation around the anus

• Feeling painful lump or bulge around the anal opening

• Challenges properly cleaning the anus after pooping

• Clear or yellowish discharge from the anus that looks like a mucus

• Feeling a stool is stuck in the anus while or after pooping

First Aid for a Ruptured Hemorrhoid: What Should You Do Immediately?

If your hemorrhoid bursts:

 Seek immediate medical care if:

• Bleeding is persistent or excessive

• Large clots pass or water turns red

• There’s severe, unrelenting pain

For mild cases, try these home remedies:

• Sitz Bath: Research says that sitz baths help relieve pain in the affected area.. Just soak the area in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day.

• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress, like an ice pack, to the affected area helps relieve pain and discomfort.

• Pain Medications: Examples include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which alleviate pain. But avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as they can worsen bleeding. 

• Proper Hygiene: Wiping the area gently using mild soap and warm water to avoid harsh scrubbing.

 To ease bowel movements and reduce straining:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Consume high fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

• Open your bowels only when you feel an urge, instead of holding it in.

• Practice physical exercises regularly.

• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative, like psyllium husk or methylcellulose, as directed on the label.

• Apply a hemorrhoid cream to the affected area multiple times a day.

When to See a Doctor?

Medical evaluation is essential when you have anal bleeding, as not all bleeding is related to hemorrhoids. So, if bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes or is severe and recurs, avoid self-diagnosis and see a doctor to determine the exact cause. Sometimes, other underlying conditions like anal or colorectal cancer can be the culprit.

Along with anal bleeding, consult the healthcare professional, if you experience these:

• persistent and sudden changes in the color and consistency of stool

• changes in patterns of bowel movement

• anal pain or cramps

• unexplained weight loss

• nausea or vomiting

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• abdominal pain

• Fever or pus

Medical Treatments for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

The treatment option depends on the severity of the bleeding hemorrhoids:

Conservative Treatments:

OTC Creams or Suppositories:

• Doctors prescribe OTC creams or suppositories (inserted inside the rectum) to treat external hemorrhoids.

• Contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or pramoxine to relieve pain, swelling, and itching. 

Sitz Baths:

• Involves soaking the anal area in warm water for 1o to 15 minutes multiple times a day.

• This alleviates the pain and discomfort in the affected area.

Stool Softeners

• Helps alleviate straining or constipation during bowel movements, which are responsible for the worsening of hemorrhoids. 

• Examples of stool softeners include Docusate or Methylcellulose.

Office-Based Procedures (For Persistent Cases)

In severe or persistent cases, the doctors can help with these treatment options:

Rubber Band Ligation:

• Place a rubber band around the bottom part of the hemorrhoid.

• This blocks the blood supply to it, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and then fall off. 

Sclerotherapy

• Involves injecting a solution into an internal hemorrhoid.

• This, in turn, cut off the blood supply to it, causing its shrinkage.

Infrared Coagulation

• Use an infrared light that is targeted at an internal hemorrhoid to form scar tissue.

• This prevents the blood from reaching the hemorrhoid, making it shrink and die.

Electrocoagulation

• An electric current is sent to an internal hemorrhoid to cause the formation of scar tissue.

• This cuts off the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid, shrinking it. 

Surgical Options (For Severe or Recurrent Cases)

When other treatments are ineffective, the healthcare providers suggest surgery:

Hemorrhoidectomy:

Involves the surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids and falling internal hemorrhoids (that don't get treated with other treatments).

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy

Uses a stapling tool to take out internal hemorrhoid tissue and push a falling internal hemorrhoid inside the anus.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation

Make use of ultrasound to constrict the blood vessels that supply blood to the hemorrhoid.

Preventive Tips

Prevention measures can decrease the risk of the formation of internal or external hemorrhoids and prevent them from developing into prolapsed or clotted hemorrhoids.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the preventive tips include:

• Avoid straining while bowel movements or pooping, as it causes excessive strain on anal area.

• Do not sit on the toilet seat for a longer time to prevent unnecessary strain.
  avoid too much wiping of your anal area because it can irritate and damage the delicate skin, worsening hemorrhoids.

• Consume an adequate amount of a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation (the main cause of piles).

• Avoid irritants such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol, as they can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

• Drink a lot of water daily to soften stools and ease their passage, alleviating constipation issues.

• avoid lifting heavy lifting frequently, as it also contributes to excessive pressure on anus. 

Outlook for a Ruptured Hemorrhoid

Ruptured hemorrhoids are not usually severe, though the bleeding from them can be alarming.

• Hemorrhoids filled with blood (called thrombosed hemorrhoids) are intensely painful till they do not burst.

• Ruptured hemorrhoids subside quickly and might or might not recur.

• If there is no severe pain, then they are likely not ruptured, thrombosed hemorrhoids, but an inflamed or irritated hemorrhoid.

Final Thoughts

Wondering "Is a ruptured hemorrhoid dangerous?" is natural when you're facing unexpected bleeding or discomfort. While it can be concerning, it’s typically manageable with home care and proper hygiene.

But don’t ignore signs that suggest something more serious. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and get the treatment you need.

Your body knows when something’s off — listen to it.