Hemorrhoids also known as Piles or Kooko are swollen veins located around the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may be external which is originating in the anus or internal which is also originating in the rectum.
What are the different types of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can occur both inside and outside the rectum. The type is determined by the location of the swollen vein. Examples include:
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are swellings within the rectum. They are typically small, swollen veins in the rectum wall. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless and do not require treatments. Internal hemorrhoids can cause the following symptoms:
- Bleeding that is painless during bowel motions. Small amounts of bright red blood may be seen on your toilet tissue or in the bowl
- A prolapsed or projecting hemorrhoid that pushes through the anal orifice, causing discomfort and irritation
External Hemorrhoids
Under the skin, swollen veins from around the anus. Your anus is the canal through which poop exits. External hemorrhoids can be painful and itchy. They occasionally fill with blood that can clot. This is not dangerous, but it may cause pain and swelling. External hemorrhoids can cause the following symptoms:
- itching
- pain
- bleeding
- swelling
Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the anus or lower rectum which causes the vesels to stretch, thin and irritated due to:
- Chronic diarrhea or Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Extended periods of time spent using the restroom
- Being overweight
- Straining during bowel movement
- Having anal intercourse
- Eating a low- fiber diet
- Heavy lifting
Signs and Symptoms
- Blood is noted on toilet tissue and sometimes in the stool
- painful bowel movements
- Itchy or painful lump or swelling near your anus
- Extreme itching around the anus
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are diagnosed based on your symptoms and physical examination.
- Digital rectal exam: To check for enlarged veins, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum
- Sigmoidoscopy: To examine within the lower (sigmoid) portion of the colon and rectum, your doctor will use a sigmoidoscope, a lighted tube with a camera. Both rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopies are types of procedures (proctoscopy)
- Anoscopy: To observe the lining of the anus and rectum, your doctor uses an anoscope, a lit tube
Treatments
Medicines and even surgery may sometimes be needed. However, simple measures will alleviate symptoms while hemorrhoids get better without treatment.
Symptomatic treatment
- Ice packs and cold compresses may help with the pain and swelling
- Topical creams and ointments such as suppositories, which contain hydrocortisone can help all discomfort and pain cause by hemorrhoids
- Warm sits baths can also help relieve symptoms
- For pain and inflammation, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
Complications of Hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids can cause the following complications:
- Anemia
- Infection
- Body tags (flap of tissue that hangs off skin)
- Hemorrhoids on the outside form blood clots
- Hemorrhoids with strangulations
Prevention
Keeping your stools soft, so they pass easily is the best way to prevent hemorrhoids.
- Drinking enough water helps keep stools soft and prevent constipation and therefore decreases straining
- Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.These helps softens the stool and increases its bulk
- If you wait to pass a tool, your stool may become hard and dry in your bowel, which makes it harder to pass
- Don't force a bowel movement when you don't need to go. Straining increases the pressure on your venous cushions, which leads to hemorrhoids. It can also turn internal hemorrhoids into external
- Sitting too long can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus, particularly sitting on the toilet
- Exercise helps prevent many bowel and digestive issues, including hemorrhoids
When should you see a doctor?
Other illness including colorectal cancer and anal cancer can cause rectal bleeding. If you experience heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, dizziness or lightheadness, you should seek emergency medical attention
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