Hemorrhoids are veins within the anus and the anal canal which become swollen. Those near the opening of the anus are called external hemorrhoids. Those inside the anal canal are internal hemorrhoids.

Both can occur at the same time as their causes are similar although the symptoms and treatments differ. We will discuss internal hemorrhoids.

Because internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anal canal they are not that easy to palpate compared to external ones. The swelling of internal hemorrhoids occurs when pressure is increased in the affected area. In the case where the swelling is rather severe they may protrude outside the anus.

They usually present themselves by red blood in the stools. Other symptoms include itching and pain. If they become thrombosed the pain may be rather intense.

Internal hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure inside the anus that causes the veins to enlarge and strain causing the blood within them to pool.

It is common that only symptom is bleeding during a bowel movement. Even though this can be painless, rectal bleeding is something you should always take seriously because it can be the sign of some more serious issue. If you have rectal bleeding you should always go to meet your doctor.

It is also possible that internal hemorrhoids prolapse. This often causes itching and pain, and then the risk that they become thrombosed increases. If this happens, it normally requires a medical attention.

Diagnosis is usually made by a history and digital examination. Sometimes a sigmoidoscope, a flexible instrument containing a scope and light source, can be used to visualize the anus to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Laboratory testing may be used to rule out anemia if significant blood loss is suspected. A coagulation profile may be ordered if a clotting deficiency is suspected to be the cause of the bleeding.

Internal hemorrhoids treatments include home remedies, which are the usual recommendations. High fiber diet, increased fluid intake, stool softeners and sitz baths can be rather effective.

Also, different kinds of creams and ointments can relieve the symptoms by reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids. They often contain also some cortisone that helps in swelling as well.

But, these remedies don’t cure hemorrhoids permanently, and they offer only a temporal relief. This is the reason why stool softeners and high-fiber diet are recommended to use in conjunction with them.

Sometimes a surgery is required, especially in the cases of thrombosed hemorrhoids. Also, if hemorrhoids often re-occur, this may become an option.

There are some commonly used surgical techniques. The most typical ones include laser treatments, hemorrhoidectomy, rubber band ligation, and sclerosing the veins with some chemical.

The risks of developing internal hemorrhoids can be minimized using fiber diets, plenty of liquids for hydration and regular bowel habits.

 

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