subject: Internal Hemorrhoids - Symptoms, Home Remedies, And Medical Treatments [print this page] Hemorrhoids can be either external or internal. If the hemorrhoid is near the opening of the anus, it is called external hemorrhoid. On the other hand, if the hemorrhoid is inside the anal canal, it is called internal.
Both can occur at the same time as their causes are similar although the symptoms and treatments differ. We will discuss internal hemorrhoids.
The location of internal hemorrhoids, inside the anal canal, makes their palpation difficult, unless they are swollen. They can become swollen because of increased pressure within them. If the swelling is severe they may prolapse and protrude outside the anus.
Typical symptoms of them is blood in the stools, pain, and itching. Those hemorrhoids that become thrombosed can be very painful.
As mentioned above, internal hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure. This causes straining and enlarging of the veins. That is why the blood is pooled within them.
The most common symptom is painless bleeding with a bowel movement. Rectal bleeding is never normal and while usually caused by hemorrhoids, it can be the symptom of more serious diseases. If you have rectal bleeding consult a physician.
Internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and be felt as a mass outside the anus. This may cause constant itching and pain and may become thrombosed. When this happens medical care is usually required.
A doctor makes a diagnosis about your condition. He or she can use, for example, a flexible instrument called sigmoidoscope. This instrument can be used to visualize the anus which helps making the right diagnosis.
Laboratory testing may be used to rule out anemia if significant blood loss is suspected. A coagulation profile may be ordered if a clotting deficiency is suspected to be the cause of the bleeding.
Usually, natural home remedies are recommended as internal hemorrhoids treatment options. These include drinking plenty of water, diet with high amount of fiber, sitz baths and stool softeners.
Other internal hemorrhoids treatment options include over the counter creams, ointments and suppositories. These will produce a decrease in swelling relieving symptoms. They may also contain anesthetics and cortisone to decrease swelling.
However, these treatments do not cure the hemorrhoids permanently. That is why fiber diets and stool softeners are used in combination. Protruded hemorrhoids will need reduction by a gentle push into the anus.
Surgery may be required to remove a clot from a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Also, surgery may be a consideration in patients with recurrent symptoms.
Surgical techniques used include rubber band ligation, sclerosing of the veins using chemical agents, ligation of the veins, laser treatment, hemorrhoidectomy for removal of the veins and the use of surgical staples.
The risks of developing internal hemorrhoids can be minimized using fiber diets, plenty of liquids for hydration and regular bowel habits.
