Hemorrhoids are a very common - and irritating - condition. Many small veins surround the anus and the rectum. There are two classifications for these veins - the internal hemorrhoidal veins and the external hemorrhoidal veins. When the internal hemorrhoidal veins become swollen, inflamed or otherwise abnormally dilated, they result in internal hemorrhoids.
Overview of Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids occur when there is increased pressure on the many small veins surrounding the lower rectum and anus. This condition is incredibly common; more than half of the population suffers it from time to time. Along with their counterpart external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids are actually very widespread. Because they are located within the anus, they can sometimes go unnoticed for long periods of time. In fact, some people may never be absolutely certain that they have this condition, if some of its more common signs are absent. They are by no means a medical emergency or a cause for major concern. Depending on their severity, internal hemorrhoids can be practically ignored or might cause a great deal of discomfort and pain.
Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids
The number one, most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding. The presence of a minute quantity of bright red blood is a sure sign of this condition. Usually, a person notices the blood after having a bowel movement. A lot of the time, the blood is noticed upon the toilet paper after a person wipes when they are finished. Occasionally, the blood may be seen floating in the toilet bowl, or may even be present on the stool. Regardless, although many people panic upon noticing this blood, internal hemorrhoids are almost always the culprit.
Actual pain is quite rare with internal hemorrhoids. Usually, there is simply a vague sense of discomfort in the area of the anus. Many times, people experience this sensation and can't figure out what it even signifies. Any feeling of discomfort in that region is quite likely to be internal hemorrhoids, though. If the internal hemorrhoids become thrombosed and protrude from the rectum, they can become painful. In fact, that is the only occasion for pain with this variety of hemorrhoids.
What Causes Internal Hemorrhoids
With this procedure, essentially your doctor removes as much excess tissue as possible from the rectal area that causes frequent bleeding in hemorrhoids. While undergoing the procedure, your doctor may put you under local anesthetic with sedation, a form of spinal anesthetic or a type of general anesthetic. This is one of the most effective and permanent ways of ending hemorrhoids in someone who experiences them frequently. However, the recovery can be difficult and may result in a great deal of pain for an extended period of time. Therefore, this procedure is only prescribed in extreme or advanced cases.
What Causes Internal Hemorrhoids
As mentioned before, internal hemorrhoids are the result of pressure on the veins in the anal and rectal areas. This phenomenon can be prompted by various different things. Below is a list of some of the more common of them.
|Straining excessively when having a bowel movement|
|Sitting for prolonged periods of time when performing a bowel movement|
|Rushing to finish a bowel movement, causing additional strain on the region|
|Pregnancy - additional weight to bear, as well as pushing during labor|
|Aging - the muscles in the area lose strength over time and become more susceptible to pressure|
|Cirrhosis of the liver|
|Chronic constipation or diarrhea|
|Obesity - the added weight increases the pressure all over the body, including the anal and rectal region|
|A diet high in fat and low in fiber|
If you suspect that you have internal hemorrhoids, changes in your lifestyle may be required in order to reduce their prominence. Additionally, extreme cases and major pain or discomfort require the attention of a doctor. Please note, however, that this condition is generally not a cause for major concern.