The COVID-19 pandemic led many people to question the virus’s full impact on the body. A common query involves whether SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause conditions like hemorrhoids, which typically result from increased pressure in the lower rectum. People often look for answers when seemingly unrelated symptoms appear during or after an acute viral illness. This article clarifies the medical understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and the development or exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
Is There a Direct Link
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Current medical evidence does not categorize them as a direct symptom or side effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. While the virus primarily targets the respiratory system, it can affect multiple organs and cause inflammation throughout the body. However, a direct causal pathway where the virus physically initiates hemorrhoid formation is not established in the acute phase of infection.
Some long-term studies have noted an increase in conditions like hemorrhoids in the context of long-COVID, suggesting potential long-term effects on vascular health. Rectal bleeding was reported in some COVID-19 patients, but this was often attributed to secondary causes like other infections or the use of blood-thinning medications.
Indirect Mechanisms That Increase Risk
The primary connection between COVID-19 and hemorrhoid flare-ups lies in the indirect effects of the illness and associated lifestyle changes. The physical symptoms of the viral infection can significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, a major factor in hemorrhoid development. Severe or prolonged coughing and sneezing, frequent symptoms of COVID-19, create substantial downward force that strains the veins in the anal canal.
Gastrointestinal distress is another common presentation of the infection, often involving diarrhea or constipation. Both conditions lead to excessive straining during bowel movements, a known trigger for hemorrhoidal swelling and prolapse. Constipation is often compounded by reduced fluid intake due to fever, causing stools to become harder and more difficult to pass.
Prolonged periods of bed rest or reduced physical activity during the acute phase of illness also contribute to the problem. Remaining sedentary slows circulation, including in the pelvic region, increasing pressure on the rectal veins. Furthermore, the overall shift to a more sedentary lifestyle and reduced consumption of high-fiber foods during periods of lockdown contributed to a surge in hemorrhoid complaints.
Managing and Seeking Care for Hemorrhoids
When hemorrhoids flare up, initial management focuses on reducing swelling and minimizing straining. Increasing your daily intake of dietary fiber helps soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated fluids is an effective way to prevent the hard stools that cause painful straining.
Sitz baths, which involve sitting in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day, can help relieve pain and itching by improving blood flow. Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel offer temporary relief from discomfort and inflammation. It is also important to avoid spending excessive time sitting on the toilet, which puts direct pressure on the rectal veins.
You should contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve within a week of home care, or if you experience significant pain. It is particularly important to seek medical evaluation for persistent or excessive rectal bleeding, as this symptom can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Urgent care is necessary if you notice a painful, firm lump around the anus, which may signal a thrombosed hemorrhoid, or if bleeding is heavy and accompanied by dizziness or faintness.