Hemorrhoids are small blood vessels located at the canal of the anus that aids in the control of stool excretion. They become the cause of a disease when they become inflamed and swollen. Normally, these blood vessels cushion the passage of fecaloid matter. They are composed of channels of veins and arteries as well as connective tissues. This medical condition is of two types:
•Internal Hemorrhoids
This type occurs inside the rectum and is usually the result of severe straining to pass the stool. This type could not be felt as it develops inside the canal of the anus. Simply put, this is the result of the blood clotting inside the varicose veins in the inner rectum. This happens when the veins lining the rectum walls become engorged with much blood and they bulge out. When this type bleeds, medical examination must be made right away to avoid complications. An enlargement of this type of condition that results in the lumps coming of the anus is called the prolapsed internal type and is sometime mistaken as the external type. Treatment of this type can include any of the following:
1.Laser coagulation
2.Injection sclerotherapy
3.Infrared photocoagulation
4.Hemorrhoidectomy
5.Rubber band ligation
The above procedures can be performed by a medical doctor during a routine office visit or a hospital confinement by a patient suffering from the condition.
•External Hemorrhoids
This second type as opposed to the first type occurs, as the name implies (external), outside the rectum. The increase in pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins causes the inflammation and swelling. Symptoms of this type can include pain, bleeding and itching in the anus; any or all of the symptoms can and maybe felt by a person with this type of condition. The symptom of this second type is caused by the cleaning and rubbing of the anus as well as excessive straining.
Development of this second type of condition is increased (also known as risk factors) in instances of:
*obesity
*pregnancy
*cirrhosis
*aging
*sitting for long periods
*Poor bowel habits such as straining to move stool
*diarrhea or chronic constipation
*diet high in fat and low in fiber
*anal intercourse
The enumerated instances put severe strain and extra pressure in the veins in the rectum. Treatment of this second type can include any of the following:
1.Changes in dietary intake
2.Surgery
3.Modification of bowel habits
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