A burst hemorrhoid bleeds for a few seconds or minutes and then bleeds again once you open your bowels. The bleeding shouldn't last over 10 minutes. A burst may relieve pressure in the body caused by blood build-up.
Hemorrhoidal rupture is a serious complication of hemorrhoids that can cause severe bleeding. It is usually not fatal, but delaying treatment can worsen the situation. If you have underlying health conditions such as clotting disorders or liver disease, the danger is even greater.
Ignoring ruptured hemorrhoids can cause rare but severe hemorrhagic complications, including the need for emergency hospitalization, transfusions, and even death.
This blog post will examine the possibility of dying from a ruptured hemorrhoid, the causes of hemorrhoids, and the risk of ruptured hemorrhoids.
Can You Die From a Ruptured Hemorrhoid: 8 Prevention and Management
A ruptured hemorrhoid can cause bleeding or clotting, resulting in severe pain and discomfort, which can ultimately lead to other health complications. While it is rare, a robust and untreated case of a ruptured hemorrhoid can lead to death.
To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to manage and treat hemorrhoids properly. Here are eight ways you can control and manage a ruptured hemorrhoid:
- Maintain Proper Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing and drying the anal area thoroughly, can help prevent inflammation and irritation.
- Stay Active: Exercise can improve circulation and reduce the risk of constipation, a significant factor in hemorrhoid development.
- Consume Fiber-Rich Foods: A fiber-rich diet can promote regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation, reducing the risk of hemorrhoid development.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to soften stool so that constipation is less likely to occur.
- Avoid Straining during Bowel Movements: Constraint during bowel movements can increase pressure on the rectum and cause hemorrhoids.
- Use Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter topical treatments, such as creams or ointments, relieve pain, inflammation, and itching.
- Consider Medical Treatments: If the hemorrhoid is severe or does not respond to topical treatments, medical intervention, such as a minimally invasive procedure, may be necessary.
- Practice Prevention: While it is common for hemorrhoids to reoccur, practicing prevention strategies can help reduce the likelihood of future hemorrhoid issues.
7 Causes of Hemorrhoids Rupture
A ruptured hemorrhoid occurs when a blood vessel inside the hemorrhoidal tissue becomes inflamed and ruptures. The major causes of ruptured hemorrhoids include:
- Chronic Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea, often associated with underlying digestive disorders or infections, can cause irritation and inflammation of the rectal area, making it more prone to hemorrhoids.
- Straining During Bowel Movements: Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by increased pressure on the rectal veins caused by straining. It is a condition in which the rectal veins are under increased pressure because of straining during bowel movements. This can result from a diet low in fiber, chronic constipation, or diarrhea, all of which can make the stool harder to pass and place undue pressure on the veins.
- Sitting for Prolonged Periods: If you have sedentary habits or work long hours sitting, you may be at risk for hemorrhoids. Sitting adds pressure to the veins in the lower rectum and restricts blood flow to the area.
- Obesity: Excess weight can lead to hemorrhoids because of the added pressure on the rectal veins and vessels.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are susceptible to hemorrhoids because of the increased pressure on the abdomen and pelvic area. A pregnancy's hormonal changes can also relax the veins and make them more prone to swelling and inflammation.
- Lifting Heavy Objects: Lifting heavy objects can strain the body in various ways, including the rectal veins. This can lead to the development of hemorrhoids, especially if lifting is done improperly or frequently.
- Age: As people age, the risk of developing hemorrhoids increases because of a variety of factors, including decreased muscle tone, weakened blood vessels, and reduced fiber intake.
5 Risks and Potential Complications of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
Occur when the swollen veins in the anus and rectum tear and bleed. The following are the risks associated with ruptured hemorrhoids:
- Infection: When hemorrhoids rupture, there is an increased risk of infection in the affected area, which can be painful to treat.
- Anemia: Heavy bleeding from ruptured hemorrhoids causes the body to lack red blood cells, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Blood clots: Ruptured hemorrhoids can also lead to blood clot formation, which can restrict blood flow to essential organs in the body, causing organ damage and even death.
- Septicemia: Septicemia is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication that can result from a ruptured hemorrhoid. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to organ damage and even death.
- Cancer: Some studies suggest that chronic hemorrhoid irritation, including from ruptured hemorrhoids, can increase the risk of rectal cancer.
8 Signs You Should Seek Medical Attention
If you have hemorrhoids, it's best to address them immediately to prevent further complications. However, in case of a ruptured hemorrhoid, seek medical attention without delay. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Uncontrollable Bleeding from the Anus: If you notice you are bleeding heavily and cannot stop it, seek medical attention immediately.
- Severe Pain During Bowel Movements: Hemorrhoids can cause mild discomfort, but if you are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements, it may be a sign of a ruptured hemorrhoid.
- Pain when Sitting or Standing: Ruptured hemorrhoids can cause pain when sitting or standing. If you notice the pain is unbearable, seek medical attention.
- Difficulty Passing Stools: A hemorrhoid may have ruptured if you are experiencing difficulty passing stools, especially if this is a new symptom.
- Visible Lump Around the Anus: If you can see or feel a lump around your anus, you may have a ruptured hemorrhoid.
- Abdominal Pain: Ruptured hemorrhoids may cause abdominal pain, especially when passing stools or sitting for extended periods.
- Inability to Control Bowel Movements: In severe cases, a ruptured hemorrhoid may cause a loss of control over bowel movements.
- Fainting or Dizziness: Heavy bleeding can drop your blood pressure, making you feel faint or dizzy.
Conclusion
While dying from a ruptured hemorrhoid is rare, it's a possibility that should not be ignored. If you experience symptoms of a ruptured hemorrhoid, such as rectal bleeding, pain, or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention is critical to avoiding hemorrhoids. To reduce your risk, prioritize a healthy diet, hydration, and regular exercise. Make sure you stay informed and take care of your health.