What Are Hemorrhoids

KimA | Dec 28, 2010 |

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In the area of the anus and rectum, problems can develop in the veins within the tissue. The result is hemorrhoids or piles, veins which have become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may form either internally or externally.

A great deal of pain and itching may be the result of the external hemorrhoids which develop on the anus, outside of the rectum. If a blood clot were to form inside the swollen blood vessel of an external hemorrhoid, the risk of thrombosis is increased. The eventual bursting of the vein resulting in thrombosis could be hastened along by the external inflamed veins, irritation and resultant tissue damage. As the vein becomes more inflamed it becomes a hard, darkened lump.

Only by inserting a camera into the rectum itself during a procedure known as sigmoidoscopy can hidden internal hemorrhoids be detected. A patient experiencing internal hemorrhoids might not feel pain as the rectal tissue does not contain nerve endings. These hemorrhoids might never make themselves known to the patient.

Only when rectal bleeding occurs are most of these internal hemorrhoids discovered. The internal hemorrhoids might burst then bleed as feces travels through the rectum and causes irritation. A scarlet colored stain on the toilet paper or a bright red and slick layer over the feces is usually how the bleeding is revealed. If you notice bleeding such as this, you must immediately see your doctor.

A hemorrhoid prolapse might be the consequence of internal hemorrhoids. In hemorrhoid prolapse, tissue with excessive veins might actually slip outside of the orifice. The four mild through problematic degrees in which prolapse may become apparent are: no existing prolapse; prolapse occurring during excretion when the tissue slips back inside, prolapse which happens during excretion and must be pushed back inside, and permanent prolapse when the tissue which has slipped out cannot be pushed back in.

There is a chance of a particularly unpleasant sounding condition of strangulated hemorrhoids developing because of internal hemorrhoids. When this happens the prolapsed hemorrhoid does not return inside but instead becomes trapped by the anal sphincter outside. Blood flow to the hemorrhoid is actually stopped by the tightly clenched sphincter.

Hemorrhoid formation can be provoked by activity-related stress on the inferior and superior rectal arteries. Stools which are too hard because of lack of enough fiber in the diet may cause hemorrhoids as they damage the rectal walls. Stress is also placed on the arteries by standing or sitting for long periods of time. Hypertension, pregnancy, poor musculature, obesity, and diarrhea can also be causes of hemorrhoids. There are lots of different ways of getting rid of hemorrhoids, from natural hemorrhoid treatment to more invasive surgical procedures.