Understanding Hemorrhoids: Internal and External
Hemorrhoids are swollen and bulging veins within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and tissues. Many patients suffering from hemorrhoids experience rectal itching, disturbed bowel movements and slight bleeding. Unlike other irregularities in the body, these uncomfortable situations affecting their daily lives drive them to continuously look for hemorrhoid relief.
The anatomy of human body shows that rectum has hemorrhoidal cushions or vessels in the anal canal. The anal canal is located between the rectum and the anus and is the terminal part of the large intestine. Due to the pressure on the rectum, the vessels swell and the supporting tissues become enlarged resulting to sac-like protrusion that may originate either at the top of the anal canal, called internal hemorrhoids or at the lower end of the anal canal, called external hemorrhoids.
- Internal hemorrhoids are found in the wall of the anal canal. As hemorrhoids contain blood vessels it normally bleeds even after regular bowel movement. Usually, it is not painful but only become so when pressed by the anal muscles or in case of inadequate blood supply. Internal hemorrhoids may be accompanied with prolapsing condition in which the hemorrhoids are dragged outside the anus when it continues to grow bigger. Ordinarily, when it protrudes to the outside it can be pushed back by your finger. But when the blood supply is cut off, it can no longer be pushed to the inside. This condition refers to incarceration of the hemorrhoid, which requires effective hemorrhoid cure.
- External hemorrhoids are lumps that protrude from the anus and usually painful when squeezed. Common condition of external hemorrhoid is thrombosis in which the blood coagulates. This condition can cause extreme pain because the lower part of the anal canal from which the hemorrhoid emanated has somatic nerves that are capable of sensing pain.
Laboratory examinations are normally not needed if you can determine the condition by yourself. Though symptoms vary depending whether it is external or internal, some of the common signs are rectal bleeding, a soft lump at the anal opening, incomplete bowel movements, rectal pain and itching. Your doctor can also examine the inside of your rectum to ensure that the signs are that of hemorrhoids, especially the bleeding that may be due to other serious problems.
Notwithstanding different causes, the several methods on how to treat hemorrhoids can be applied without distinction. Among the causes of hemorrhoids are prolonged sitting, vomiting, sneezing and coughing, low fiber, diarrhea, being overweight, lifting heavy objects, anal intercourse, and anal and rectal infection.
Apart from these, however, the common theories adapted by many are that hemorrhoids are due to frequent straining to move feces and pregnancy. By exerting too much effort to discharge the stool, the hemorrhoidal vessels are pulled downward and become enlarged. With regard to pregnancy, the weight of the fetus causes the hemorrhoidal cushions to enlarge and during childbirth, the pressure on the rectum caused by pushing the baby out aggravates the condition.
Although common in both men and women, hemorrhoids usually worsen at ages 45 to 65. This condition is often ignored by many because it is seen as an ordinary abnormality that can be healed in a few days, except extreme cases such as severe bleeding.
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