What Do External And Internal Hemorrhoids Look Like
Normal hemorrhoidal tissue cannot be seen since they must first swell and become inflamed or develop a clot to cause symptoms. One can see swollen external hemorrhoids or internal prolapsed hemorrhoids exposed outside the anus but internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen because they remain inside the anus. A thrombosed hemorrhoid will appear as a lump at the anal verge, protruding from the anus, and will be dark bluish in color because of the blood clot contained inside the swollen blood vessel. Non-thrombosed hemorrhoids will appear as a rubbery lump. Often more than one swollen hemorrhoid appears at the same time.
Symptoms Of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but they usually cause few of the symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can cause problems, however, when blood clots inside them. This is referred to as thrombosis. Thrombosis of such a hemorrhoid causes an anal lump that is
- very painful,
- tender, and
- often requires medical attention.
The thrombosed hemorrhoid may heal with scarring, and leave a tag of skin protruding in the anus. Occasionally, the tag is large, which can make anal hygiene difficult or irritate the anus. Even after such a hemorrhoid goes away, a residual skin tag may remain, and this may need to be surgically removed.
Hemorrhoids Constipation Treatment: Diet And Lifestyle
Prolonged or frequent constipation often causes hemorrhoids by increasing the pressure in the anal region. To treat hemorrhoids effectively, the constipation must be treated simultaneously. Here are some measures to cure constipation and hemorrhoids:
Your diet must contain fiber in each meal, since fiber stimulate the bowel to work better and empty itself in due time. Food sources containing fiber are full corn cereals, full corn bread, vegetables and fruit.
Your diet must contain the right amount of fat. Too little fat makes the stool hard, too much can irritate the digestion. Vary between these natural fat sources: Fat fish, almonds, olive oil, rape oil, canola oil and flax oil. The fat type in these oils alleviates inflammations in the digestive system. In addition you should consume some, but not too much of these fat sources: Nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, eggs, spawn, sunflower oil, corn oil and soy oil.
Drink enough water, since water makes the stool softer.
Eat regular meals each day. Do not overfill your stomach at each meal. It can be better to eat four or five smaller meals that three larger.
Go to the toilet every time you feel the urge to pass stool. Relax at the toilet and let it all get the time to pass out. Try to avoid straining to pass the stool out. To ease the passing of stool you can smear the anal opening with vaseline or with special ointments made for this purpose.
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What Should I Eat If I Have Hemorrhoids Diet
Individuals with hemorrhoids should soften their stools by increasing the fiber in their diets.
Fiber is found in numerous foods, including
- fresh and dried fruits,
- whole grains, and
- cereals.
In general, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, whereas the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Fiber supplements, like psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil, also may be used to increase the intake of fiber.
Stool softeners and increased drinking of liquids also may be recommended, as well as bulk-forming laxatives. Nevertheless, the benefits of fiber, liquids, and stool softeners have not been well-tested with respect to hemorrhoidal control in scientific studies.
Constipation Symptoms And Causes
Constipation means different things to different people. I have met people who tell me that they move their bowels only once in every six to twelve days, and then only with the help of a strong laxative, and they accept this pattern as normal because they know nothing else. Would you accept this as normal bowel function, if you had experienced only this sequence since childhood?
Bowel activity associated with good health does vary considerably among normal people. For some a movement once every two days may be normal, and others may have three or more stools a day and be in perfect health. The criterion I use for deciding what is normal is that the stool should be moderately soft and easy to pass without pain or strain. The accumulation of feces between movements should not reach the point where severe bloating of the intestine and discomfort occur.
Constipation happens when the stool is hard, small and requires physical effort before it is passed. Under such demands, the abdominal muscles must contract, a deep breath must be held as the diaphragm is forced downward. This creates strong internal abdominal pressures to help force the contents out of the colon. This additional force from straining is necessary because the pressure from the contraction of the colon walls is inadequate to evacuate the compacted fecal mass.
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Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
Many internal piles treatment options are available to those experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for hemorrhoids that people are familiar with are aimed at providing temporary relief from pain, itching or general discomfort. These methods include things like sitz baths, over-the-counter creams and ointments or natural home remedies like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar.
Unfortunately, these treatment methods only provide momentary relief, and they only really work for external hemorrhoid symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids treatment must be aimed at addressing the problem long-term by actually removing the internal hemorrhoids.
How To Treat Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids Medicine
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anal canal as live tissue, and are not visible or even noticeable until they begin to protrude out of the anus. Once they have protruded outside of the rectum area, the condition is referred to as prolapsed hemorrhoids. The main cause of internal hemorrhoids is the excessive stress and straining of the veins contained in the rectum. External hemorrhoids are also caused in this way. Unfortunately, with enough stress and straining, blood loss may occur from the internal hemorrhoids. This condition is referred to as Bleeding Hemorrhoids.
To begin treating your Hemorrhoids Symptoms, there are a variety of internal hemorrhoids medicines that can be used. Internal hemorrhoids medicines are generally divided into three categories: dietary, prescription over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies.
Changing Your Eating HabitsInternal Hemorrhoids Medicine
A diet thats fiber-rich is naturally one of the best internal hemorrhoids medicines. As well as just treating the internal hemorrhoids, a fiber-rich diet improves the bowel movement and makes it soft and easy to pass, preventing stress on sensitive rectal veins that can eventually lead into hemorrhoids. Natural dietary fiber can be found in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grain choices. However another convenient way to get your fiber intake is to include commercial fiber supplements in your dietjust take them before you go to bed.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids Are They Painful
It depends on the type of hemorrhoids you have, Dr. Nelson says. If you have external hemorrhoids, youll probably have the following symptoms:
- anal itching
- one or more hard, tender lumps near your anus
- an anal ache or pain that you feel or gets worse when you sit
If you have internal hemorrhoids, youll likely have these symptoms:
- bleeding from your rectum
- a hemorrhoid that has fallen through your anus, which is called prolapse
Hemorrhoids, for the most part, do not cause pain when you have a bowel movement, says Rudolph Bedford, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. However, if you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid, you can also experience swelling and pain if it doesnt go back inside your body, Dr. Nelson says.
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How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed By Your Doctor
See your doctor if you think you might have hemorrhoids, especially if you notice bleeding from your anus or rectum, or have bloody stools. Your doctor will want to rule out more serious problems that can cause bleeding from the anus or rectum, such as cancer.
Hemorrhoid symptoms may also be similar to those of other anal and rectal problems, including anal fissures, abscesses, warts, and polyps.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will ask you to describe your symptoms. Questions about your eating habits, toilet habits, and enema and laxative use are likely to come up.
Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for lumps or swelling, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, skin tags, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the anus that can result in itching and bleeding. This will involve a visual examination of the area.
Your doctor may also perform a rectal exam to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, check the muscle tone of your anus, and check for blood in the stool. This is done with a gloved, lubricated finger and a tool called an anoscope.
An anoscope is a type of endoscope a hollow, lighted tube that is inserted a few inches into the anus to help the doctor see any problems inside the lining of the rectum. This procedure is performed in the doctors office and doesnt require anesthesia.
Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of bleeding, especially if you are over age 40.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Seeing blood in your toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but its one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Other symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement
- Itching in the anal area
- Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
- One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus
If you experience any of these hemorrhoid symptoms, avoid excess straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus, which can make irritation and itching worse, and can even lead to bleeding. In addition, try to pat the area dry instead of wiping it.
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What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like And The 4 Grades Of Internal Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are caused by stagnation or a block in the flow of blood in the anal and rectal areas, causing veins to be inflamed. They are an embarrassing and painful condition to have. Its important to learn about what hemorrhoids look like and the 4 grades of internal hemorrhoids to have a better grasp of the condition and to know what to do. Depending on the gravity of the condition, a person who suffers from hemorrhoids can either opt to self-medicate using alternate cures or herbal medicines, or to use creams, or have a visit with the doctor.
There are two kinds of hemorrhoids and it is essential to know these two types to better handle the condition, as well as, provide proper treatment for the patient.
EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
External hemorrhoids are more painful than internal hemorrhoids. They usually occur in the anus itself. When a person eliminates waste and he has an external hemorrhoid, the hemorrhoid would usually prolapse and the person can see and feel it. The size of an external hemorrhoid can vary greatly. It ranges from being pea-sized to the extremes of being the size of a golf ball. The common size of a hemorrhoid is that of a grape. Sometimes, external hemorrhoids can occur in groups. Recovery time can vary depending on the size and number of hemorrhoids.
INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
THE FOUR GRADES OF INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
GRADE I
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Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Being overweight is another factor that may contribute to the development of haemorrhoids. You can lose weight by exercising regularly, eating a low-fat diet and moderating your alcohol intake.
More information about food and nutrition is available in our healthy eating section and from the Nutrition Australia website.
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What Causes A Hemorrhoid To Become Prolapsed
A hemorrhoid can become prolapsed when the tissue that holds it in place weakens. There are several possible causes and risk factors for this weakening of the connective tissue.
Straining during bowel movements is one possible cause, as the straining can put extra pressure on the hemorrhoid. You may be more likely to strain if youre experiencing constipation or diarrhea.
Pregnancy can also increase your risk. Hemorrhoids occur in up to 40 percent of pregnant women, and left untreated, they can become prolapsed.
Obesity is another possible risk factor. Excess weight can put a strain on the rectal veins, causing the formation of hemorrhoids and the prolapse of internal and external hemorrhoids.
Cigarette smoking can also harm any and all of your blood vessels, including the veins in your rectum and anus. That can increase your risk for hemorrhoids and prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Medicines For Treating Piles
Theres a range of medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms of piles. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions.
- If youre passing hard poo, a fibre supplement such as ispaghula husk or mild laxative such as lactulose will soften it.
- Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, may help to ease any pain from piles. Dont take painkillers that have an opioid in them , as these could make you constipated and add to your problems.
- Soothing creams, ointments and suppositories may ease any pain and itchiness from piles. There are lots of different products available over the counter. Some contain a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine. Only use these for a few days as they may affect the sensitivity of your skin ask your pharmacist for more information.
- Products that contain corticosteroids, such as Anusol HC and Proctosedyl, may reduce swelling and pain. Dont use these for more than a week as they can damage the skin around your anus. Most are available over the counter and others on prescription.
It can sometimes take up to a month for self-help measures and medicines to work. If your symptoms dont improve after this time, contact your GP. They may refer you to a specialist.
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Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids
There are a number of easy, healthy ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits such as berries, avocados, and pears . Broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts are among the vegetables that can up your fiber intake. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, are also an important source. Legumes, including lentils, various beans, and green peas, are a great way to get fiber. Nuts and seeds make for a great fiber-filled snack, too.
If you’re having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement.
If you experience chronic constipation and suspect that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids, avoid eating too many foods that contain little or no fiber, such as cheese and fast and processed foods.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Recommendations for daily water intake vary and depend on the individual, but the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set adequate intake levels at 2.7 liters for men and approximately 3.7 liters for women. This can come from beverages and food, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be dehydrating and should not be counted in reaching this intake goal.
Exercise regularly. Exercise, especially 20 to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day, can help keep bowel movements regular. And regular exercise may help you lose weight, which may be contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.
Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:
Can Hemorrhoids Block Bowel Movements
Although hemorrhoids are common, they arent easy to deal with for most patients. When it comes to having a bowel movement, hemorrhoids can make it difficult.
Whether hemorrhoids occur internally or exist around the opening of the anus, they can make it hard to pass your stool.
The swelling that occurs from hemorrhoids can keep you from being able to pass a bowel movement. If you have constipation and hemorrhoids simultaneously, it only worsens your condition.
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