What is the rectum?
The last few inches of the large intestine are the rectum, which is followed by the anal canal and then the anus. A lot of people experience health problems in this area but are hesitant about talking to a hemorrhoid doctor. However, don’t let embarrassment keep you from getting an evaluation by a doctor, because when it comes to your colon health, it’s always recommended that you consult a doctor if you’re experiencing any persistent symptoms.
What are hemorrhoids?
When veins in the anal canal become so swollen that they then start exhibiting symptoms, this is called hemorrhoids. However, a lot of people have swollen anal veins, but they’re not actually considered hemorrhoids until they become symptomatic.
Exactly how common are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a whole lot more common than you may think, by 50 years old about half the US population has hemorrhoids. 15 million people seek medical treatment for their hemorrhoids, but the vast majority of hemorrhoid suffers never get formal medical treatment.
What are the different classification of hemorrhoids?
External Hemorrhoids: These are hemorrhoids that form in the veins around the anus
- Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid: An external hemorrhoid that forms a blood clot in it. This type of hemroid can be very painful.
Internal Hemorrhoids: These are hemorrhoids that form within the anal canal and the rectum.
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoid: Internal hemorrhoids can swell so much that they fall out of the anus, this is prolapse.
- Strangulated Hemorrhoid: In some instances, a prolapsed hemorrhoid can get stuck outside the anal canal when the sphincter muscles contract, this is strangulation
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Minor discomfort to pain
- Anal bleeding while using the bathroom
- Itching
- A swelling near the anal opening (in the case of external hemorrhoids)
Except for the anal bleeding, most of these symptoms are associated with external hemorrhoids. This is due to the fact that there are no pain receptors in the upper 2/3rds of the anal canal. However, if the internal hemorrhoids become prolapsed or strangulated they may then become increasingly symptomatic.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by frequent increases in pressure in the anal veins.
Potential risk factors include:
- Straining while using the bathroom (chronic constipation)
- Chronic diarrhea
- High blood pressure
- Weight lifting
- Anal sex
- Anal surgery
- Liver cirrhosis
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Obesity