Haemorrhoid Infection - Medtick

Haemorrhoid Infection

What is it?

A person’s anal canal is lined with blood vessels. When these blood vessels become dilated or swollen, they can form a haemorrhoid.

The haemorrhoid itself gets infected by bacteria, this occurs when:

  • When healthy blood flow to the area is restricted (blood flow is required because it allows white blood cells and other immune cell proteins to flow through the anal area).
  • Internal haemorrhoid is one that forms in the rectum (this is the portion of the large intestine that ends at the anus).
  • An internal haemorrhoid may push down from the rectum, which is known as a prolapsed internal haemorrhoid, this can often be gently pushed back up into the wall of the rectum, but in doing so can be most likely to get infected.
  • This is because this may cut off the veins blood flow which is known as a strangulated internal haemorrhoid and this without no white cell, immune cells proteins and other immune factors supplying blood to the haemorrhoid to stop the bacteria, an infection can form quickly.
  • Medical diseases can also increase the chance of infected haemorrhoids.

Thrombosed haemorrhoids

Thrombosed haemorrhoids occur when either an internal or external haemorrhoid fills with blood clots.

  • Thrombosed haemorrhoids can become tender and painful.
  • These type of haemorrhoids can also become infected, which may lead to an abscess and fever.

Cause

Treatments

  • Surgery in anal area

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Small amounts of blood in the toilet or on your bathroom tissue after a bowel movement?
  • Swelling around the anus?
  • Redness around the anus, especially near the site of the infection?
  • Itching in and around the anus?
  • Pain, especially when sitting or straining during a bowel movement?
  • A lump under the skin around your anus?
  • Pain that gets worse, even after standard haemorrhoid treatment?
  • Symptoms are longer than four days?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:


Talk to a Healthcare Professional

  • If symptoms are longer than four days (if having treatment longer than a week)
  • If fever comes on suddenly

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Haemorrhoid Infection in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).