subject: Signs And Symptoms Of Thrombosed, Internal, And External Hemorrhoids [print this page] Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are masses or cushions of tissue and blood vessels within the colorectal and anal region of the body. They are always present in the body, even under normal, healthy conditions. Hemorrhoids are only considered a health issue or pathology when they become irritated, inflamed, and swollen to an extent which is severe enough to cause discomfort or dysfunction. Understanding how hemorrhoids are formed, and their signs and symptoms will help you to detect their presence early enough to avoid needing costly surgical procedures.
To understand hemorrhoids, their causes and symptoms better, let us examine the different types of hemorrhoids.
Internal Hemorrhoids.
Internal Hemorrhoids occur in the upper rectal region, above the dentate line. This region is primarily enervated with visceral nerves, the same type of nervous tissue found throughout the colon. This type of nerve tissue is capable of sensing pressure, but not pain, thus explaining why many internal hemorrhoids are often painless.
If the hemorrhoidal cushion continues to swell, it may be vulnerable to strain as stool travels through the rectal passage. As the stool passes, it is thought to pull on the enlarged hemorrhoidal cushion, causing bleeding and pain. This issue is exacerbated in individuals whose chronic constipation creates hardened stools. The abraded rectal tissue may begin to secrete mucus, causing moisture to gather in the anus. As this tissue is exposed to bacteria in the stool, itching, referred to as pruritis, may also develop.
The tissue which is pulled down may enlarge to such extent that it begins to protrude from the opening of the anus. This is called a prolapse, and can usually be pushed back in with a finger. Doctors will stage your hemorrhoids based on the severity of the prolapse. This is determined by how easily the protruding hemorrhoid can be pushed back into the rectal passage. The most severe form, classified as a fourth degree hemorrhoid, or incarceration of the hemorrhoid, occurs when a prolapsed hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus and cannot be pushed back in. When this happens, pressure from the anal sphincter can exert sufficient force to cut off the blood supply and cause gangrene. Hemorrhoids which have progressed to this point require medical attention.
At a glance, symptoms of an internal hemorrhoid may include:
* Bright red bleeding, usually detected right after passing a bowel movement.
* Pruritis or itching in the rectum and anal area
* Discomfort or pain when cleaning the anal area
* Visible or palpable protrusions from the anus
* Sensation of fullness, or incomplete bowel movements, even after successful passage of stool.
External Hemorrhoids
The external anal area is enervated with somatic nerves, the same kind of nerve tissue we find just below the skin. These nerves are fully capable of sensing pain, so while external hemorrhoids do not impair bowel function as much, they can be more uncomfortable. Usually, an external hemorrhoid will be detected when you wipe and feel a bump on the outside of the anus. If this bump feels tender due to stagnated or clotted blood within, it is considered "thrombosed."
Many symptoms of hemorrhoids are similar to symptoms of other serious conditions, making it important to see a physician anytime you have bleeding or obstructive, painful masses in the rectal area. With early detection, hemorrhoids are easily treatable.
