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Inside What Does A Hemorrhoid Look Like
Overview and Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins but located in a more sensitive area. They are a common condition, with a significant portion of adults experiencing them at some stage.
Types of Hemorrhoids
There are two main categories: internal and external hemorrhoids.
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Internal Hemorrhoids: These are located inside the rectum. Often, they are not visible or palpable. Since the rectum has fewer nerve endings, internal hemorrhoids usually do not cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation during bowel movements can damage their surface and result in bleeding.
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External Hemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus, an area rich in pain-sensing nerves, hence they are more likely to cause pain and bleeding when irritated.
An internal hemorrhoid can sometimes stretch down until it bulges outside the anal sphincter, known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This condition might be detectable due to its ability to be felt or seen hanging outside in severe cases.
The identification of hemorrhoid types is crucial for understanding the symptoms they may present.
Identifying and Understanding Internal and Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, causing discomfort, bleeding, and other symptoms. There are two main types: internal and prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and may not cause pain due to the fewer pain-sensing nerves in this area. They can, however, bleed during bowel movements, which might be noticeable on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
Symptoms include:
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements.
- Itching or irritation in the anal region.
- Swelling around the anus.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids originate internally but may protrude outside the anal sphincter due to straining or pressure from passing stool. The condition is categorized into degrees:
- Grade 1: Not prolapsed.
- Grade 2: Protrudes but retracts autonomously.
- Grade 3: Requires manual assistance to retract.
- Grade 4: Cannot be retracted and remains outside.
Symptoms of prolapsed hemorrhoids may include:
- Painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus, which results from blood pooling under the skin.
- Leakage of feces.
For diagnosis, a physical examination may be conducted to assess external issues like prolapsed hemorrhoids. An anoscopy could be performed for a closer look at internal hemorrhoids.
This distinction between internal and prolapsed hemorrhoids assists in the recognition of symptoms.
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Characteristics of External and Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding. When irritated, these hemorrhoids may feel like hard lumps, often noticed during personal hygiene routines after a bowel movement.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a specific type of external hemorrhoid that occur when blood pools and forms a clot (thrombus) within the hemorrhoid. This condition leads to severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and the possible presence of a hard lump near the anus. The affected area might change color to blue or purple because of the blood clot.
Key differences:
- Location: Both conditions are found near the anal area, but thrombosed hemorrhoids are specifically identified by the presence of a blood clot.
- Pain level: Thrombosed hemorrhoids typically exhibit a higher level of pain due to the pressure from the blood clot.
- Color: Thrombosed hemorrhoids can turn bluish due to trapped blood, a characteristic not usually observed in normal external hemorrhoids.
Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition and include home remedies like warm baths or over-the-counter creams for mild cases, and procedures like rubber band ligation or surgery for more severe instances.
Diagnosing and Treating Hemorrhoid Complications
Diagnosing complications from hemorrhoids involves identifying symptoms that extend beyond the usual discomfort. These may include intense pain, bleeding during bowel movements, or a palpable lump near the anus, indicating possible complications such as thrombosed hemorrhoids (where a blood clot forms) or prolapsed hemorrhoids (where the hemorrhoid protrudes outside the anal canal).
Visual examination and digital rectal exams are utilized in diagnosing these conditions. An anoscopy might also be recommended, involving the insertion of a small tube into the anus for a closer examination of the internal hemorrhoids.
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids: Characterized by severe pain and swelling.
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoids: Can cause significant discomfort and hygiene issues.
The treatment approach varies with the severity of the complications:
- Mild Cases often see improvement with:
- Over-the-counter creams
- Warm sitz baths
- Increased fiber intake
- Severe Cases may necessitate direct intervention:
- Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be treated with a minor procedure under local anesthesia to remove the clot.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids might be treated with rubber band ligation, which involves placing bands around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
In rare instances, surgery might be considered if other treatments fail or if there is significant bleeding.
The management of symptoms and prevention of further complications are important for maintaining quality of life in individuals with this common condition.