Internal and External Hemorrhoids
Internal and external hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects most adults at one time or another. They usually know they have this condition by the itching, bleeding and discomfort they experience. Although treatment of hemorrhoids and prevention is utmost in these patients mind, they are often embarrassed to tell anyone about their condition even their medical provider. If you are one of those people, there is nothing to be embarrassed about because roughly 10 million Americans have hemorrhoids as well.
Hemorrhoids occur when tissues in the anus uses blood to facilitate bowel movement, and when someone strain during a bowel movement that added pressure often cause the veins located in the tissue to stretch and swell causing hemorrhoids. In some cases, this condition occurs due to diarrhea, being overweight and constipation. Pregnancy could cause this condition as well usually during the last six months of pregnancy. Pregnant women experience this problem because of added pressure on the blood vessels in their pelvic region. This condition may become worse during delivery because of the constant pushing to have the baby.
There are two kinds of hemorrhoids internal and external usually the external caused the most pain and aggravation. External hemorrhoids occur near the opening of the anus, and it occurs when the veins swell on the outside.
External hemorrhoids often cause clotting under the skin and create a hard painful knot.
Internal hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anus becomes swollen. Internal hemorrhoids are usually small but can become large and bulge out of the anus. They are usually painless, but pain can occur if the veins bulge out of the rectum. This condition also causes bleeding and sometimes mucus is evident. The blood is noticeable when you use toilet paper or you may see blood in the toilet bowl after you pass stool. Even though bleeding is synonymous with this condition, bleeding also occurs due to Colorectal cancer. So, this problem should not be taken lightly
Treating hemorrhoids conditions varies. You can treat this condition with home remedy and lifestyle changes. Ways to treat this condition includes wiping with wet wipes rather than use toilet paper. Soaking the anus in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes after bowel movement and letting the affected area air dry rather than use a bath towel. Since, using a bath towel normally aggravate the sensitive area and makes it worse. For hemorrhoids pain and inflammation, patients find using over- the- counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin helpful. The market also provides over-the-counter treatment to treat hemorrhoids, which when applied to the affected area helps make the vessels smaller while reducing the swollen hemorrhoids. Using stool softeners often relieve the symptoms as well. Generally, with lifestyle changes, the condition disappears in about one week. Condition beyond one week maybe a sign of another medical problem, and patients should contact their medical provider to make sure the symptoms are not related to another medical condition.
Internal hemorrhoids may require a doctor’s assistance if the condition becomes severe, and the doctor may choose to remove the hemorrhoids by either scaring the area, or tying the hemorrhoids to stop the bloods supply from reaching the hemorrhoids so they will shrink and die.
The best ways to avoid getting this condition is to add more fiber to your diet and drink more water at least eight cups per day. Also, modify your diet by eating more vegetables, fruits, grains and beans and also implement an exercise regimen. Adjusting your diet will help soften your stool and make it easier to pass during a bowel movement, and reduce stress on the area.