Internal Hemorrhoids Symptom
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/07/2006 at 12:36PM
If you think you have hemorrhoids, you are not alone. Roughly a third of the American population will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. And fifty percent of all adults seek medical treatment for hemorrhoids that are particularly bothersome. If you decide to see your doctor for your internal hemorrhoid symptom, be sure that you ask the following questions. The answers to these questions will help you decide how to care for your hemorrhoids and if you will need a medical procedure to treat them.
What is a Internal Hemorrhoids?
Internal Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that develop inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus. They are extremely painful during sitting and could cause bleeding. Ask you doctor to explain this to you so that you can better understand your particular case of hemorrhoids. The most common Internal Hemorrhoid Symptom is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.
What causes Internal Hemorrhoids?
As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus (sometimes called "anal cushions,) fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Excess pressure in this area causes these veins to stretch and swell. Internal Hemorrhoids symptoms develop when the tissue surrounding the anus is no longer able to support these swollen veins. They begin to bulge, forming tiny sacs inside the rectum. Discuss the Internal hemorrhoids Symptom with your doctor so that you can determine what caused your case and how to prevent them in the future.
Which Rectal Tests Will I Need?
Your health care provider will likely perform a digital rectal exam to evaluate your Internal hemorrhoids symptom. He or she may also need to do an anoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscopy to rule out other conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms.
What Type of Hemorrhoids Do I Have?
Internal Hemorrhoids develop inside the anal canal. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form inside the anus. They are usually not painful, but they may bleed. An internal hemorrhoid symptom usually causes bright red blood in the stool or on the toilet tissue. Internal hemorrhoids may become a prolapsed if it protrudes through the rectum and hangs outside of the anus.
How Severe Are My Internal Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are categorized into four degree classifications depending upon the severity of the case. First degree internal hemorrhoids are the least severe classification. They may bleed, but there is no rectal prolapse outside of the anal canal. Second degree hemorrhoids do prolapse outside of the anal canal, usually during a bowel movement. However, they will also recede spontaneously. Internal Hemorrhoids symptoms are classified as third degree if they require manual placement back into the anal canal after prolapsing. And fourth degree hemorrhoids involve an irreducible rectal prolapse. In other words, the hemorrhoid cannot be replaced manually and it is usually strangulated or thrombosed. When these hemorrhoids occur, the area where the rectal mucous membrane meets the anal skin is positioned almost outside the anal canal, and the rectal mucous membrane permanently occupies the muscular anal canal. In these severe instances, a Hemorrhoidectomy may be required.
How Should I Treat Internal Hemorrhoids?
Under normal circumstances, internal hemorrhoid symptoms can be treated at home with herbal or conventional remedies. It's important to avoid constipation and diarrhea, as these conditions will only aggravate internal hemorrhoid symptoms. Increasing water and fiber consumption in the diet will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation to the sensitive tissue. And try taking a warm sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes, two to three times a day to reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Herbal remedies for the prevention and treatment of internal hemorrhoid symptoms include witch hazel, Hematrex, lady's mantle, aloe vera, and comfrey root. Conventional medicine usually calls for the use of topical ointments to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Internal Hemorrhoids Symptom
