Digestive Disease: Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen or dilated) veins located inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or around the exterior of anus (external hemorrhoids).

It is normal for blood vessels to be located in this region. Doctors are not exactly sure why these veins become enlarged and swollen, but several associations have been made. Hemorrhoids are usually not very painful or critical, but they can be bothersome.
Internal Hemorrhoids

The classic symptom of an internal hemorrhoid is the presence of blood when you go to the bathroom. The blood is found on the stool or toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

Internal hemorrhoids occasionally extend outside of the anus.

Certain conditions may cause internal hemorrhoids to bulge and/or become irritated and bleed, including the following:

* Trauma during childbirth
* The extra weight of pregnancy
* Obesity
* Chronic (long-lasting) constipation with straining
* Diarrhea
* Anal intercourse

Rarely, a bulging internal hemorrhoid may cause a blood clot to occur.

Hemorrhoids
External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are varicose veins located on the outside of the anus, under the skin. They are more frequently associated with painful irritation, especially when a blood clot forms within the dilated vein.

Patients with external hemorrhoids may have painful swelling or a hard, painful lump (from a blood clot). If the hemorrhoid is irritated from such things as straining on the toilet or from rubbing or cleaning, the area may itch and bleed.

Hemorrhoids caused by a blood clot (thrombosed hemorrhoids) need to be treated right away by a doctor. The doctor usually will remove the blood clot. Otherwise, most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated at home. On rare occasions, surgery is required to remove hemorrhoids.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

* Pain and pressure in the anal canal.
* A grapelike lump on the anus.
* Itching and soreness in and around the anus.
* Blood on underwear, toilet paper, the surface of the stool or in the toilet bowl.

Symptoms can be made worse by straining during constipation and overly aggressive wiping of the anus
What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be caused by the following:

* Straining during a bowel movement.
* Frequent constipation (hard or difficult bowel movements).
* Diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stool).
* Pregnancy (especially in the third trimester).
* Cirrhosis of the liver (can cause pooling of blood in the vessels around the rectum).

How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?

It's important to describe all of your symptoms to your doctor. On examination, your doctor may be able to see external hemorrhoids and bulging internal hemorrhoids.

When hemorrhoids are not visible beyond the anus, your doctor may examine the inside of the anal canal using a lighted instrument called an anoscope.

In some cases, your doctor will recommend a detailed examination of your lower colon (sigmoidoscopy) or entire colon (colonoscopy) using a lighted scope to ensure that there is no inflammatory disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or colon cancer.

source:www.webmd.com