Hemorrhoids: What Are They?

Itchy, bleeding, painful or painless, hemorrhoids are known to afflict over half of the adult American population. Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen and often inflamed blood vessels in the anus or lower rectum, which can cause significant discomfort and suffering. Many suffer silently because they are too embarrassed to discuss what is actually a fairly common and curable ailment. Or they believe the problem will just go away. The first thing to do if you experience pain, itching or bleeding is to seek qualified medical help to identify the cause of these symptoms. If it turns out that hemorrhoids are the cause, then there’s no need to panic: treatment is fairly simple and accessible. Treatment at the earlier stages is advised because neglected hemorrhoids can develop clots or become strangulated.

Hemorrhoids: What Types Are There?

There are essentially two types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. Those that occur high up inside the anus are called internal hemorrhoids. Often, the only symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding: bright red blood visible in the toilet bowl, on toilet tissue or on the stool. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless.

However, straining can push internal hemorrhoids through the anal canal, making them protrude outside the anus. These protruding veins, which are called prolapsed hemorrhoids, hurt and itch when exposed to friction. External hemorrhoids are swollen veins, which occur around the opening of the anal canal and may or may not be painful. Swollen, bluish veins visible beneath the skin around the anus are not normally painful unless inflamed, when they turn red and are tender to the touch. External hemorrhoids can cause intense pain when blood clots form inside the veins, leading to a condition known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. In such situations, one can feel a small firm lump around the outer region of the anus. Straining and rubbing makes a thrombosed hemorrhoid bleed, expel mucus, itch and even hurt severely. One can suffer from internal and external hemorrhoids simultaneously.

Stages of Hemorrhoids

If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids, safe and effective treatment is easily available. First degree hemorrhoids bleed but do not protrude. In the second degree, hemorrhoids protrude but recede immediately after bowel movement whereas in the third stage, they need to be manually repositioned inside the anus. At these three stages, symptoms can be alleviated by tub or Sitz baths and OTC cream applications, suppositories and pads. Surgery is normally required only in the fourth stage when a clot forms.

Hemorrhoids are caused by excessive pressure in the anal and rectal regions. Chronic constipation and diarrhea, both of which make one strain during bowel movement, are common causes of hemorrhoids. Other causes are pregnancy, aging, heredity, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids brought on by pregnancy are usually temporary and disappear after childbirth. The best one can do to prevent hemorrhoids is to ensure good digestion and minimize constipation: softer stools don’t cause straining. A high fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise and weight control all help to lower the incidence of hemorrhoids.