subject: An Explanation Of Ways In Which Hemorrhoids Develop [print this page] On occasion, the veins located in the rectal area and around the anus become altered. The veins become aggravated and swollen, and they become what are known as piles or hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may form either internally or externally.
The ones that are external appear on the tissue surrounding the outer area of the anus and rectum. They usually itch and can be painful. If a blood clot were to form inside the swollen blood vessel of an external hemorrhoid, the risk of thrombosis is increased. The external inflamed veins are prone to irritation and consequently tissue damage, and could eventually burst, resulting in thrombosis. As the vein becomes more inflamed it becomes a hard, darkened lump.
Internal hemorrhoids are completely hidden inside the rectum and can only be seen through sigmoidoscopy, a procedure in which a camera is inserted into the rectum. A patient experiencing internal hemorrhoids might not feel pain as the rectal tissue does not contain nerve endings. Consequently, the patient may not even be aware of the hemorrhoids' existence.
Only when rectal bleeding occurs are most of these internal hemorrhoids discovered. As feces passes through the rectum, it irritates the internal hemorrhoids, causing them to burst and bleed. The blood is usually seen as a bright red, slick layer covering the feces, or a scarlet stain on toilet paper. If you notice bleeding such as this, you must immediately see your doctor.
A possible consequence of internal hemorrhoids is hemorrhoid prolapse. When this occurs, the swollen vein that is supposed to stay within the rectum, comes outside of it. Four degrees of prolapsed are recognized: no prolapse whatsoever, prolapse upon excretion but the tissue slips back inside, prolapse upon excretion but the tissue must be pushed back inside, and permanent prolapse, in which the tissue cannot be forced back inside.
There is a chance of a particularly unpleasant sounding condition of strangulated hemorrhoids developing because of internal hemorrhoids. When the prolapse occurs and the vein does not go back into the rectum, it can get stuck in the anus by the sphincter. As the sphincter is tightly clenched, blood flow ceases to the hemorrhoid.
Any activity or lifestyle that places stress on the inferior and superior rectal arteries may lead to hemorrhoid formation. Stools which are too hard because of lack of enough fiber in the diet may cause hemorrhoids as they damage the rectal walls. People who sit or stand for hours on end are also putting pressure on these arteries. Some other conditions that can lead to hemorrhoids include high blood pressure, pregnancy, week muscles, being severely overweight, and having loose stools.
