Identifying Internal and External Hemorrhoids
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012Hemorrhoids are defined as swollen blood vessels inside or outside the anal canal. Although the condition afflicts myriads of people of all ages each year, to date no one cause for hemorrhoids has been identified. However health experts cite several contributing factors, such as abnormal pressure put on the rectal and pelvic areas, as is common during pregnancy. Being constipated and over-straining when you go to the bathroom can also cause blood vessels to swell and even bleed. Additional culprits are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and heavy lifting.
There are essentially two types of hemorrhoids which can form and what differentiates them is where exactly the swelling of the veins in the anal canal occurs. The anal canal, situated below the rectum, is the last place waste rests before leaving your body. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum, or stated in more technical terms, “above the dentate line”. External hemorrhoids lie outside the anal canal, or “below the dentate line”.
Since internal hemorrhoids contain few nerve endings, they are often painless and undetectable until bleeding occurs. Internal hemorrhoids are categorized into four grade levels which indicate the severity of the condition. A prolapsed hemorrhoid, or an internal hemorrhoid which has dropped and is visible below the anus, indicates a more serious state. External hemorrhoids are visible to the eye, contain many nerve endings, and typically cause itchiness and excruciating pain. If you have what is called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid it means a blood clot has formed, and it will hurt to sit, stand, and have a bowel movement. The easiest way to identify a thrombosed external hemorrhoid is its color, which is an unmistakable dark red, purplish, or bluish color just below the skin.
The good news is that hemorrhoids are treatable, and for the most part you can get rid of hemorrhoids via conservative methods. However, since anal bleeding can also be caused by certain types of cancer, it is paramount that you see a doctor and receive a firm diagnosis before beginning any type of hemorrhoids treatment. If you take a trip to your local pharmacy, you will find many prescription and over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments, including anti-hemorrhoid creams and ointments. If you are interested in a hemorrhoids home treatment or any type of natural treatment, you will find myriads of tested, tried, and true suggestions on the Internet. (Soaking your rectum in a warm bath several times a day is one way to ease the pain caused by hemorrhoids).
Finally, to prevent the condition from reoccurring or from occurring in the first place, there are a number of proactive steps suggested by health practitioners. To prevent all forms of hemorrhoids, follow these recommendations:
• Increase your dietary intake of fiber, bran, or psyllium
• Eat more whole grains and fruits and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water daily
• Exercise regularly (Kegel exercises, which strengthen the rectal muscles and increase blood flow to the anal regions, are especially recommended)
Unfortunately, when no other method has succeeded, surgery may be required to remove hemorrhoids. Types of surgical procedures for the condition include:
• Rubber Band Ligation
• Sclerotherapy
• Laser coagulation
• Hemorhoidectory surgery