Hemorrhoids themselves do not cause a fever. If a fever is present alongside hemorrhoid symptoms, it usually points to an an underlying issue or a complication that requires medical attention.
Typical Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the rectum or around the anus, similar to varicose veins found elsewhere in the body. They can develop internally, within the rectum, or externally, under the skin around the anus. Common symptoms include bright red, painless bleeding during bowel movements, often noticed on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
Symptoms also include itching or irritation in the anal region, discomfort, and pain, particularly with external hemorrhoids or when a blood clot forms inside (thrombosed hemorrhoid). Swelling around the anus and a sensitive lump or bulge near the anal opening are common.
Fever and Hemorrhoid Complications
When a fever accompanies hemorrhoid symptoms, it often signals a secondary issue or complication. One significant concern is the development of an infection, such as a perianal abscess. This can occur if the skin around a thrombosed or external hemorrhoid is compromised, allowing bacteria to enter the underlying tissues and create a pocket of pus. The body’s immune response to this infection can trigger a fever, along with localized pain and swelling.
While a thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause pain due to the blood clot, a fever suggests a bacterial infection or cellulitis, a skin infection around the affected area. This type of infection requires prompt medical intervention to prevent further spread. The fever indicates a systemic response to the infection.
In some cases, a fever might be entirely unrelated to the hemorrhoids, even if hemorrhoid symptoms are present. It could be indicative of a systemic infection elsewhere in the body, such as influenza, a urinary tract infection, or another gastrointestinal condition like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease. Hemorrhoids might simply be coincidental findings, and the fever points to a separate health concern. For individuals who have recently undergone hemorrhoid surgery, a post-operative fever could signal an infection at the surgical site, which also warrants immediate medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any fever that occurs concurrently with hemorrhoid symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional. This combination of symptoms suggests a potential complication or an unrelated medical condition that needs to be properly diagnosed. Seeking timely medical attention helps ensure that serious infections or other underlying issues are identified and addressed.
Other concerning symptoms that, when combined with a fever, require medical evaluation include worsening pain in the anal area, significant rectal bleeding, or the presence of pus or foul-smelling discharge. An inability to have a bowel movement, or a general feeling of being unwell, also indicates a need for prompt medical advice. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of the fever and recommend appropriate treatment.