subject: What Are Internal Hemorrhoids? [print this page] A Hemorrhoid is one of the most common ailments, which affects the human population, all across the world. It is characterized by various symptoms, such as protrusion in the anal opening in the form of lumps, bleeding, as well as moderate to severe pain. These lumps are nothing but enlarged veins and are caused primarily due to strain while passing of stools. As it is, hemorrhoids can be broadly categorized under two basic categories, i.e. internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. In case of external hemorrhoids, the lumps are formed, outside the anal opening, whereas in case of internal hemorrhoids, the lump formation takes place inside the anus near the opening. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless. This is because, the visceral nerves are not able to sense pain and they only sense the pressure.
Internal hemorrhoids are also characterized by discomfort as well as bleeding. The bleeding takes place while defecating, when the stools rub against the lumps. If left untreated, these lumps may get too large and may protrude outside the anus causing a lot of pain. One of the most common features of internal hemorrhoids is that of painless bleeding, which is accompanied with protrusion at the time of bowel movements. This may also be accompanied by severe itching and irritation, due to seepage of mucus. Apart from that, a person may also feel a need to go for passing the stool, right after the bowel movement. This is primarily due to the protrusion of hemorrhoids, at the anal opening. Larger protrusion results in more of discomfort.
Internal hemorrhoids are initially not very painful, but as they get larger, they get more painful and cause more discomfort, as they tend to protrude out of the anal opening. Such a condition requires immediate medical attention and therefore, you should not take it lightly.
There are several treatment options, which are available for internal hemorrhoids. In most of the cases, non surgical treatment is suggested to the patient. In case, the condition gets worsened, then in that case, surgery remains the only viable option. Non surgical options include oral medication, which are available in the form of pills as well as syrups; as well as topical medicine, which are available in the form of creams and ointments and are required to be applied topically over the affected region. Apart from these, several natural therapies can also be incorporated in them. These include administering specific herbs, as well as natural ingredients to the patient, apart from several activities, such as warm water baths and regular exercise.
Surgical options on the other hand include Rubber band ligation, Infrared coagulation, Hemorrhoidectomy and Sclerotherapy. However, the post operation post operation pain can be quite severe. Hence non surgical options are considered better.
